No Wife, No Life Chapter 60

Harper shot him a frosty look and dove back into her work, pretending he wasn't even there.

Just then, the door burst open.

"Harper, you're tageting me!"

Emily stormed in, her face flushed with anger, practically seething.

"What are you talking about?"

Harper's voice was calm, her face unreadable.

Emily marched over, eyes blazing.

"The contract I signed with Luminary Innovations Inc., why did you block it? This isn't the first time! Are you scared I'll outshine you and take your spot?"

Harper almost laughed but kept her cool. "That contract has obvious pitfalls. If there's a dispute, the company could lose billions. Emily, did you even think about the consequences?"

"That's impossible. I'm close with the president of Luminary Innovations Inc. I trust them; they wouldn't screw me over."

Caden smirked, looking at Harper as he slowly said, "She's an idiot, isn't she?"

He had come to the Lavien Group because of that contract. The deal with Luminary Innovations Inc. involved both the Lavien Group and the Elikin Group, effectively tying the two companies together.

He had reviewed the contract and found issues, which is why he came to the Lavien Group. But before he could say anything, Emily had already barged in.

"Does your trust matter? If something goes wrong, can you cover the company's billions in losses with your trust?" Harper shot back. 

"I had someone review the contract too, and they said it was fine. I trust my professional judgment."

Emily continued to argue defiantly.

Harper's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"What professional judgment? You're just an art major. Do you know anything about corporate law, finance, or minimum investment returns? I seriously doubt your professional judgment."

Emily was stunned. She had barely passed middle school math; how could she understand any of this?

At that moment, Travis and Alex walked in together.

Emily looked at Alex, feeling wronged.

"Mr. Lavien, I believe I can handle this. If this investment succeeds, the company will earn billions in profit."

"Your belief is worthless and baseless."

Alex's face was stern as he spoke coldly.

"Harper's judgment is forward-thinking and helps the company avoid risks."

Emily was seething with anger, feeling a burning rage inside.

Why did they all think Harper was capable while she was deemed useless?

Even though she had become the chief secretary at the Lavien Group, she still wasn't recognized. She wanted to earn respect, like Harper, so that Alex would also respect her.

Secuing the cooperation with Luminary Innovations Inc. was an opportunity. If the deal done, Emily could prove herself and show she was just as capable.

"Mr. Lavien, I want to try. Harper had her chance, didn't she?"

Emily stood tall, speaking with determination.

"I said before, Harper signed the agreement with the condition that if the investment failed, she would cover all the company's losses and leave the Lavien Group forever. Can you do that?"

"I can. I'm willing to stake my career on it. If I fail, I'll resign."

Alex stared at her, his eyes icy.

"Fine. If this investment succeeds, you'll be promoted to procurement manager. If it fails, you resign."

Emily was thrilled.

The procurement department was the most powerful in the company, way more influential than Harper's department.

Harper was speechless.

She couldn't believe someone was so eager to get themselves kicked out of the company.

Travis then asked, "Mr. Lavien, who should we send to Luminary Innovations Inc. for an inspection? This involves billions of dollars."

"I can go."

Caden, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke up.

Since the contract involved both companies, he was the perfect candidate to go.

Caden turned to Harper, "Want to come with me? The place has nice views with ancient castles. It should be interesting."

Alex's eyes darkened, and he spoke coldly, "Harper can't go. The area is unstable, with frequent conflicts. It's not safe. Take more bodyguards with you."

Caden thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. He didn't want Harper to take any risks.

"I'll send you videos of the castles. Wait for me here."

Emily protested, "Why can't I go? I signed the contract."

Before Alex could respond, Caden walked over, smirking at her, "Because you're an idiot who would just mess things up."

As Caden walked away, Harper suddenly felt a pang and ran after him, calling out, "Caden, come back safe."

For a moment, Caden felt a warmth spread through him.

He turned to her, his voice soft, "Ms. Orsini, are you worried about me?"

Alex felt a mix of emotions, a wave of bitterness washing over him.

Was she really worried about Caden?

Did she actually like him?

Alex remembered how Harper used to treat him the same way.

Every time he traveled, Harper would send him messages.

[Alex, stay safe.]

[Alex, come back safe.]

[Alex, safety first. I'll be waiting for you to get home safely.]

But he had never responded to her.

He had always ignored her concern, never taking it to heart.

"Yes, I'm worried about you." Harper admitted frankly.

Caden's smile grew brighter, his eyes filled with happiness.

It was the first time he had heard such tender words from Harper.

He made an OK gesture, his eyes playful, "Words are not enough. How about a goodbye kiss?"

Alex's eyes grew darker, filled with coldness.

Seeing she didn't respond, Caden blew her a kiss from afar.

"Don't worry, I'll come back safe for you and bring you lots of local specialties."

He said with a smile, then walked away.

Harper watched him go before turning back.

She ran into Alex.

Alex looked straight ahead, not even glancing at her, and walked away coldly.

His pride wouldn't allow him to show any sign of caring.

Travis followed, giving Harper a meaningful look as he passed, "She'll have to resign."

Harper's expression was steady, "She won't. Mr. Lavien won't let her leave."

With Emily's qualifications, she never should have gotten into the Lavien Group. Now that she was in, she wouldn't leave easily.