Chapter 274

If they switched to a different partner, the proposed plan might not meet his expectations.

Profit was the most important thing in a partnership. He was a businessman, not a moral judge. With that in mind, Atlas's internal scale was gradually tipping towards Christina.

Of course, he couldn't openly tell Parker this.

He sighed, looking troubled. "Mr. Cavendish, you know I'm just a department head. I still have to follow my boss's instructions. If we just give up on this partnership, it puts me in a tough spot."

Everyone present was smart. Parker understood what Atlas was implying.

Saying it was difficult rather than impossible meant there was room for negotiation.

Parker smiled. "For the deal we've been discussing recently, I'm willing to give you an extra half percent profit."

Half a percent profit!

Atlas's breath quickened. He tried to calm himself down and not lose his composure. "Mr. Cavendish, you can't be joking with me, right?"

"Absolutely not. I keep my word." Parker's assurance put Atlas at ease.

Initially, Parker wanted Atlas to refuse to work with Christina. But then he thought, even if Atlas refused, Christina could still find someone else to partner with.

In that case, he would be giving up half a percent profit for nothing, which would be too advantageous for Christina.

"As for this project, how about this: Atlas, you hand it over to me. I'll be the main party responsible, and I'll take on all the risks and rewards."

"Sure, Mr. Cavendish. Since you asked, I'll definitely follow your lead." Atlas agreed without hesitation.

Although handing over the project meant the company would earn less, projects had their ups and downs. Who could guarantee this one would be a big success?

On the other hand, the deal he had with Parker was clearly written in black and white. Parker was willing to give him an extra half percent profit, which was solid and risk-free.

Trading a risky project for guaranteed profit, and using this opportunity to strengthen his relationship with Parker-why not?

When Christina returned, Atlas's demeanor had changed.

He leaned back in his chair, showing little interest in the project. "Ms. Windsor, it's already late. Let's not talk business now. Let's have dinner first and sign the contract tomorrow after we've enjoyed ourselves."

Christina felt his attitude wasn't quite right for a business discussion.

But the client was always right. She couldn't force the conversation.

Parker kept pushing drinks on her, with Atlas occasionally chiming in.

"Ms. Windsor, if we're discussing a partnership, we should have the right attitude. We've both been drinking, but you're not. Isn't that a bit unfair?"

"I felt a connection with you the moment we met. If we enjoy tonight's dinner, I'll definitely agree to sign the contract tomorrow."

"I love drinking. It's my only hobby. Please understand, Ms. Windsor."

If Christina couldn't see they were teaming up against her, she would have wasted all her years of experience.

Christina endured and drank who knows how much until she felt dizzy.

But Parker wasn't done.

He had the waiter bring two bottles of strong liquor, placing one in front of Christina and splitting the other between himself and Atlas.

He raised his glass. "Christina, since you can drink so well, why don't we drink straight from the bottle?"

"I can do anything, but it has to be fair. If I drink from the bottle and you two use glasses, isn't that a bit unfair?" Christina protested.

It was bad enough they were forcing drinks on her, but now they were cheating. How was that fair?

Parker's smile deepened. "If you really can't accept it, we can cancel the partnership. You can leave anytime."

After all, Christina was the one seeking the partnership. They could do whatever they wanted.

Christina fell silent.

For any other project, she would have walked away. But this one was crucial for Mia's agreement.

Since she had agreed to it, she had to do her best. She couldn't afford to be petty.

She had to play by their rules.

Of course, she didn't forget to text her assistant: [I'm in a business meeting and can't leave. Please pick up Harper for me.]

After arranging for her daughter, Christina continued drinking with the two men.

In the end, Parker couldn't drink anymore.

He gritted his teeth, refusing to admit defeat. Losing to a woman, especially after cheating, would be too humiliating.

He had to outdrink Christina.

But the next moment, he passed out on the table.

Atlas wasn't much better off. His face was red, and he waved his hand. "No more, no more. Let's call it a night."

If they kept drinking, he feared he would end up like Parker, passed out and vulnerable.

Christina still had some sense left, but she was in no condition to drive. Luckily, there was a ride service outside the hotel. She closed her eyes and rested on the way home.

She had put her phone on silent during the meeting and didn't notice the numerous messages and missed calls from her assistant.

It wasn't until the driver stopped outside her building. "Ma'am, we're here. Please pay the fare."

After paying, Christina went upstairs, but Harper wasn't there.

The apartment was empty.

Where was Harper?

Christina was instantly wide awake. She checked her phone and saw the messages from her assistant.

[Ms. Windsor, there was a last-minute meeting. I'll be late picking up Harper.]

[I'm at the daycare now, but Harper's not here. The security said Harper's dad picked him up. Did he contact you?]

[Ms. Windsor, please answer my calls.]

And several missed calls.

Panic surged through Christina. Was it William who picked up Harper, or a stranger?

If it was the latter, the consequences would be unimaginable!

She stumbled out the door to find Harper, but as she reached the ground floor, she saw William's car.

He rolled down the window, revealing his handsome face.