David rubbed his temples as he processed the news, then said, "Reach out to the contact at the international branch tomorrow. Let''s see if we can push back the delivery date."


    "Yeah, that''s about all we can do now," his assistant agreed, hesitating for a moment. "Hopefully, they won''t give us too much trouble."


    David gazed out the car window, his expression tense. He sighed, "Maybe."


    Sensing the mood, the assistant wisely decided to keep quiet and focused on driving.


    A bitter, David''s phone buzzed in his pocket. After a brief conversation, he turned to his assistant and said, "Head back to the association."


    The assistant nodded and quicklyplied.


    Within twenty minutes, David was back at the association''s headquarters. Several vice presidents were already there, eager to discuss the raw materials issue.


    David took his seat, speaking in a calm and steady tone, "I''ll handle the negotiations with our partners about the dy. But someone needs to check on the inventory. Who can do it?"


    The vice presidents exchanged uneasy nces, reluctant to step up. Taking responsibility, especially with the deadline looming, could mean taking the fall if things went south.


    After an awkward pause, Presley raised his hand, "I''ll go."


    David''s eyes settled on him.


    "I was part of this deal from the start. Now that there''s an issue, it''s my responsibility to sort it out," Presley exined, sounding logical andposed.


    David thought it over and nodded, "Alright, it''s in your hands, Presley. We''re counting on you."


    "Okay, I''ll get moving. I''ll have my flight booked for tonight." Presley stood, exuding determination.


    David stood as well, giving a few more instructions before everyone in the room dispersed.


    "It''s odd. Presley''s not usually one to volunteer for a sticky situation," the assistant whispered to David once they were alone.


    David narrowed his eyes slightly and replied, "He handled all the materials for today''s pharmacy assessment, right?"


    The assistant considered it and nodded, "Yeah. Does that rte to why he took this on?"


    David got up, heading for the door, and said lightly, "It''s unrted. But Conrad''s cheating in the assessment definitely ties back to him."


    The assistant suddenly understood.


    So that''s why Presley was acting out of character-trying to sidestep the me.


    What a crafty fox, always plotting.


    The following day.


    Mirabe had just arrived at school when Zane called her to his office.


    "Shouldn''t signing the contract be something you and the school handle? Why do


    I have to be involved?" Mirabe asked, puzzled.


    Zane was organizing some paperwork and exined, "The Tech Institute specifically requested you because they have some system issues they need to discuss with you directly."


    Mirabe wasn''t thrilled about the idea.


    Seeing her reluctance, Zane coughed and said, "Most people would jump at the chance to get into the Tech Institute, and here you are, not interested."


    Mirabe waved her hand dismissively, "I''m a techie. I should stick to tech stuff. Dealing with people is just a waste of time."


    Zane''s lips twitched, "No way around it. They want you specifically. If you don''t go, the deal''s off, and so is the bonus."


    Mirabe: "?"