“I hope my photo didn’t disappoint you.”
Charlotte knew Nancy must have done a detailed background check on her before meeting her.
“I’m sorry for being intrusive,” Nancy said with her head low, “I was really curious about you after meeting
you at Pillere. I could not get my mind off the woman in the veil, so I asked my men to run a check.
That’s how I found out about you.”
“There are only that few who know about my real identity,” Charlotte pointed out as she took a sip from
her cup. “You must be really influential to get information about me that easily.”
“Well…” Nancy looked uneasy. “They know I don’t mean harm. I hope you don’t blame them.”
Charlotte smiled and looked at her. “Why do you want to meet me?”
Nancy took up her cup and drank. “I just want to make a new friend.”
“You can be honest with me.” Charlotte looked at her watch.
“I’ll just cut to the chase since you’re in a hurry.”
Nancy put down her cup and gestured at her subordinate, who instantly came forward with a silver box.
It was a document.
“This is a document about F Nation’s Gymnasium Project. Someone invited me to join this project to
replace you,” Nancy said solemnly with a slight smile.
She took a look at Charlotte before she continued, “My family is looking into international ventures and
I’m interested in this project, but I’m not interested in fighting with you over something like this, so I would
like to know what you think about this.”
Charlotte evaded Nancy’s gaze and clenched her jaw. She knew Nancy was not just referring to the
project. She was referring to Zachary as well.
“Ms. Lindberg, I’ll gladly decline this offer if you’re still interested in this project, but if you’re opting out,
which is what they told me, then I’ll consider joining.”
Nancy poured Charlotte another cup of tea as she waited for her reply. “I will respect your decision, Ms.
Lindberg.”
Charlotte fixed her eyes on the cup without answering. She knew full well what Nancy meant.
Charlotte was able to read in between the lines and saw through Nancy. The project was not the real
reason why she wanted to talk to Charlotte.
This woman is indeed different from those I’ve met before. She’s clever and calm.
“What do you think, Ms. Lindberg?”
“I don’t think it matters to you whether I continue on with the project or not.” Charlotte finally took up the
cup. “What annoys me is that these people seem overenthusiastic in finding me a replacement.”
Nancy stared at her for a second. She could not decipher what Charlotte was getting at.
“You shouldn’t be talking to me, Ms. Gold. You should be talking to the people who made you this offer.
Besides, it’s all about competing on a level field when it comes to business. There’s no right or wrong.”
“Competing on a level field?” Nancy was surprised. “Is this what you really think?”
“Yes. I’m unapologetic about fighting for the things that I deem as important. I like competing head-on in
a fair and square manner instead of using underhanded ways, but if my opponents want to play dirty, I’ll
play by their rules.”
Charlotte went straight to the point. Although she sounded calm as a cucumber, her words sounded
deterrent.
“Understood, Ms. Lindberg.” Nancy smiled with a confident nod. “You really impress me. You have my
word. I like a fair competition too. No cheating and no hard feelings.”
“Great.” Charlotte’s brows arched in a pleasant surprise. “All the best, Ms. Gold.”
With that said, she put down her cup and motioned to leave. “Thanks for your treat. We should meet up
over some beer the next time. It’s on me.”
“I’m looking forward to that. Let me see you out.” Nancy stood up.
“Don’t bother. I’ll see you next time.” Charlotte turned and left.
Nancy sat back down in her window seat as she watched Charlotte leave. She felt things were going to
take an interesting and unexpected turn.
Behind her, her subordinate came up and reported, “Ms. Gold, that’s Mr. Nacht’s car.”
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