Page 30 of My Ruthless Opponent

What?

This is worse. Much, much worse. Archer came up with this insane idea so he would ensure wefailin this? So he could have us both in the agency?

He knows how much Raleigh and I hate each other. Raleigh would never agree to work for me and vice versa.

Archer wants neither of us to win this promotion. This way, he gets to keep usbothin this agency. Because one of us winning indicates the other getting a demotion.

He created a strategy that would ensure us both to fail so he could make us work together. As one unit.

I have to say, Archer is a clever one. A ruthless businessman.

He chose his move carefully on the chessboard.

He made a move that maneuvered us in a corner. We have no other option but to accept what Archer has decided for us.

Archer thinks we won’t be able to get a contract assignment in this short time.

The chances of victory are low. More like next to nothing. But he underestimated me.

Call it pure luck or just sixth sense because I have been working on a new client for months. Mr. Smith.

Victor Smith is a billionaire business tycoon. Sixty-five-year-old Victor Smith is one of the richest people in the world.

He had recently built a resort in Maui.

And ever since the news of him vetting advertising agencies for his resort got out, every advertising company is eager to get the contract.

In short, he is the ultimate client who would increase our agency value once he signed with us.

One has to wait for months or even a year to get mere five minutes of his time.

So I chose a different approach.

As he actively took part in charities, I pulled some strings and received a piece of information about his next appearance.

This Saturday, Mr. Smith is going to attend a charity gala. And I have an exclusive pass.

It took me about three months to get myself on the guest list.

Assuming that I have a shot at approaching Mr. Smith just because I am going to attend the gala would be presumptuous. But it does give me an advantage. It does put me a step ahead of Raleigh in this race.

I am not overconfident. But there’s no harm in being optimistic, right?

A wicked smile lifts the corner of my mouth. “I can assure you it won’t come to that.”

“You seem pretty sure of yourself.” Raleigh narrows his eyes at me.

“It’s because I am.” I smile at him. A slow, lazy smile. An evil smile.

His eyes drift down to my lips and stay there for a second before sliding back up. “Care to share what’s cooking in that sharp mind of yours?”

I slant my head, my smile widening. “No.”

He cocks an eyebrow. “Archer, I’d like to talk to you in private after this meeting wraps up. I need a suggestion or two about my potential client.”

Hold the fuck up.

My brows draw together. “What potential client, Archer?” I ask the question while my eyes are dead set on Raleigh.

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