Wake Up Leave The Liar novel Chapter 62

Chapter 39

Tim didn’t believe him.

He smiled.

“Mr. Mond, Ashley is excellent; having her is our fortune.” Mark and Tanya didn’t comment. What could Ashley do for Tim? Copy files?

Mark continued, “Tanya is interested in SLAM and wants to join Eternal…” Once Tanya got familiar with Burke, she wouldn’t need Eternal, but networking with Tim wouldn’t hurt. They might even collaborate.

Tim looked at Tanya.

Thank you, Miss Mond. I know you’re great, and I’d love to hire you, but Ashley is my friend…”

Tanya didn’t need Eternal anymore. She just didn’t want to antagonize Tim; they might become colleagues. Having a friend was better than having an enemy. Tim was nicer than at the banquet. She didn’t know if it was genuine, but time would tell. They might become friends.

Tanya said, “I understand; I won’t force it.”

Tim smiled. Thank you for your understanding.”

They seemed to be chatting amiably. Ashley returned from the restroom and saw this. Yonnie smiled.

Tanya spotted Ashley, her expression unreadable.”We have something else to attend to,” she told Tim coolly, “Let’s catch up later.”

Tim shook hands with them.”Sounds good.”

Tanya no longer paid attention to Ashley. She turned and left with Mark and Yonnie.

Tim’s status commanded attention.

By noon, several industry bigwigs had invited him to have lunch together. Word was that Chase Sterling would be there, too.

Chase had attracted a cluster of industry leaders, all seemingly bound for the same meal.

The future direction of the VR landscape hinged on these power players’ decisions.

This was a golden opportunity to gauge the market’s future and, potentially, strike lucrative deals.

Tim was tempted, but he glanced at Ashley, silently seeking her approval.

He wondered if she wanted to be in the same space with Chase.

Ashley’s response was firm. “I’m going.”

On the surface, she and Chase treated each other like strangers, but that didn’t mean she’d avoid him. The group, now including Ashley and Tim, headed towards Chase.

Chase watched them approach, his face impassive. Tanya, however, frowned. But she quickly composed herself, her gaze cool and distant. Mark and Yonnie joined them, their faces grim at the sight of Ashley.

A few attendees who hadn’t greeted Tim immediately walked up to them and said hello. When it was Chase’s turn, he extended a hand. “Mr. Reed,” he

said.

“Mr. Sterling, Tim replied with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The pleasure’s all mine.”

After some pleasantries, Chase and Tanya were surrounded and ushered towards a fleet of limousines. Ashley and Tim followed. Mark and Yonnie subtly tried to stop Ashley, but she ignored them.

Chase and Tanya got into one car; Ashley and Tim into another. Yonnie watched Ashley go, her brow furrowing. “Ashley… she’s really annoying,” she

muttered.

The party numbered over twenty. The private dining room was spacious, the group arranged around a large round table. Chase and Tanya sat together. Yonnie wanted to sit next to Ashley, fearing she might cause a scene. But she was too late. Tim beat her to the last seat.

As the meal commenced, conversation flowed alongside the arrival of dishes. Chase handed the menu to Tanya.

“What would you like?” she asked.

“Whatever you’d enjoy, he responded.

Some people chuckled. That’s so sweet, Mr. Sterling.”

A smile played on Tanya’s lips. She ordered several dishes catering to Chase’s preferences. Mark and Yonnie exchanged relieved glances.

Tim, on the other hand, presented the menu to Ashley, asking about her preferences.

He glanced at Chase and Tanya’s table before turning back to Ashley, who seemed unfazed. She calmly suggested a couple of dishes.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify