**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 27**
Alison was resolute in her decision to not seek her brother’s assistance. The mere thought of facing Jasper’s wrath, of being berated and unceremoniously dismissed from the company, sent chills down her spine and made her break out in a clammy sweat. She could almost hear his voice, sharp and cutting, echoing in her mind.
Renee, noticing the tension in Alison’s demeanor, furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “You know,” she began, “I remember hearing that their branch office just moved to Harborview City. The head honcho is from the Zeller family back in the capital. I have a feeling they’re going to shift their focus here soon.”
A playful glint appeared in her eyes as she leaned in slightly. “Hey, isn’t that your last name too? Maybe you have a connection there?”
Alison’s heart raced at the mention of the Zeller name. She forced a light, somewhat awkward laugh, trying to mask her sudden anxiety. “Hehe… Is that so? Yeah, I guess I was kind of thinking along those lines too.”
Renee, sensing that Alison’s enthusiasm was lacking, gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of this. I’ll reach out to the CEO of Everest Group. The bar might be set high, but the project has solid potential. I think it’s worth giving it a shot.”
“Really?” Alison’s eyes sparkled with hope as she enveloped Renee in a warm embrace, planting a grateful kiss on her cheek. “Babe, you’re incredible! I’ll be anxiously waiting for the good news!”
This was precisely the moment Alison had been yearning for. At least this way, the project would land squarely in Jasper’s line of sight. If he chose to reject it, he would unleash his fury on Renee instead of her.
That was the essence of true friendship: standing in the line of fire when it mattered most.
Renee quickly obtained the contact number for the secretary of the Everest Group’s CEO from Alison and managed to secure a meeting for two o’clock that very afternoon.
Meanwhile, in the imposing office of the Everest Group’s CEO…
Luke stood before the desk, ready to deliver his report, his palms slightly clammy as he prepared to speak.
“Sir, Ms. Zeller has scheduled a meeting for this afternoon. She wishes to discuss a potential collaboration,” he announced, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.
Jasper halted mid-signature, his pen hovering above the document as he processed the information. “Did you agree to this meeting?” he asked, his tone sharp and probing.
The weight of Jasper’s gaze made Luke’s heart race, and he felt a bead of sweat trickle down his back. “Uh, well, your mother did request that I keep an eye on Ms. Zeller whenever possible,” he stammered, hoping to deflect some of the tension.
Jasper resumed signing, his expression unreadable.
“You agreed to it, so you handle it,” he commanded, tossing the file towards Luke with a flick of his wrist. “Now get out!”
Luke stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing.
‘Help!’
He had already confirmed the meeting with Alison’s company, and now he was left scrambling. What on earth was he supposed to do if Alison showed up and Jasper refused to meet her? The thought of her unleashing her frustration on him was terrifying.


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