Love or Die: CEO’ s Daily Dose of Swoon (Cordelia)

Chapter 272

Jackson sprang to his feet upon hearing that, making a beeline for the door. After a couple of steps, he glanced back only to notice that Anderson and Eddie were following him. Recalling Eddie's earlier assertive words, Jackson coughed softly and said to Anderson, "Why don't you take Eddie to handle some other matters? I'll go welcome Harrison and Bob."

Knowing Eddie's temperament, there was no way he'd back down in front of Bob, and Jackson wanted to avoid any potential clash at all costs. Anderson was already on the same page.

Eddie's icy demeanor when he had insisted he wouldn't bow down had taken Anderson aback, so he readily agreed, "Sure."

He too was concerned about stirring trouble with Bob, which could lead to serious repercussions.

Kurt glanced their way before chiming in, "Hey, big bro, didn't you mention something about the company considering an international project? I just saw Steve and his crew arrive. Maybe you should go and host them, especially since they're planning to sign the contract tonight?"

Upon hearing this, Anderson nodded.

Kurt, who also held a position in the company, was acutely aware of their recent struggles, especially with the physical market becoming increasingly challenging.

Hence, Anderson had been exploring international opportunities, aiming to export their products. This initiative was not only crucial for the company but also marked Anderson's first major project since taking a leadership role, potentially rejuvenating their business operations.

Jackson had extended an invitation to Harrison and Bob for his birthday party, indicating the significance of their attendance.

So, when Kurt mentioned Steve, Anderson responded, "Alright, I'll go host Steve."

Jackson, accompanied by Kurt, exited to welcome Harrison and Bob to a private resting room.

Figures like Bob weren't keen on mingling with the crowd.

Before departing, Jackson quietly advised Anderson, "Try to keep things smooth, alright?"

Anderson nodded in understanding.

Once separated from Jackson, Anderson couldn't help but address Eddie, "Pride comes before a fall, you know. You mentioned there's no bad blood with Bob, right?"

Eddie replied calmly, "I am who I am, and Lia is Lia. I can't let her be demeaned."

This resonated with Anderson, especially since Jackson had suggested Lia humble herself to Ms. Robinson, which he hadn't agreed with.

"Okay, we'll see how it goes. I'm about to meet with an Italian client. You guys should come with me," he suggested.

Lia nodded in agreement.

Anderson was keen on exposing his daughter and future son-in-law to the business world, considering Lia's usual focus on her studies had limited her exposure to such environments.

After making a call, a woman in her thirties, dressed in professional attire, approached them, "Mr. Anderson!"

Anderson nodded, introducing her to Lia, "This is my secretary, she's fluent in eight languages and will be interpreting for us during this project, Dagmar."

Dagmar, though of average appearance, carried herself well and greeted Lia with a nod, "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Anderson."

Lia returned the gesture.

As they moved to the side, a butler informed them, "Sir, Steve has been escorted to the guest room."

Anderson acknowledged this just as Dagmar's phone rang. She excused herself with a polite smile and stepped aside to take the call.

Despite the distance, Lia, with her keen hearing, caught Dagmar whispering, "Mr. Anderson?"

Confused, Lia slowed her pace, trying to catch more of the conversation but Dagmar had moved further away, making it impossible to hear. Unperturbed, Anderson was suddenly interrupted by Eddie, who casually asked, "Fancy a drink?"

Catching on to Eddie's intent, Lia requested, "Orange juice, please."

"Sure thing."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Eddie headed towards the drinks

table, now closer to Dagmar, and managed to overhear her

conversation, "Rest assured, M

Anderson, this deal will fall through. A little 'creativity' in my translation should do the trick."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing you in the chairman's seat."

"Just remember my contribution today..."

"Better hang up now, wouldn't want to get caught. I'm off."

Returning with the orange juice, Eddie handed it to Lia, who whispered, "What did she say?"

Eddie, feeling Lia's breath on his ear, turned to meet her gaze. Before he could reply, Dagmar returned, "Mr. Anderson, sorry about that, it was a family emergency."

Concerned, Anderson asked, "Everything alright at home?"

Dagmar, momentarily taken aback, quickly reassured, "All good, let's head in."

With Dagmar back, Eddie refrained from discussing the phone call and simply gestured for silence, following the others into the room.

Everard had barely stepped through

the door when he spotted two tall Caucasians seated comfortably, springing to their feet and rattling off something in Italian as they noticed the newcomers.

Cordelia was at a loss, but Dagmar was quick to clarify, "They're wishing Jackson a happy birthday."

Anderson chuckled, gesturing toward the sofa, "Have a seat."

Dagmar's Italian was flawless, prompting the Italians to settle down on the couch before cutting straight to the chase, "Mr. Anderson, we're finding the shipping costs to Italy a bit steep. Is there any chance you could cover part of it?"

After translating, Anderson couldn't help but laugh, "Our courier services back home are top-notch and affordable. Don't you worry, our company will handle everything!"

He looked at Dagmar expectantly.

With a confident smile, Dagmar relayed, "Mr. Anderson says that we've already trimmed our prices to the bone. I'm afraid you'll have to bear the full shipping costs."

The Italians exchanged a glance, their conversation rapidly switching back to Italian, "The shipping is just too expensive; we can't take on that cost." "Exactly, at this rate, we won't make any profit from this deal."

"Oh dear, we thought Mr. Anderson was more generous. It seems this deal isn't meant to be."

Dagmar couldn't hide a smirk of triumph at their words.

Everard, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss.

Finally, Steve stood up, his tone apologetic, "I'm sorry, but this arrangement won't work for us."

Anderson, ever the gracious host, smiled and extended his hand toward Dagmar, awaiting her translation, "Mr. Anderson, Steve says they need to give it more thought."

Needing more time to think it over usually meant the deal was off the table.

Anderson, always humble, inquired, "Mr. Steve, may I ask what seems to be the issue?"

After Dagmar translated, the air was filled with a polite, albeit tense, "Let's hope for a better collaboration next time!"