Chapter 7: Crisis Brewing
656words
Michael Davis's voice revealed tension, and I immediately realized something was wrong. Three days had passed since I overheard Alexander Morgan asking Michael Davis to investigate me, and I had been treading carefully, waiting for his next move.
Pushing open the office door, Alexander Morgan stood by the window, his back tense. On the desk, a tablet was playing a video: Victor Thompson and Sophia Parker talking intimately at a private club, followed by an exchange of meaningful glances.
"Did you know about this?" Alexander didn't turn around, his voice cold as ice.
"I suspected it, but had no evidence," I answered truthfully, "They've been in contact all along."
"Why didn't you tell me?" He turned around, his gaze sharp as a knife.
I met his gaze, no longer hiding my dissatisfaction: "Because you don't trust me. I heard you asking Michael Davis to investigate my background, so I was waiting for you to speak first."
Alexander Morgan's expression changed slightly, then returned to calm: "Basic business caution. You should understand."
"I understand, but I don't agree," I said frankly. "Cooperation requires trust, even at the most basic level."
The air between us seemed to freeze. This was our first real conflict, and also a test of our relationship with each other.
Alexander Morgan approached me, standing so close I could feel his body heat: "Now, prove that you're trustworthy. Tell me, what exactly are Victor Thompson and Sophia Parker planning?"
I took a deep breath, trying to ignore my racing heartbeat: "Their target is the 'Aurora' algorithm. Victor knows this is LinZe's core technology, and once obtained, it will give him a tremendous advantage."
Alexander Morgan's gaze sharpened: "How do you know about the 'Aurora' project? That's classified information, even most senior executives aren't aware of it."
"I told you, I have special information channels," I looked directly into his eyes, "In my prediction, if no action is taken, this algorithm will be leaked within three months, causing LinZe to lose hundreds of millions in market value."
Alexander Morgan remained silent for a moment, then pressed the intercom: "Michael Davis, immediately lock down all materials related to the 'Aurora' project, and change all access permissions."
After hanging up the phone, he looked at me again, with some of the doubt in his eyes diminished: "If what you're saying is true, then we need a plan."
"Plant false information," I suggested. "Let Victor Thompson believe he's obtained the real algorithm, when in fact it's a trap we've set."
I elaborated on the plan in detail, and after listening, Alexander Morgan's lips curved into a smile: "You're smarter than I imagined."
"It's the way of survival," I said calmly. "The lessons from my past life taught me to never underestimate enemies, nor overestimate allies."
Alexander Morgan took out his phone and dialed: "Arrange a dinner party, invite the Chen Group executives. Tomorrow evening."
After hanging up, he looked at me: "You will attend as my date."
"This is not within the scope of our cooperation," I said coldly, turning to leave.
Unexpectedly, Alexander Morgan stepped forward quickly and grabbed my wrist: "Emily Wilson, I need you."
This sentence froze the air. His hand was warm and strong, the electric current from his touch made my heart pound like a drum. Our eyes met, and both our breathing seemed to quicken.
"Just for work needs?" I asked softly, unsure why I was asking this question.
Alexander Morgan's gaze grew complex. He released my hand and stepped back: "Of course, just for work."
I nodded, forcing myself to calm down: "Then, see you tomorrow at seven."
Leaving the office, I leaned against the elevator wall, taking deep breaths to calm my heartbeat. This wasn't the purpose of my rebirth; I can't be swayed by emotions. But why did those words "I need you" shake me so much?
