Consequences of Dumping the Obsessive Boss: Stuck with Him Forever-Chapter 44: The Result of the Test

Maxim Sinclair glanced at the time; it was just about lunchtime. So, he called in Assistant Collins from outside the door and instructed him to book a private room at a nearby restaurant. He intended to invite Tina Huxley for a meal.

After getting the instructions, Assistant Collins courteously sought Tina’s opinion. Tina immediately mentioned the restaurant she had already chosen before coming and urged Maxim Sinclair to go there with her.

Midway through the meal, Tina observed that the atmosphere was relatively pleasant and casually brought up the topic of the land in East City.

"I heard that the land in East City will continue to appreciate in value in the future. Why are you selling such a good piece of land so casually instead of holding onto it for future use?"

Tina held a wine glass and took a small sip of red wine.

"That land might be useful to others, but for me, it doesn’t have much value."

Maxim Sinclair replied casually.

"Since you don’t think much of that land," Tina crossed her arms and propped her chin on them, "why not sell it directly to me considering how long we’ve known each other? I happen to be planning to develop in East City, and the land is quite useful to me."

Maxim looked at her with surprise: "Uncle Huxley has already stated clearly that he wants to get that land at the auction. Why are you getting involved?"

"He’s him, and I’m me. But is my dad also attending the auction?"

"You didn’t know?" Maxim Sinclair looked at her incredulously, "Didn’t you just say you’re planning to develop your own company next? Since you’re going back to your own company, how do you know less about the situation than I do?"

"Even if I’m going back to my own company, it’s impossible to know everything the chairman does, even though the chairman is my dad."

Tina chuckled noncommittally and then looked at Maxim with hopeful eyes: "Do you have any inclination to sell that land to someone in particular?"

"Whoever offers the highest price will get it. Whoever wins it at the auction, I’ll sell the land to them."

"Given our friendship, can’t you just skip the auction and sell the land to me? I’m not asking for a discount or for free. I’m paying for it—I can even pay a premium!"

Tina sounded extremely sincere, but Maxim Sinclair continued to eat calmly. After a while, he responded, "If you had talked to me at the very beginning, it would have been easier. But now, the auction house has already spread the news, and I certainly can’t help you now."

Tina clearly didn’t believe his words: "Given your status and connections here, this matter should be a piece of cake for you!"

Seeing that she was still hopeful, Maxim looked at her helplessly and explained, "If you were the only one asking, I would have considered our families’ many years of relationship and sold you the land at a lower price. But the problem is, many people have their eyes on this land."

"Oh, I see," not wanting to anger him further, Tina nodded in understanding, "Let’s just pretend I didn’t mention this during lunch today."

Maxim Sinclair put down his chopsticks, took a napkin, gently wiped the corner of his mouth, and then looked at Tina with an amused smile: "The Eldest Miss Huxley, I’ve already treated you to lunch. There are still a lot of things to do at the company, so I won’t chat with you longer. Let’s meet again sometime."

"About the land..." Tina also stood up from the table and urgently asked, "If it’s really difficult for you, that’s fine. I was just having a casual chat during lunch; it’s not serious. Friends joking, no problem, right?"

"Of course, no problem," Maxim smiled politely at her, "But there really are matters at the company. To have lunch with you, I even postponed two small meetings."

"Oh, is that so? When you put it that way, I feel a bit guilty. By the way, I remember you like the duck and bamboo shoot soup made by our family’s cook. I’ll bring you a jar when I have time."

"I’ve been really busy lately, probably won’t have time to enjoy the soup you send. I appreciate your kindness; let’s wait for a better opportunity."

Maxim gestured to stop her: "The bill is already settled, I’ve got a meeting to rush to. Let’s catch up later."

Without waiting for Tina to reply, Maxim Sinclair strode out of the restaurant.

Left behind, Tina bit her glossy red lips unwillingly and muttered in frustration, "I knew I shouldn’t have brought this up with him. Just made him annoyed with me for no good reason. Had I known, I’d have insisted on not coming."

After her complaint, Tina also drove back to her company.

When she arrived at the office upstairs, her father, who had been hesitant about whether to call her, hurriedly gestured her over upon seeing her: "How did it go?"

Furious, Tina tossed her purse onto the sofa: "I told you we shouldn’t have talked to him about this."

"He didn’t agree? You’re so angry, did he outright refuse you?"

"He didn’t," Tina shook her head, "It seems that besides us, several other people have approached him about the land. He’s in a bind about whom to give it to, so he’s leaving it to the auction house to decide."

"Makes sense; given the potential value of that land, there are definitely many eyes on it."

Mr. Huxley soon understood, but Tina, still upset, sat on the sofa grumbling: "Now his impression of me is definitely terrible. How am I supposed to get closer to him in the future!"

"Lack confidence in yourself?" Mr. Huxley didn’t seem to think it was a big deal, "Our company has two major projects coming up for collaboration with The Sinclair Group. Use this opportunity to get closer to him."

"Really?" This lifted Tina’s spirits, "Then I’ll take the opportunity to show him my capabilities. From what I know about him, Maxim Sinclair should appreciate someone whose abilities match his."

"So sure?" Mr. Huxley looked at her, half-believing and half-doubting.

Tina thought for a moment, not mentioning Summer Lowell. She offered a vague explanation: "Can’t remember who I heard it from, but that’s basically it."

"I won’t say more; as long as you have the confidence. Seize the opportunity, secure Maxim Sinclair sooner rather than later. It’ll benefit both you and the Huxley Family."

...

After the weekly meeting ended, Maxim Sinclair returned to his office, unbuttoned his jacket, and draped it over the nearby coat rack. He then pulled out a chair, sat down, and asked Assistant Collins behind him, "What’s the plan for today?"

"No trips today," Assistant Collins put down what he was holding, took out his notebook, and opened it to take a glance, "The people from Omni Industries will come by to meet with you personally about the two upcoming collaborative projects."