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Chapter 32 Someone Is Displeased
Chapter 32 Someone Is Displeased
Diego was instantly intimidated.
Mason pulled him down to sit and then shot him a warning glance. Just then, the door to the private room swung open, and as Zane stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted at once.
Diego fell silent.
Rachel withdrew her gaze, maintaining her usual air of calm indifference.
Zane glanced at Rachel, who was seated three seats away from the head of the table. His brows furrowed slightly, but he quickly masked his reaction. As soon as he sat down, Mason slid into the seat beside him, wearing a cheerful smile.
“Let’s begin,” Zane said simply. Colin opened the door at his words, and the waiters began bringing in the dishes. “There’s no need to be too formal–just relax.”
With that, everyone seemed to forget the earlier awkwardness and enjoyed the meal happily.
Mason was the first to pour some wine, raising his glass to Zane. “Mr. Jenkins, let me toast to you first. Here’s to a smooth and successful collaboration.”
Zane graciously accepted the toast, but his eyes drifted to Rachel, who hadn’t moved and was still absorbed in her phone. His gaze darkened, recalling something he’d overheard Rachel say on the phone earlier that day.
At that moment, Diego turned to Rachel and said, “Selena, even Mr. Jennings has toasted Mr. Jenkins. You didn’t sit next to the main seat earlier, but you should at least offer a toast, right?”
The atmosphere instantly chilled.
Rachel understood now that Diego was clearly trying to make things difficult for her.
Zane set down his wine glass, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he watched the scene unfold. Sitting beside him, Mason grew anxious and quickly tried to smooth things over.
“Selena isn’t feeling well, so she didn’t want to sit next to Mr. Jenkins and spoil the mood. As the deputy team leader, why don’t you step in and toast on her behalf?”
Diego was clearly dissatisfied/his eyes full of resentment.
Rachel let out a soft snort, casually filled her own glass, then stood up. “Mr. Jenkins, here’s to a successful and pleasant collaboration.”
With that, she downed her drink in one go.
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Chapter 32 Someone Is Displeased
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Zane did have beef with Rachel, but at least business came first for this dinner. He wouldn’t tolerate infighting within his research team that might jeopardize his plans. “If you’re not feeling well, don’t force yourself to drink too much,” he said.
“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Jenkins.”
Diego watched, surprised. He’d expected Zane to be angry, but instead, Zane didn’t seem to mind at all.
How could that be?
Mason cleared his throat and hurried Diego along. “Diego, aren’t you going to toast Mr. Jenkins?”
Snapping back to reality, Diego poured himself some wine and stood up, but Zane said, “Come sit next to me.”
“Huh?”
Mason urged him again, “Mr. Jenkins wants you to sit beside him.”
Now it was Rachel’s turn to watch the show.
The others felt awkward as well, but they kept their heads down since Zane was the host.
Nervously, Diego walked over. “Mr. Jenkins, let me toast you—”
“When Ms. Freeman toasted me just now, her glass was full. What’s this supposed to mean?” Zane shot him a sidelong glance.
Diego’s heart skipped a beat. Flustered, he quickly topped off his glass. “Sorry, Mr. Jenkins.”
But before he could say more, Zane turned away, addressing Mason instead. “Mr. Jennings, did your team not screen candidates during selection?”
“Yes, of course we did,” Mason replied with a smile.
“Is that so?” Zane asked, raising an eyebrow. His gaze landed on Diego.
Zane’s imposing presence already cowed Diego. Sweat beading on Diego’s forehead.
Then, out of nowhere, Zane remarked coldly, “Really? You bring someone in looking like they’re mourning a death–what is that, some kind of curse on my launch?”
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