Chapter 43
I nodded as my head buzzed slightly. After reviewing Fuller Corporation’s financial statements, I moved on to Quinn Corporation’s.
Noticing my constant yawning, Stacey brought me a cup of coffee and asked, “By the way, Ms. Stovall, will the company’s external audit be given to AC Credit or Harrison Credit?”
Thinking about this made my head spin. The middle-aged man from yesterday had instructed me to hold a tender, but everything else was left frustratingly vague.
Perhaps I could use this to my advantage. After a moment of contemplation, I asked, “How long will the audit take?”
“In previous years, it took about half a month, but I think this year it’ll take at least one month!” Stacey replied while placing the audit reports from the past years on my desk.
I gave them a cursory glance, already feeling a pounding headache. “How much time do we have left this year?” I queried. Since Fuller Corporation was a listed company, the audit had to be published on the Economic Network upon completion. Stockholders and investors were waiting for the results.
“Not much, just about one and a half months. But Fuller Corporation has branch offices in other provinces. Although you don’t need to visit every branch, you’ll still need to inspect a few to fully grasp the situation.”
I nodded and put the documents aside. Checking the time and realizing it was already noon, I turned to Stacey and instructed, “I need to meet with the president of Harrison Credit. Schedule an appointment for me—the sooner, the better.”
“Understood!” She paused briefly before adding, “Do you still want to see the president of AC Credit?”
I hadn’t planned on it, but after last night’s incident, I couldn’t shake the suspicion that AC Credit might be scheming to secure this deal.
After a moment of thought, I said, “Yes, I’ll see him. Did AC send someone over again today?”
“Well…” Stacey hesitated before revealing, “The president of AC Credit, Thomas Lowe, is waiting in the reception area downstairs.”
The president himself? That confirmed it—Fuller Corporation’s audit was indeed a big catch.
“Book a table at a nearby restaurant,” I instructed while grabbing my bag. “Quickly. I’ll head downstairs to meet Mr. Lowe.”
“Yes!” Stacey rushed off to make the arrangements.
Once out of my office, I made my way to the reception area on the first floor. Fuller Corporation’s headquarters occupied an enormous office building, and given the company’s abundant funds, a luxurious and relaxing reception lounge was set up in the lobby to accommodate guests.
Most employees were out for lunch, so the space was fairly empty. The moment I arrived, my eyes landed on a middle-aged man seated on a black leather sofa.
Thomas Lowe looked like an exuberant person, appearing fit for his age. Upon seeing me, he immediately rose to his feet, extending a hand with a polite smile. “Ms. Stovall, I’m Thomas Lowe, the founder of AC Credit. I appreciate you taking the time to meet me.”
I returned his smile and shook his hand. “I apologize for the wait, Mr. Lowe. Things have been quite hectic. I only managed to find time now.” Checking my watch, I looked back at him. “Since it’s lunchtime, would you care to join me for a meal?”
He smiled subtly and nodded. “That would be lovely, Ms. Stovall. Thank you for the invitation.”
We refrained from discussing business on the way to the restaurant Stacey had pre-booked. Instead, Thomas engaged in light conversation, sharing amusing anecdotes from his personal life.
Observing his approach, I remained silent, merely listening to his stories. It felt more like a friendly gathering than a business meeting.
After some time, he finally broached the subject. “Ms. Stovall, I understand that you’re overseeing Fuller Corporation’s audit this year?”
I nodded. “Yes. Since the company went public, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Quinn have been tied up with other matters, so I’ve temporarily taken over this project.”
He smiled knowingly. “For years, Fuller Corporation’s audits have been handled by AC Credit, and now…”
He trailed off, but his meaning was clear. With an amicable smile, I replied, “Fuller Corporation and AC Credit have had a long-standing partnership. Logically speaking, AC should remain in charge. However, since the contract has expired, company protocol dictates that we hold a bidding event. Of course, I sincerely hope that AC and Fuller Corporation will continue working together.”
Thomas’s expression remained neutral, but I caught the flicker of reluctance in his eyes. Still, he maintained his polished demeanor. “Mm. We also look forward to collaborating with Fuller Corporation again.”
After lunch, I accompanied him to the exit, watching as he left. Stacey, who had been waiting beside me, finally spoke up. “Ms. Stovall, didn’t Mr. Fuller want this year’s audit to go to Harrison Credit? Why are we holding a bidding event?”
“If we skip the bidding process, Fuller Corporation risks offending not just AC Credit, but several other audit firms as well,” I explained. “AC has been in this business for a long time, and they’ve been our auditor for years. If we abruptly terminate our partnership, do you think they won’t retaliate by raising issues regarding our past audits?”
Another reason I agreed to meet Thomas was to assess whether he had any connection to last night’s incident. Judging by his reaction to the bidding event, he seemed genuinely displeased. That reluctance made me doubt his involvement.
Still, I couldn’t be too sure. I needed to keep my guard up.
Stacey frowned slightly, nodding in understanding. “Then, why didn’t Mr. Fuller…”