"I don't know," the manager's voice was low as he said this. He knew he had been careless because he never thought anyone within the circle would dare go against ABM.
The manager knew he was done for when he heard Eric take in a sharp breath after hearing his answer.
"you don't know," Eric's voice became calm. Those who knew him knew he was most scary when his voice sounded calm. He could tell that there was a bug chance that someone was deliberately going agaist him but he could not guess who.
"I have been investigating, but the investor did not attend the stakeholders' meeting today. The person seems to have deliberately gone against ABM. He did not only buy the shares of Mr Martin, but he also offered a higher price to buy over the shares of the other small shareholders, making him hold a total of Fifty-two cents of the company, " the manager tried his best to distract Eric. He wanted Eric to be more interested in the person that openly challenged him.
"The person did all this under your nose; not only were you unable to stop him, but you can not even identify the person, tell me, what is the use of having you around if I would still have to do your job!" The man's words did not fool Eric.
"sir..." the Manger was surprised that Eric did not fall for his tricks.
"I want the man identified by the end of the day or your resignation form," Eric said and hung up. He felt so frustrated. "useless, they are all useless," Eric was angry.
*knock Knock
"come in," Eric took a deep breath and invited the person in. If he can not control his emotions, then he will not last a day as the Ceo of ABM.
"Boss, you have a lunch date with miss Smith," Greg stepped in to remind him.
"Oh," Eric massages his forehead. He had been so stressed that he forgot about his appointment. "Make the arrangements," Eric said, looking at his time. Fortunately, there was still an hour to prepare.
12noon, imperial restaurants.
Eric arrived early for his appointment with Miss Smith. He knew that the project and connection were important to ABM.
" Miss Smith," Eric stood up to welcome her when she arrived. Annabel did not keep him waiting for too long. She arrived at the restaurant dressed in a simple dress. Although her dress was simple, one could tell that she put a lot of effort into her look.
"Please, call me Annabel; we can be considered friends," Annabel smiled.
"Alright," Eric did not see the point of arguing about this. He helps her pull out her chair.
"Thank you," Annable smiled and took her seat. She was happy to receive such gentle and considerate treatment from him.
"I was not sure of your preferences, so I am yet to make an order," Eric said as he handed over one of the menus to her. Annabel smiled and took it. She hoped he remembered what she had eaten the last time they had dinner together.
Annabel had paid attention to him during the meal, and she could still remember what he ate. Although disappointed that he did not pay so much attention to her, she did not allow her feeling to be exposed. " I am not a picky eater," She commented, hoping he would take note.
"Okay," Eric said and pressed the button on the table to invite the waiter.
"How have you been," Eric tried to start a causal conversation while they waited for the waiter. "I am doing great," Annabel smiled. She was happy that he asked about her welfare.
The waiter arrived, and they both made their order" I love crabcake and seafood," Annabel said casually as she made her order. Her eyes shine brightly. She hoped Eric would note what she said, but he seemed distant.
They discussed the project when the waiter left. "we have already submitted all the proposals to the president," Annabel said. She could not wait for the project to start, so she could have an excellent reason to meet the man often.
Their order arrived shortly, and they had lunch together. During lunch, Eric asked a few personal questions. They both knew that their parents wanted to matchmake them. Eric felt comfortable with Annabel, but he did not take the step to cross the line.
He unconsciously compared Annabel with Emily; when Annabel smiled, he would remember how Emily smiled at Samuel. He watched Annabel eat with interest. Seeing how much he was paying attention to her, Annabel was pleased. She had no way of knowing that Eric was only looking at her because he imagined the person seated there was Emily.
Eric did not even realise that something was wrong with his thought. For some reason, he could remember the food Emily ate at the dinner Party. After lunch, Eric followed Annabel to her car and helped her pull the door open. He knew he was supposed to ask her out for a date, but the words were stuck in his throat.
Eric waited for Annabel's car to drive away; he was about to go to his car when he saw Emily walking out of the restaurant; a man was walking by her side; Eric could not see his face, but he saw Emily's bright smile, and it made him feel sour.
He was so curious about the man making Emily smile so much that he unconsciously took a step in their direction, but both of them entered the car before he could see the man's face. Without thinking, he picked up his phone and called Jin.
"Who did Emily have a business lunch with today at the imperial restaurant," He tried to sound like he was only interested in the investor.
"she just went to eat lunch; she seemed to have run into a friend," Jin replied.
Eric hung up the call when he heard this. He knew it was too much to ask Jin about Emily's friend's identity. His feeling or whatever attraction he had for Emily was to remain secret. Although he did not ask Jin, he walked back into the restaurant and tried to find out from the receptionist.
"sorry, but we can not give out our customers' information," the receptionist replied. Those who dine in imperial restaurants were all wealthy. Eric nodded and left.
Every table and private room in the restaurant had to be booked ahead, Eric was acquainted with the manager and could have called him to find out, but he managed to stop himself. "it has nothing to do with me," he reminded himself as he stepped into his car.