Chapter 192

Rotent'sPOV

My phone rang with the display showing an incoming call from Howard Technologies. Answering it. a calm femate voice briefly said. "Mr. Johnson please come to the company."

"I'm Susan Moore. Mr. Thompson's secretary," she added.

I hesitated for a moment, but agreed. "Alright, I'll be there soon."

An hour later, I stood in front of the gleaming Howard Technologies headquarters in Midtown Manhattan. Pushing through the revolving door.I saw Susan Moore already waiting in the lobby. Her short, neat haircut and meticulously tailored business suit gave her a sharp, professional appearance.

"Mr. Johnson, please follow me." She nodded politely, skipping unnecessary small talk, and led me through the security area toward the elevator.

As the elevator ascended, I couldn't help asking, "Is Mr. Thompson in the office today?"

"He has other arrangements," Susan replied briefly, "but he's prepared everything for you."

When the elevator doors opened, Susan guided me through an open office space that was minimalist yet elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the entire area with Manhattan sunlight. These employees were specifically recvuited for yowr protect/ susan explatned. They're all experts in their respective fetds. with prior experience managing Independent projects.

I lnoked around, notcing several curiouas faces glancing in my direction."Then why would they be willing to work here? I couldn't help asking.

Susan smiled slightly. In Manhattan's tech industry, age discrimination is the norm.Howard Technologies is different-we value talent and ability rather than age. Mr. Thompson specifically emphasized assembling an experienced team for you."

Hearing this, I felt a wave of warmth spread through me. After my family business went bankrupt, few people were willing to give me this kind of opportunity.let alone provide me with a professional team.

"Let's meet the team first," I said, walking toward the waiting employees.

After introducing myself. I briefly described the project's vision. To my surprise, each person proactively identified the areas they could take responsibility for, and their understanding of the project far exceeded my expectations. In just twenty minutes of conversation, I discovered the team was already capable of operating independently, needing only my direction.

All of this had been arranged by Howard.

Next, Susan showed me around the entire office area, finally stopping in front of a spacious office. "This is your office," she said, opening the door.

I walked in and was stunned by the sight. The office was much larger than I had anticipated, with an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan's cityscape. The desk was made of imported hardwood,several minimalist modern art pieces hung on the walls, and there was even a small seating area with sofas in the corner.

"All equipment has been set up and tested," Susan said. pointing to the computer on the desk. "Your account and password for the company's internal system are in this envelope. If you have any questions,feel free to contact me anytime."

I sat in the comfortable office chair, feeling the sunlight warming my face throughthe windows. "Thank you, Susan, and please express my gratitude to Mr. Thompson as well."

Susan nodded, her lips finally curving into a slight smile. "Howard Technologies values every partner. I believe you'll enjoy the working environment here."

After Susan left, I looked around the luxurious office,involuntarily recalling my office at our family company's Long Island headquarters before the bankruptcy. How arrogant and self-important I had been back then,how unappreciative of what I had. Now, having lost everything.Howard was willing to give me this opportunity. This trust felt incredibly precious.

Thinking of Howard naturally made me think of Annie Baker. She had once kindly advised me against taking risks,to cherish what I had,but I couldn't listen at the time. Now both Howard and Annie had given me a chance to start over, yet I had promised Sarah I would reconcile with her,which undoubtedly meant standing agains Annie. Realizing this, a sense of guilt washed over me. Howard trusted me, Annie had helped me, and I might be betraying their kindness. This feeling of conflict made me clench my fists-I neededto make better choices and not repeat past mistakes.

As I was lost in thought, my phone vibrated. Looking at it, I saw a message from Sarah:

"How have you been lately? Are you short on cash? I've been making good money recently. Need any help?"

I stared at the screen, frowning involuntarily. Sarah's suidden concern put me on alert. Since the time I acted as Howard's proxy to test her sincerity,

I had gained a clear understanding of her two-faced behavior.

I took a deep breath and thought calmly. Howard had given me a chance to start over, and Sarah's friendliness now represented...what exactly?

I decided to probe her true intentions. I replied: "I'm at Howard Technologies, just in a meeting, didn't see your message."

After sending that, I added: "Are you sure you're willing to provide me with financial support?"

I set down my phone and gazed out the window. This wasn't Sarah's usual style.

This unexpected generosity made me suspicious. A few minutes later,my phone vibrated again.

"How much do you need?"

Calmly, I replied: "How much can you offer?"

Seeing this message, I couldn't help but smirk. I clearly remembered that during the most difficult period of our marriage, when the Johnson family company was on the brink of collapse, Sarah refused to use any of her savings to help us through thecrisis, ultimately choosing to leave. Now she was suddenly generous?

Half challenging,half mocking. I replied: "Can you give me half of all your assets?" I didn't expect her to agree at all; I just wanted to see how she would back out. To my surprise, Sarah quickly responded:

"Sure,send me your account number."

I sent over my bank account details, certain she wouldn't actually transfer the money.

"Wait a bit. I'm going to process the transfer," she replied.

"Thank you." I answered briefly.

"You're welcome," Sarah's response was equally brief.

Back to work, my thoughts were scattered. Sarah being willing to share account information was one thing, but would she really give me that much money? If she actually made the transfer, what would it mean?

I tapped lightly on the keyboard, contemplating 'the implications behind this question. Sarah never made investments without returns. If she really gave me this money, she would certainly expect something in return-perhaps rekindling our relationship, perhaps expecting me to stand on her side against Annie.

This put me in a dilemma. Howard and Annie had given me a chance to start over,giving me dignity and trust. If I accepted Sarah's money, would it mean betraying them? Would I really stand against Annie for money?

Just as I was struggling internally, my phone suddenly emitted a crisp notification sound.