Chapter 48
Sitting down again, I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Nick found a seat beside me and leaned back slightly. “It’s been about a year since Fuller Corporation went public. On the surface, the company’s growth appears strong, with no major issues. But think about it—why would a short delay in the project you and Caleb handled cause such a significant financial loss? Do you really believe the delay in funds is solely because of rapid expansion?”
I frowned, pondering his words.
“If Fuller Corporation suffered such a heavy loss due to a delay in final payments, it suggests the company’s internal funds have already been stretched thin. Ashton isn’t partnering with AC Credit because if Fuller Corporation’s deficit is revealed in their audit report, the company’s stock prices will plummet, and investors will panic.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Wait, but Ashton didn’t directly appoint you for the audit. Besides, as a director of the company, don’t you think I’d know better?”
Nick smirked. “Scarlett, don’t jump to conclusions too quickly.”
Agitated, I rose to my feet and cut him off. “Since we opened the audit contract to bidding, we’ll see if Harrison Credit is capable of winning the project. As for Fuller Corporation’s financials, I think I understand them better than you do. You should head home and wait for the results, Mr. Harrison.”
Without waiting for his response, I walked out of the lounge and headed straight for my car. As I started the engine, Nick’s words echoed in my mind. There was some truth in what he said, but I couldn’t blindly believe it all. Fuller Corporation had suffered payment delays before, and this wasn’t out of the ordinary.
Still, I couldn’t dismiss the possibility that something was amiss.
When I arrived back at my office, I was surprised to see Jared waiting for me. He put down the magazine he was reading and greeted me casually. “How was the bidding?”
“It was alright.” I glanced at the lunch box on my desk, raising a brow. “What’s this?”
“Soup from Devon. It helps with morning sickness,” he explained, stepping forward to open the lid.
I recalled the soup he had given me earlier that morning. I hadn’t felt nauseous all day, so it must have been effective.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely before giving him a suspicious look. “Are you really here just to bring me soup?”
“Nope.” He was honest. “Have you decided which company to select after the bidding?”
I shook my head, feeling the weight of the decision. “I asked Stacey to prepare a more detailed report. Once she submits it, I’ll make my choice.”
Jared frowned slightly, seeming unconvinced. “Don’t you realize that if Harrison Credit doesn’t win, AC Credit will be the next best option?”
He wasn’t wrong. There was a strong chance AC Credit would be selected. Meeting his gaze, I asked, “What’s the real reason Ashton wants to move away from AC Credit?”
“You should ask him yourself,” Jared suggested. “There has to be a reason he’s considering Harrison Credit.”
This was all too complicated, and I didn’t want to dwell on it. Changing the subject, I said, “Once the bidding results are confirmed, I might need to go on a business trip. Could you prepare some medicine for me to take along?”
Traveling often left me exhausted, and Jared’s medical expertise might come in handy.
He nodded, then gestured toward the soup. “Drink that before it gets cold.”
Before I could take more than two sips, my phone rang. It was Macy. Since it was already afternoon, she must have just woken up.
As soon as I answered, she blurted out in panic, “Scarlett, I’m at the police station. Please come!”
I froze. “What? Why are you—”
Before I could ask further, the call ended.
Heart pounding, I grabbed my bag and rushed out of the office. Jared stopped me. “What’s wrong?”
“Macy’s at the police station. I have to go.”
“I’m coming with you.”
I didn’t argue. We arrived at the station together and spotted Macy in the observation area. A police officer approached us. “Are you Ms. Stovall?”
I nodded. “Yes. Why is Macy being detained? What happened?”
The officer’s expression was serious. “Ms. Markle is suspected of involvement in the illegal reselling of kyanine. We need to question her, and we ask for your cooperation, Ms. Stovall.”
My blood ran cold. Drugs? Macy?
Gripping the officer’s arm, I protested, “That’s impossible! Macy would never be involved in something like that. There must be a mistake!”
The officer furrowed his brows. “Ms. Stovall, please remain calm. We will conduct a thorough investigation. However, we do need to ask you a few questions, so we ask for your full cooperation.”