After saying this with a meaningful tone, Runa gave Luana a disdainful glance.
"Not just anyone can attend Moriarty Group's bidding meetings, but Mr. Coburn brought you along. That means he thinks highly of you."
She deliberately dragged out the last three words, as if implying, "Not for your work skills, but for something else."
Luana caught the sarcasm in her words but felt it was pointless to engage. She pursed her lips and remained silent.
Seeing that Luana wasn't responding, Runa's expression cooled for a moment before she put on a gentle, gracious smile again.
"You've done well. I'll make sure to give you a raise."
"No need for a raise. Just approve my resignation," Luana replied bluntly, her tone firm, which left Runa slightly embarrassed.
[$]
Runa's face turned cold, and she lifted her chin, looking down at Luana.
"Luana, climbing into Mr. Coburn's favor is a good thing, but it's not something to be proud of."
With that, Runa turned on her heel and walked away, her high heels clicking confidently.
Her figure exuded elegance and grace, but it was all a facade.
Luana quietly averted her gaze and quickly made her way down a side corridor.
The bidding meeting was attended by the most powerful real estate tycoons in the country, all vying for the development rights of Western City.
The most notable attendees were the Winward International, Coburn Group, and a few other companies on par with them.
Originally, the Elan family had also wanted to participate, but due to a recent scandal, Moriarty Group had taken the opportunity to exclude them from the bidding.
Cline wasn't supposed to attend this meeting, but after everyone had taken their seats, he made an appearance.
He was dressed in his usual custom-tailored black suit and white shirt, his hair meticulously styled, and his face as cold and expressionless as ever.
[$]
His mere presence was enough to overshadow everyone else in the room.
With an air of arrogance, Cline strode into the room, flanked by twenty bodyguards. His icy gaze swept over the crowd as if they were beneath his notice.
[$]
As soon as he entered, everyone stood up to welcome him, including the CEOs of various companies.
[$]
Runa was the first to step forward, linking her arm with Cline's and smiling sweetly.
"Cline, I thought you weren't coming."
She had invited him earlier that morning, but he had declined, citing the need to avoid favoritism.
His unexpected arrival thrilled her. With Cline here, the review committee would surely give her some face.
But just as Runa was basking in her excitement, Cline glanced coldly at her hand on his arm.
"Let go."
Runa froze, her smile stiffening.
She looked into Cline's icy eyes and immediately released his arm, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Thankfully, the room was large, and no one had heard him, or she would have been utterly humiliated.
After awkwardly letting go, Cline walked straight to the main seat.
Coburn Group's position happened to be right behind it.
The closer he got, the more nervous Luana became.
She kept her head down, not daring to look at him.
Fortunately, Cline didn't seem to notice her. He simply took his seat at the front, his back to her.
From where she sat, she could see the back of his head, his thick black hair stirring something deep within her.
[$]
As she was lost in thought, Calvert tapped her shoulder, startling her so much she almost screamed.
She quickly covered her mouth to stifle the sound.
In a hushed voice, she asked, "Mr. Coburn, what is it?"
Calvert pointed to his watch. "Miss Hammond, I need a cup of coffee before my presentation. Could you make one for me?"
Originally, Dale was supposed to present the bid, but with Cline's arrival, Calvert had to take over.
Cline was known for his exacting standards, and even a single misstep during the presentation could cost them the bid.
Calvert couldn't afford such a mistake, so he took on the responsibility at the last minute.
Dale was relieved, but Calvert now had less than an hour to organize his thoughts.
To stay focused, he needed a strong cup of coffee, and that task fell to Luana.
Luana nodded and whispered, "Will there be enough time?"
Calvert blinked. "Coburn Group is tenth to present. There's time."
Knowing the schedule, Luana didn't ask further. She crouched low and made her way to the back exit of the venue.
She wasn't familiar with the Moriarty Group's campus. Once outside, she found herself surrounded by high-tech equipment but no people.
She searched the building up and down but couldn't find a break room to make coffee.
She decided to leave the building, but every entrance seemed to require a keycard.
Without one, she had no choice but to return to the venue and ask someone from Moriarty Group for help.
Just as she was about to turn back, she saw Gehrmann walking in from outside.
Luana watched as he scanned his face at the door, and it opened.
For a moment, she considered slipping out through the gap, but she quickly regained her composure.
Gehrmann noticed her loitering by the door and gave her a once-over before deciding to ignore her and walk away.
"Mr. Moriarty, wait..." Luana called out.