Chapter 223

After I told everyone about it, they were all thrilled and started getting ready for Kathy's arrival.

Kathy is such a likable person, it's no wonder everyone is excited to see her.

I used to be pretty reserved and didn't enjoy making friends. It was Kathy's bold and outgoing nature that broke through my social barriers, and that's how we became such good friends.

I'm always grateful for having her in my life. Sometimes I think, even though my life hasn't been perfect, I've been blessed with the best parents, the best friends, and the best kids in the world. That's more than enough for me.

Before long, Kathy arrived, driving up and eagerly hugging each of my family members.

"I missed you all so much! Did you miss me?"

I couldn't help but laugh, "You were here less than two months ago. Isn't that a bit dramatic?"

Kathy rolled her eyes at me, "Do you even know what 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' means? By that measure, it's been like two hundred years since I last saw you."

We all burst out laughing, and the atmosphere became very warm and friendly.

Kathy, ever the self-starter, grabbed her luggage and headed inside. "My room is still the same, right? You didn't change it, did you?"

I nodded helplessly, "Yes, it's still your room. No one dares to touch it. Make yourself at home."

Satisfied, Kathy nodded and pushed her suitcase into the room.

We all sat down in the living room to chat, and I asked her which client she was designing a dress for this time.

Kathy gave me a mysterious wink, "You'll never guess."

"For Alfonso and his trophy wife."

I widened my eyes, unsure which part to be shocked about first.

"Aren't you afraid of Isadora?"

"Don't worry, I asked Isadora before taking the job. She told me not to worry about her, just to focus on making money."

"Of course, I have no intention of letting those two off easy."

"I'm going to design the ugliest dress in the world for them."

"After all, his wife is just a small-town girl who doesn't know any better."

I couldn't help but laugh, "You always have a plan."

But then I realized another issue. Why would Alfonso and his wife come to Suncrest City?

They have no connections here, so why would they suddenly show up?

I asked Kathy, but she shook her head, "I don't know. They said there's some bidding project, and they're confident they'll win it. They're already planning a celebration party and wanted me to design their outfits."

"Bidding?"

I knew Alfonso's family business was also in the construction industry. In Skyview City, we were competitors, but the market was big enough that we never really clashed.

Brandon told me this after he took over. When I first started my company, Alfonso's business didn't even exist yet.

But how could there be a bidding project in Skyview City that I didn't know about?

I quickly called Asher, "Asher? What are you up to?"

"Caroline? I'm working. What's up?"

"Hey, just wanted to ask if you know about any construction projects up for bid in Suncrest City?"

"Alfonso and his family are already here. If they know about it, you should too."

"Bidding?"

Asher sounded surprised, "I haven't heard anything. Which company is it? Is it the one Mr. Sharp left you?"

"That's the only company in Suncrest City capable of attracting a company like Alfonso's."

His words made me realize something. I nodded, "Got it, Asher. I'll make some calls."

After hanging up with Asher, I called Carl in Suncrest City.

"Carl? I heard a rumor that there's a project up for bid in Suncrest City. Do you know which company it is?"

Carl was taken aback, "Caroline, your sources are impressive."

"It's our company."

"You handed over your shares to us, so we haven't had a chance to tell you. The project hasn't been officially announced yet."

"It's a national highway construction project. We were planning to open the bidding to the public soon. How did you find out? We've kept it very confidential."

I smirked, "Carl, you might want to check your senior staff. I suspect someone leaked the information."

"The bidding hasn't even started, and someone is already here, planning a celebration party. They seem very confident about winning."

"Unbelievable. Who?"

"How could they know in advance?"

I smiled and didn't hesitate to tell him, "Carl, keep an eye on Alfonso. He seems to have better sources than I do."

Carl nodded, "Got it. I'll start investigating right away."

If someone dared to leak such a high-level project, they probably weren't afraid of being caught. So, the chances of Carl finding the truth were slim. But it was still worth investigating to scare the culprit into behaving.

Meanwhile, I called Royce.

Even though I had previously turned him down, we had rekindled our friendship in Silverpeak City. He treated me like a friend.

Our relationship didn't involve romance, but it was a strong friendship.

Maintaining this status made me feel comfortable and happy.

I called Royce and asked, "Do you know about the company's bidding project?"

Royce was surprised, "I know, but we haven't had a chance to tell you. The project hasn't been officially announced yet. Did Carl tell you?"

I chuckled, "You'd never guess how I found out."

"How?"

"Alfonso and his trophy wife brought my friend Kathy here as their stylist for the celebration party."

"And the party is to celebrate winning the bid."

"I see. Someone must have leaked the information."

"I didn't even tell Asher about this project to keep it fair when the bidding opens."

"Don't worry, I'll handle it."

His voice was low and reassuring.

I knew that once he took care of something, it would be perfect.

So, I felt relieved, "Good, I trust you with this. Will you be back for the bidding?"