Chapter 273

As the boss, Mia made a quick call and reserved the penthouse suite.

She sat in the suite, waiting for Christina.

It wasn't long before Christina arrived. She pushed open the door and, upon seeing Mia, almost didn't recognize her.

Mia had changed so much.

When they first met, Mia was vibrant and full of energy. Even when she faced betrayal in her relationship, she never wallowed in self-pity.

But now, despite still wearing designer clothes, Mia looked drained and lifeless.

"Christina, it's just the two of us here. No need for formalities. Sit wherever you like and order whatever you want."

Christina pulled out a chair and sat down, ordering a few dishes.

Once the food was served, they exchanged a few pleasantries before Christina asked, "Have you been dealing with something stressful lately?"

"Yes, I" Mia's eyes reddened as she spoke.

"My dad passed away last year, and my mom died five months ago. Now it's just me and my daughter."

Losing her closest loved ones in such a short time was a heavy blow.

Christina didn't know what to say, so she just stayed with Mia, letting her vent her emotions.

After a while, Mia wiped her tears and sniffled. "You know my family situation. I was their only child, spoiled and given the best of everything. Before my mom died, she held my hand and told me to run the company well and take care of my daughter."

"I've been working at the company for the past two years. Managing it is tough, but not impossible. Yet, the senior executives who watched me grow up are now turning against me, trying to push me out."

The things they said disgusted Mia.

They told her that as a woman, she didn't need to work hard, just enjoy life. Sure, she had enough money to live comfortably, but she wasn't about to hand over her parents' legacy to a bunch of wolves.

No matter how tough it got, she was determined to keep the company. "So, I signed a bet-on agreement with them. If I can generate enough profit for the company in six months, they'll acknowledge me. If not, I have to leave and sell my shares to them."

By this point, Christina understood why Mia had called her. "You want me to help you secure a deal?"

Mia nodded.

They had known each other for a long time and had worked together many times. Mia trusted Christina's capabilities.

"Most importantly, you won't betray me or be an inside man for them." Mia handed Christina a document. "If you can help me secure this deal, I'll win. Christina, will you help me?"

Not wanting to pressure Christina, Mia added, "If you don't want to, that's fine. I won't force you. Even if you agree and the deal doesn't go through, it just means I wasn't capable enough."

Mia wasn't one to make unreasonable demands.

She had done everything she could for this bet-on agreement. Now, she could only hope for the best.

Christina didn't answer immediately.

She carefully reviewed the project, not missing a single detail. After finishing, she looked up. "Mia, I can help you, but I'm only seventy percent sure I can secure this deal."

"Seventy percent is already very high. You don't need to feel any pressure, really." Mia smiled at her. "I'm very grateful you're helping me in my time of need."

"We're friends. Plus, if I help you land this deal, I'll make some money too. It's a win-win," Christina said, not hiding her own situation from Mia.

"I'm trying to get a divorce, but my husband's financial situation is way better than mine. Fighting for custody is tough."

Mia didn't know what to say.

She sighed. "We're both in tough spots, dealing with the wrong people. I can't help much, but money is no issue. After this bet-on agreement, we can work together again, and I won't take a penny. All the profits will go to you."

Within her means, Mia wanted to help Christina as much as she could.

Christina didn't refuse.

After their meal, she returned to her office, continued researching the project, and came up with several plans. Then she called the project company's chairman's secretary to schedule a meeting for the next morning.

Before the meeting, Christina was confident about securing the project.

She had only mentioned seventy percent to Mia because she didn't like making promises she couldn't keep.

But she didn't expect to see Parker next to Sunshine Corporation's executive, Atlas!

After her mother's case was resolved, Mira was sentenced to death, and Parker got five years in prison. She didn't expect him to be out so soon!

Seeing an enemy always stirs strong emotions. Christina knew Parker must have pulled some strings to get out early, but there was nothing she could do now. Parker hated her and wouldn't miss any chance to cause trouble.

For now, she had to take things one step at a time. Eventually, she'd find a way to put him back in prison.

Today, Atlas was the client, and Parker was his friend, which wasn't good for Christina.

"Ms. Windsor, I'm impressed you're so young and already in charge. Quite an achievement." Atlas didn't know about the history between Parker and Christina.

Since Christina was there to discuss a deal, he made some polite remarks. Whether the deal would go through was another matter, but he didn't like making enemies.

Christina greeted him politely and sat across from them.

She expected Parker to cause trouble, but he hadn't done anything yet, so she couldn't start a confrontation.

Just as Christina was about to present her proposal, Parker interrupted, "Atlas, I remember two other companies also showed interest in working with you. How about we meet them later?"

"Those companies are a bit small and don't quite meet my needs. I'd like to hear Ms. Windsor's ideas first." Atlas was surprised by Parker's lack of tact.

Comparing options is normal in business, but not in front of Christina. It was rude.

"Company size doesn't matter as much as integrity." Parker's comment was pointed.

Atlas sensed something was off but didn't dwell on it.

After discussing the project and finishing their drinks, Christina went to get more wine.

While she was gone, Parker told Atlas, "She's the daughter of a mistress. Aren't you worried about being betrayed by someone like her?"

Atlas hesitated.

Being the daughter of a mistress was indeed distasteful, but Christina's proposal was excellent.