Sarah''s tears stopped immediately as she locked Ber gaze on the thick folder.


    Howard nodded and sat down. "Lately, many people, have heard about the alliance marriage between Arnold Group and Larson Group. The Arnold family is in the spotlight, and they''ve justunched this project for an open bid. We have manypetitors."


    After a brief pause, he added, "However, Nina, if you cannd this deal, I promise the general manager position is yours."


    It was obvious that Jansen Group was declining, and Howard sawtching onto Arnold Group as their best shot at survival.


    As someone half-connected to the Larson family, Serena''s involvement would at least earn the Arnold family''s consideration.


    Howard was well aware that Hugh wouldn''t lend him a hand, so that was his indirect way of securing a connection with the Larson family. He certainly knew how to y his cards.


    After a long silence, all Howard got from Serena was a scoff. "And what if I don''t win the bid?"


    Howard''s expression darkened at her words. He had been certain that Serena would secure the bid. After all, Arnold Group would have to consider Hugh''s influence.


    "No way..." He chuckled awkwardly.


    Just then, Sarah suddenly interrupted, "If Serena doesn''t want to do it, I will."


    She had already suffered Howard''s p and put up with Serena''s attitude. Besides, she was already Cole''s woman, while the Arnold family''s heiress had only met him a few times. If she whispered the right words in his ear, she might just persuade Cole to hand the bid over to her.


    "Shut up!" Howard mmed the folder onto the table. His anger red the moment heid eyes on Sarah. "You can''t even give a straight answer about your own affairs! And yet you expect me to believe you can win this bid?"


    "Why not?" Sarah snapped back. "The Larson family and the Arnold Group might be forming an alliance ut nothing is set in stone. Who''s to say I won''t be the one whoes out on top?


    11


    She then turned her head and shot Serena a vicious re. "Serena, do you darepete with me? Let''s see who can secure the za project for Jansen Group. Whoever wins gets the general manager position. How about that?"


    Serena nced up and caught the smugness in Sarah''s expression. She let out a mocking chuckle.


    Sarah and her mother, Rachel, were truly delusional. Despite their fragile fate, they always


    Phenter 134


    reached for things far beyond their grasp. Cole treated her like a ything, yet she waspletely oblivious.


    Even so, Serena gave the matter serious thought carefully weighing the pros and


    cons.


    If she took on the project, she''d have plenty of time away from the office, giving her more freedom topose for Ruth. As for the bidding there were plenty ofpanies far more qualified than Jansen Group. Arnold Group had a solid reputation in the industry and would likely make a practical decision rather than granting favors.


    Besides, it wasn''t as if she desperately needed the general manager position. Someone else was far more eager for the title.


    After careful consideration, she made her decision. "Alright."


    "Dad! Look, even Serena agreed! Please let me be part of it too!" Sarah quickly grabbed Howard''s sleeve, but he irritably shook her off.


    In Howard''s opinion, as long as Serena was willing to handle the project for Jansen Group, that was enough. As for Sarah, whether she seeded or not didn''t really matter.


    However, when it came to personal matters, he had to ensure Rachel kept a firm grip on Sarah because she was bing downright reckless.


    That night, Serena set aside time to work on the bid proposal while alsoposing with Ruth


    over the phone.


    Midway through, Ruth seemed to be called away. When she returned, her voice carried a sob as she asked, "Are you free tonight? I need an emergency favor."