As soon as his words came out, Maggie froze, and so did Charlie. His face looked a bit unnatural.

"I stood up too suddenly." Maggie shook her head, "Besides, my hypoglycemia has been cured. Did you just try to give me candy?"

"No." Charlie straightened up and turned sideways.

"Luckily not." Maggie came back to her senses and stood up, "Cuz I've quit sugar."

Without saying another word, Charlie turned away.

Maggie followed him, "Charlie, I know that you won't agree with the previous commission. We've been working on a new proposal. I believe both parties will be satisfied after the discussion and a run-in period. We're long-time partners who know each other well. I don't want to see our cooperation end like this."

Charlie listened and replied, "I've told you the reason at our last meeting. If you want to continue the partnership, your priority is to address the problem in manpower rather than the proposal. Mr. Townsend turned a blind eye to it, but I won't. I need all partners to take full responsibility. No vendors are allowed to join in. On this point, I insist."

"The proposal is equally important."

"Can you guarantee that I'll agree after I read it?"

"Well, I can't." Maggie said honestly.

"Why should I waste my time?" Charlie asked back, "If the proposal can't impress me, whatever you do is futile, and I won't work with you."

...

They talked until they reached the gate of the community.

The security guard saw Charlie, about to greet him. Soon, he was stunned to see Maggie, "How did you get in..."

"As I said, we are friends." Maggie immediately stepped forward and held onto Charlie's arm, "See? Friends!"

Although Charlie stiffened involuntarily, he didn't shake off her hand.

"Oh, s… sorry." The security guard nodded awkwardly, "Good morning, Mr. Wilson."

"Mm." Charlie nodded lightly and looked down at that pair of hands that wrapped around his arm.

Maggie led him to her car and finally let go, "As I said, I'll ride you to work."

"My driver will be here in a minute." Charlie glanced at his arm and said blandly.

"Come on, get in the car. I rarely flatter anyone." Maggie said immediately, "What you just said, I've kept it in mind. The manpower issue will be reported to my boss, but I want to hear your opinions on the proposal." She pulled open the car door and gestured invitation.

Charlie sized up the car, "As far as I can remember, this is not your car."

"I knew you'd remember my car, so I switched it with Leighton." Maggie said, "I was afraid that you would run away after seeing my car."

Charlie paused from getting in the car, and his face fell. "This is Leighton's car?" He looked back at her and asked.

"Y… yeah, w… why?"

"Heh heh." Charlie snorted, "I almost forgot that you two are together." His driver drove over slowly. "My driver is here, so I won't bother you, Miss Ethel." Then he walked straight to the MPV.

"Charlie? Hey! Charlie!" Maggie called out. In front of her eyes, Charlie got in the car and left, "Denying a friend so fast!"

(To be continued)