Amelia lowered her hands and looked up at Ethan in astonishment.
"So, you mean...?"
"That's right. Charles took advantage of the opportunity when Andrew and Bella entered the room. He knew it was too late, so he used it as an opportunity to target Steele Group," Ethan explained.
Amelia felt shocked. What kind of person would trade their own daughter's reputation for personal gain? Thinking about how Charles had doted on her in the past sent chills down her spine and made her shudder.
"Alright, this was an accident, so don't blame yourself. There will be more opportunities in the future, and even if Steele Group and Harper Group joins forces, Grand Group won't pay them any attention," Ethan assured her with a resolute and cold tone, his voice flowing like water with an undeniable dominance.
Amelia couldn't help but feel that she not only failed to achieve her goals this time but also made things worse. If Grand Group suffered any losses, she believed it would be her responsibility.
"Please give me a chance. I hope to make amends for the losses," Amelia stood up, looking at Ethan with seriousness and determination in her eyes.
Ethan was taken aback by her sudden request, his handsome face showing confusion while his deep eyes revealed surprise. The rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the exquisite mahogany desk ceased.
"What did you say?" He questioned, doubting if he had misheard or if Amelia misspoke.
"I'm asking you to give me a chance. With my own efforts, I want to recover the losses," Amelia repeated, her tone and expression as firm as before, although a hint of guilt was now mixed in.
Ethan looked at her, studying her intently. Reflecting on the girl who used to exhibit coquettish behaviors at home, a slight smile appeared on his perfectly chiseled face. She had indeed grown.
"Alright, I'll give you this chance. Ms. Sophia, make the most of it and do your best—don't worry about the outcome," Ethan declared.
"Thank you, Mr. Frost."
Leaving the office, Amelia let out a sigh of relief. As she walked back to her own office, she contemplated how to complete the upcoming contract without compromising quality and within the given time frame.
"Is it because I've grown up? Taking responsibility and showing improvement," Ethan mused to himself, observing the liquidated damages in front of him with a solemn expression. If the contract failed, he would have to pay several times more than these penalties.
However, it wasn't the money that concerned him the most. It was the difficulty Amelia would encounter in approaching Harper Group, which might not be as easy anymore.
Returning to her office, Amelia exhaled deeply. "Please bring me a cup of coffee to Ms. Sophia's office, thank you."
Having spoken the words, she was determined to work hard and achieve her goals. In her heart, she encouraged herself and resolved to throw herself into her work, recovering the losses and gaining Ethan's respect.
Amelia gathered a stack of materials for potential collaborations and began reviewing them one by one, the hot coffee steaming beside her.
Unbeknownst to her, a hidden surveillance camera captured everything, transmitting the scene to Ethan's office. He couldn't help but smile, finding the girl's determination quite interesting.
"Should be enough, just these few companies. Which one should I choose? I'm afraid I'll have to personally investigate to find out," Amelia smiled lightly, feeling for the first time that she was someone capable of working.
Glancing at the time, there was still over an hour until the end of work. There should be enough time.
Grabbing her bag and some documents, she quickly rushed out of the office. She hopped into the Porsche that Ethan had given her and drove towards the target company.
Although she didn't know what the outcome would be, she believed that hard work would yield results. Even if there were no immediate gains, she would gain experience. Thinking about this, she felt both glad and excited.
Stellar Group.
The car parked downstairs, and Amelia looked up at the prominent name on the building—Stellar Group. It was clear and eye-catching.
After composing herself, holding onto the documents, Amelia confidently walked inside.
"Hello, who are you looking for?" The receptionist greeted her politely.
"I'm looking for the person in charge of your foreign projects, Mr. Daniel Astor."
She had already done her research before coming, so her answer came naturally, her expression calm. Though she felt a bit nervous inside, she reminded herself of her commitment and decided to move forward.
"May I know who you are?"
"I am Sophia, the Director of Grand Group."
Upon hearing this response, the receptionist paused for a moment, carefully examining Amelia from head to toe, then nodded.
Grand Group's Ms. Sophia? She was from Grand Group?
Stellar Group was only a medium-sized company, so why would someone from Grand Group come here? Not wanting to delay any longer, the receptionist quickly called the person in charge of foreign projects.
"Ms. Sophia, Mr. Astor has allowed you to enter. His office is on the third floor, all the way to the east."
"Thank you."
Amelia went up to the third floor and knocked on the door before entering Daniel's office.
"Hello, Mr. Astor, I'm Amelia from Grand Group. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ms. Sophia, it's an honor for me to meet someone from Grand Group. Please have a seat," Daniel welcomed her politely.
Sophia sat down gracefully, smiling. Although she came alone, the thought of having the support of Grand Group in the background made her feel confident, regardless of whom she was facing.
Ethan and Grand Group were like protectors. Whenever their name was mentioned, businesses treated them with respect and dared not disrespect them. She felt as though she had gained their protection as well.
"I wonder why Ms. Sophia came to see me today?"
"I wonder, Mr. Astor, if you would be interested in taking on a contract. Working with Grand Group will undoubtedly bring you significant profits," Amelia proposed.
Daniel appeared surprised. How could Stellar Group have the opportunity to collaborate with Grand Group? Many large corporations didn't even have that chance, so this unexpected surprise caught him off guard.
Furrowing his brows slightly, Daniel looked at Amelia, hesitated for a moment, then checked his watch.
"Well, Ms. Sophia, it's almost time to end the workday. Let me review this month's project progress before contacting you. What do you think?"
"Alright, I'm pressed for time as well. It would be best if you could give me an accurate answer tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Astor. Here's my business card."
Amelia smiled, leaving her business card on Daniel's desk, nodding slightly as she left.
...
After leaving the Stellar Group, Amelia checked the time. It was almost the end of the workday, so she hurried back to the company.
Ethan finished reading the documents in his hands and glanced at the surveillance footage. Her office was empty, and Amelia was nowhere to be seen.
"What is she up to?" he murmured, checking the time. With only ten minutes left until the end of the day, Ethan tidied up his work and headed towards Amelia's office.
Amelia returned to Grand Group, panting and out of breath. She rushed back to her office, gasping for air. Ethan sat there, looking at the remaining documents she had organized, along with some of the records.
"Why are you here?"
Between breaths, she managed to ask, standing straight and adjusting her clothes and hair.