Samantha's face turned pale and her body trembled slightly.

Nicole laughed. "Samantha, if I expose this recording, the company will thoroughly investigate all the projects you handle. If so, you won't be able to stay in this industry anymore and might even be imprisoned. Are you really willing to give up your career for FH Corporation?"

Samantha would not give it up.

A trace of panic flashed in Samantha's eyes as her face paled. She immediately spoke with a respectful tone, "Nic- Vice President Nicole, I was too reckless earlier. FH Corporation's project isn't that great anyway, and that company is in fact already an empty shell..."

Nicole nodded with satisfaction. "Then don't mention the cooperation with FH Corporation in the future. I recognize your capability, but you have to use it for your own work. Don't worry about other companies."

"Yes, Vice President Nicole." Samantha stiffened slightly.

After dealing with Samantha, Nicole had to study J& L's project. Getting this project was imperative because, besides Eric's Ferguson Corporation, there was no other company that had a stronger background than Stanton Corporation to compete for this project.

Nicole found out that Ferguson Corporation did not intend to get involved in artificial intelligence , so she was confident about landing this deal.

The sky gradually dimmed. Logan came into Nicole's office with a stack of documents and said, "Ms. Nicole, J&L Corporation's dinner turned into a networking party. They invited a lot of people and intend to announce their project partners on their anniversary. They've sent us a VIP invite. Should I contact them beforehand?"

Nicole rubbed her temples. "J&L Corporation is pretty confident in their project. They know that they have a big slice of the pie and everyone's waiting to get a cut. There's no need to contact them in advance. We have the best conditions, so we'll just attend the party."

Logan nodded. "Yes, Vice President. Do you need me to arrange for a car to take you home?"

Nicole glanced at the time. It was indeed quite late. Just as she was about to leave work, there was a knock at the door. Ian stood there with a seductive smile and looked devilishly handsome. "Ms. Stanton, do I have the honor to invite you to dinner?"

Seeing the man, Nicole could not help but smile. "Of course, I 'd love for Second Young Master Carter to buy me dinner."

Logan wisely retreated.

Ian was a gentleman and went over to put on Nicole's coat, took her bag, and excitedly said, "I've driven away our biggest third wheel, Hugh, so we

can finally have some alone time today! "

Nicole rolled her eyes at Ian and did not take him seriously because Ian was always flirting and fooling around with countless women.

"I'm hungry. What are we eating?"

"There's a new lovers' restaurant in South City... " Before Ian could finish his words, Nicole swept a glance at him, so Ian continued, "...That I just opened, so let's go check it out."

Nicole strutted out in her stilettos. Ian followed closely behind her with a smug face.

The restaurant was on the top floor of the building that had a great view of the city. They could see the colorful neon lights scattered everywhere that showed the vibrance and opulence of the city.

Couples were dancing to the music on one side of the restaurant. It was such a romantic atmosphere that it was difficult not to get immersed into it.

Nicole finally had time to relax. The music that was playing was Nicole's favorite song and moved her soul, so she closed her eyes slightly to enjoy the moment. She suddenly smelled a faint floral fragrance. Once she opened her eyes, Ian handed her a bouquet with a charming smile on his face.

"For you, your favorite Swiss lilies."

Music and flowers were the gold standard for a lovers' restaurant, but Nicole did not have the slightest romantic thought about Ian.

She smiled and took the bouquet from him, then put it aside. "Thank you. Not bad for a lovers' restaurant.

The service is spot on! "

Ian stared at her blankly. 'She thinks that this is the standard service of this restaurant? This fresh bouquet was flown in from Switzerland this morning and the soil was still moist when I received it. Does she think that everyone can enjoy such an expensive service?'

He shook his head helplessly. 'Forget it...I have all the patience in the world! '

When the food was served, Nicole no longer immersed herself in the scenery and music and lowered her head to enjoy the food. Ian passionately introduced her to the specialties of each dish. The atmosphere was very cordial.

Nicole was not very particular about food. When Ian saw her eating, he was elated.

"Did you receive the flowers I sent to your office?" Nicole replied, "Mhmm, thanks."

Ian's face stiffened. "That's it? Shouldn't you ask why?"

"Second Young Master, pray tell..." Nicole looked puzzled. 'Was this not just a whim?'

"I'm courting you! " Ian was a little annoyed that Nicole was slow to get his intentions.

Nicole just let out a faint "oh", then wiped her mouth gently and said, "Sorry, but I don't accept it. Don't waste your time and energy on me."

Ian was angry. 'Such a straightforward rejection without even caring for my feelings?'

He looked at Nicole solemnly. "We're not friends anymore. From now on, I'm your suitor."

Nicole blinked. "Then let's stop contacting each other."

Not far away in a corner, Keith Ludwig snorted and said, "Look at those two people flirting with each other. What does Second Young Master Carter even see in such a woman?"

Opposite him, Eric Ferguson had a dull expression as he retracted his gaze. He looked down at the food in front of him and suddenly found it tasteless.