Chapter 176 Two–Face 

Chapter 176 Two–Face 

Did Daniel think I didn’t realize it? 

Am I not breathing properly like he did? 

There wasn’t much going on in IT today. 

The design department, though, had run into some serious issues. 

With the flood of custom orders coming in and a growing demand for personalized designs, the department was stretched way too thin. 

They clearly needed more people. And fast. 

Actually, this was all part of Eric’s philosophy.. 

He believed designers shouldn’t all come from design schools. 

Those who studied design by the book? They were often stuck inside the box. 

True creativity could come from anywhere–people from different walks of life often had fresher, wilder ideas. 

But the plan to hire more diverse talent had stalled out somewhere in Human Resources. 

Alice didn’t even need to guess who was behind it–Ruby, of course. 

After Matt and Josh were taken in by the authorities, the investigation uncovered a string of hidden problems. 

They might not end up in prison, but they were definitely going to pay for their mistakes–literally. 

Plus, both of them had resisted arrest, and their early arrogance didn’t help. A few days of jail time was unavoidable. 

Meanwhile, Ruby had started tightening the net, scrubbing every corner of the company where Matt and Josh had left their mark. 

Since HR was Ruby’s inner circle, it was hit the hardest. 

With so many layoffs, the department itself was now shorthanded, and recruiting new people had become a logistical nightmare. 

It was like watching the butterfly effect play out in real time. 

The efficiency of the Nolan Group slowed down. 

And the worst part? The issue could be fixed. 

Ruby just didn’t want to fix it. 

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Chapter 176 Two–Face 

Because of the recent chess tournament buzz, lots of companies were scrambling to partner with the Nolans. 

Ruby, however, decided it was her moment to play hard to get. 

Some shareholders were already starting to grumble. 

But Ruby had a talent for smoothing things over. The unrest never made it past quiet complaints. 

Alice saw through it all. Ruby was lying in wait, hoping she and Eric would slip up. 

Because once that happened, Ruby wouldn’t just crush Matt and Josh–she’d have the entire Nolan Group in her pocket. 

Alice let out a cold laugh. Ruby’s ambitions were real, but her vision? Too narrow. 

Alice asked Janice to deliver a USB to Ruby. 

Inside was footage Sandy had captured: Linda playing the bait, Yvette swooping in like a predator…. But Sandy and Ruby? They were the real hunters. 

Alice had never liked drama. If she was going to fix a problem, she’d do it at the root. 

By noon, Ruby had finally relented. 

HR immediately teamed up with Design and began hiring. 

Just then, Venom arrived. 

According to the plan, he was shown to a private conference room. 

It was already stocked with fruit platters and snacks of every kind. 

Venom stepped inside and smiled in disbelief, 

“Do you still think of me as a kid?” 

Back when Alice had found him, he used to whine about being hungry all the time. 

She would tell him, “If you’re craving something really badly, just shout it out loud. Do it a few times and the craving will go away.” 

Most of the snacks here? Things he’d once shouted for as a kid. 

“She still remembers all this after all these years, and she pretends she doesn’t know me?” 

Daniel, standing nearby, rolled his eyes so hard it was a miracle they stayed in his head. 

This wasn’t even Mrs. Nolan’s doing! 

She had only said to let Venom wait in a room. 

All the snacks and the setup? That was Daniel’s bright idea. 

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Chapter 176 Two–Face 

He’d thought–well, if Venom was acting all cute and clingy with Alice, might as well treat him like a child. Hence, the kiddie snacks. 

So he’d taken the liberty of buying a bunch of snacks with crooked intention. 

And now? 

This little punk didn’t even feel embarrassed. He’s proud of it! 

Daniel felt like smashing his head into a wall. 

If his boss found out? Daniel was a dead man walking. 

“Mr. Palmer,” Venom asked sweetly, “is there something you want to say?” 

Daniel’s paranoia kicked in instantly. That smile? That was the face of a schemer; he probably has some agenda up his sleeve. 

He fròze, arms crossed, looking as cold and expressionless as a marble statue. 

Venom wasn’t bothered. He grabbed some snacks and started munching happily. 

Daniel’s heart was aching. 

Those cost money! My money! 

Why do I even do that? Sob, sob, sob. 

Thankfully, Alice and Eric showed up not long after. 

Venom immediately dropped the snack and sat up straight, the picture of an obedient kid. 

Daniel had no word. 

Alice didn’t waste time. After taking a seat next to Eric, Alice addressed the matter directly. 

“I need to know what’s going on inside Ouroboros.” 

Daniel knew the information was sensitive, probably classified. He quietly stepped out and shut the door behind him, standing guard outside. 

Venom stared at Alice with a dreamy, almost dazed look–like he was trying to compare the woman in front of him to the girl from his childhood memories. 

It took him a while to tear his eyes away. 

His cheeks were bright red. 

“Alright,” he said softly. “Ask away.” 

He sounded so sweet it could melt steel. 

Alice, however, completely ignored it.