Seven years ago, Nicole had also been drugged, and as a result she gave up her virginity to a stranger.
Even though she would always try to talk herself out of how what happened wasn't a big deal, deep
down she couldn't truly let it go. Yet, she never expected Bonnie to have gone through the same.
A trace of doubt crossed Kerr's face as he listened to Nicole's accusation.
"I have nothing to do with Ken's business."
He didn't want to take the fall for Ken. Nicole had been keeping him at arm's length. She had finally let
her guard down a bit, but she was cold to him again because of Ken's mistake.
After hearing Kerr's words, Nicole closed her eyes and took a few moments to process everything.
Once she opened her eyelids again, there was no sign of anger in her face. Quite the contrary, she was
uncharacteristically calm.
"I apologize for what happened this morning. And I appreciate you for taking care of me last night and
bringing me to the hospital. But now I'm all right. I can go back to work."
Nicole picked up her coat and walked out of the ward.
She couldn't let her emotions show in front of Kerr. She had almost revealed him too much, and she
couldn't risk him finding anything out.
Kerr decided not to argue or force her to stay in the hospital. Instead, he drove her back to the Gu
Group, not for a second forgetting about what he suspected.
In the next few days, Nicole kept avoiding Kerr, and as he didn't chase her anymore, she began to think
he had given up.
With Kerr's personality and status, she didn't expect him to renounce the world for a woman. Especially
for one who had been rejecting him.
The thought of it brought her a sense of relief, but she couldn't help feeling disappointed as well.
"Director Ning, the Chu Group's CEO, Jeremy Chu, is already waiting in the conference room. Mr. Gu
requested you would receive him."
As soon as Lily delivered the message, she noticed Nicole wasn't her usual self. Although she was
sitting right there in the office, her eyes were unfocused and her thoughts were certainly elsewhere,
which left Lily to wonder.
Since Nicole was sent to the hospital the other day, the Gu Group had a new order from above. At this
time, no one was allowed to discuss the relationship between Nicole and Kerr anywhere in the
company.
From everyone's eyes, this was Kerr's way to protect Nicole.
"Okay, I know."
Clearing her head, Nicole grabbed the documents she had prepared for the meeting and headed to the
conference room.
When she approached the room, she spotted Kerr walking towards the same way, followed by Jared
and Sunny. Nicole was sent into a trance as she felt she hadn't seen Kerr in a long time.
She noticed that nothing had changed on him. His spirit and vigor remained the same as always.
Sunny glanced from Nicole to Kerr, and holding a mischievous look in her eyes, she purposely
stumbled onto him.
"Oh, my God!"
Kerr just reacted to Sunny's panicked voice, instinctively reaching out to her and holding her arm
before she could fall.
Nicole rolled her eyes and pushed the door to the conference room open.
Realizing her little show didn't have the desired effect on her rival, Sunny quickly stood straight, not
keen on bothering Kerr for too long.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Gu. I was careless."
Sunny knew Kerr hated women who clung to him, so there was no use on being too eager. The most
important thing now was to get rid of Nicole.
Kerr didn't bother to respond. He just looked sullen over the fact that Nicole didn't seem to care about
any of it.
In the conference room, Jeremy was already waiting when Nicole stepped in. She greeted him with a
polish smile.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. Chu. I have all the collaboration details ready for you. You can
look through them first, and maybe Mr. Gu will come later.
If you don't see anything you want to change, we can sign the contract today."
Jeremy took a moment to look at Nicole in her business suit. Although she still seemed very young,
there was nothing inappropriate in her speech.
Last time when he saw how much attention Kerr would give to Nicole, he deemed Kerr's fondness of
her was the reason she earned the position of director at such a young age.
However, how she was about to respond to him completely dissuaded Jeremy from this idea.
"I don't understand the meaning of this collaboration plan. When I discussed with Mr. Gu, he said that
the Gu Group would provide technical support for the Chu Group, and we would take charge of the
whole process. Why is this plan you've given me suggesting a co-development now?"
Nicole didn't show any alarm, as if she had already foreseen his question.
"Mr. Chu, you've just come back from abroad, eager to operate your business here. The Gu Group is
already deep-rooted in this city, and I believe this is the main reason you've chosen to work with us.
However, this is not that beneficial to the Gu Group.
We can provide a way for the Chu Group to make a higher profit in this city, so shouldn't you, Mr. Chu,
consider our company's benefits as well?"
She paused and added, "A lot has been invested in this project. If the Chu Group was responsible for it
alone, I'm afraid you would have greater pressure on you, sir. The Gu Group intends to help, and I
believe you also want a long-term collaboration with us, right?"
Nicole knew that Jeremy was a competent businessman who would recognize the pros and cons of
every negotiation. So, as long as he wanted to seek a long-term business in the city, he would be wise
enough to seize the opportunity and collaborate with the Gu Group.
On the other hand, if Jeremy chose to decline the Gu Group's offer, that would be a great loss for him.
He was perfectly aware of this, even more than she was.
As Jeremy acknowledged that Nicole Ning was determined enough to get what she wanted, his eyes
glinted with surprise. He looked at her with admiration even though she blocked every way out he had
in mind.
He was faced with a hard choice, but he also knew there was only one he could make at this point.
"I have to say, Mr. Gu is really good at choosing his people. You're a powerful addition to this company,
Miss Ning. Of course I hope to become a long-term partner to the Gu Group, and I also look forward to
hearing more from you soon."
Nicole briefly smiled, content with Jeremy's recognition.
"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Chu. With the plan I've shown you, the collaboration between the
Chu Group and the Gu Group will be mutually beneficial. It's our honor to work with you."
Nicole's words fell to the sound of the door suddenly being pushed open from the outside. She looked
towards the entrance and watched Kerr walking in, holding nothing but a cool look on his face.
"Mr. Gu, long time no see."
Jeremy promptly stood up to greet Kerr. Now that the Chu Group was about to close the deal with the
Gu Group, he needed to show respect to Kerr, even if this meant looking past any rude behavior
previously exhibited.
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