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Chapter 16 Deputy Director Will cleared his throat , signaled for his assistant to take notes , and then turned to Wren , his smile now back in professional mode . " Ms. Kingston , your team seems well prepared , so let's get right to it . Regarding the ' Smart Government platform , there were indeed some ... misunderstandings in our previous talks . I hope today we can have a more productive discussion . " The tension in the room seemed to snap and then release . Felix and Steve instinctively sat up straighter . The meeting moved forward efficiently .
An hour and a half later , they were done . Deputy Director Will glanced at his watch , his smile back on full display . " My , how time flies . Ms. Kingston , your preparation was very thorough this time , much clearer . It's obvious you've put in the work . We'll review this internally and get back to you as soon as possible . " " Mr. Will , colleagues , " Ronan began , his voice level, " today's discussion has been very productive . Our corporation has always had high hopes for this project .
Otherwise , we wouldn't have continued to invest in such a deep , localized restructuring after the initial setbacks . " His tone was calm , polite even , but the message underneath made the smile on the director's face fade a little . " For strategic projects like this , headquarters has clear benchmarks for phase - gate reviews and resource allocation . We trust that with your department's support , this project can get on track quickly and deliver the value we both expect . " He leaned back , his posture relaxed but his words still sharp .
" Of course , if progress is hindered by factors unrelated to the technology or the proposal itself , then to avoid wasting further investment , the corporation may consider escalating the decision - making process . That could mean a special task force from headquarters intervening , or a complete re - evaluation of the project's feasibility . " Deputy Director Will nodded quickly . " We understand perfectly , Mr. Grey . This project is a high priority for the district . We will accelerate our internal processes and provide our full cooperation .
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" Ronan gave a slight nod and said nothing more . The meeting was over . Both sides stood , shaking hands and saying their goodbyes . The group left the conference room and walked to the main lobby . The rain outside hadn't stopped , a steady drizzle splashing against the pavement . Just as Wren's team was about to make a run for the parking lot , the director's assistant came jogging after them with a handful of new umbrellas and an eager smile . " It's raining pretty hard ! Mr. Will insisted I bring these for you . " I Ever Made ! 88.2 % Chapter 16 Ronan took one with a neutral expression .
" Very thoughtful . " . The assistant handed the rest to Wren and her team , his manner now gracious and attentive - a stark contrast to the robotic smile from earlier . Wren opened her umbrella and walked steadily toward the parking lot . With Marcus at his side , Ronan headed in the other direction toward his waiting car , his figure quickly vanishing into the rain . The neon lights blurred into hazy patches of color on the wet streets . Inside a private room at a well - known local restaurant , the atmosphere was a world away from the cold , damp evening .
The warm light created a feeling of long - overdue relaxation . Evelyn sat at the head of the table . She'd taken off her suit jacket and was just in a soft silk blouse . The usual sternness in her expression had relaxed into a rare , easygoing manner . " Alright , everyone , " Evelyn's voice was quiet but crisp as always . " This first glass is a toast . Not with wine , but with tea . A toast to ourselves . " Her gaze swept over every face . " The Southbridge branch hasn't been around long .
We don't have a deep foundation , we don't have the resources of headquarters , and we certainly don't have any powerful friends to lean on . " She paused , a faint , self - deprecating smile on her lips . " But everyone here today has proven that we're not just here to push paper ! The ' Smart Government ' project was a tough nut no one could crack for three months . In less than one , we figured it out , we handled the pressure , and today , we turned the whole thing around !
" " So , for this dinner , " Evelyn raised her glass , her tone lightening , " I have only one rule : phones on silent and in your bags ! Tonight , there are no urgent emails , no missed calls , no PowerPoints that need revising ! Your job is to eat , talk , and finally relax ! " Everyone laughed and raised their glasses . The atmosphere instantly became lively . With good food in front of them , the nerves that had been stretched taut for months finally relaxed . " Hey , did you guys hear ? That guy from marketing at HQ is hooking up with someone from R & D ...
" Steve began , launching into some juicy gossip . " Old news ! The latest is that the new woman in finance , the one just back from overseas , is apparently one of the board member's nieces ... " another colleague chimed in . The table buzzed with chatter and laughter . Felix chugged his juice and then turned to a smiling Wren , his tone filled with the blunt curiosity of youth . " Hey , Wren , I think I heard some of the older employees whispering ... did you and Mr. Grey from headquarters used to have a thing ? " Dast Caroor Move I Ever Made !
90,2 % Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.
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