Chapter 142
Izzy flipped through the reports, her eyes scanning the latest updates while the quiet hum of the plane filled the cabin. The business–class seat was comfortable, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere.
She already knew what was waiting for her in Macau.
She recalled her conversation with Anna before they boarded.
“The subcontractors handling the structural framework are threatening to pull out,” Anna had said, flipping through her
notes.
Izzy had frowned. “Why?”
Anna handed her a document. “Officially, they’re citing ‘unforeseen circumstances‘–labor shortages, material delays, unexpected costs. But unofficially, someone is pressuring them to back out.”
Izzy had scanned the report, her fingers gripping the edges of the paper. “Who?”
Anna had exhaled. “No confirmed names yet, but the site manager mentioned that a few of our contractors were approached by third–party ‘consultants‘ who suggested it might be in their best interest to walk away.”
Izzy had narrowed her eyes. “Bribes or threats?”
“Could be both.” Anna had tapped at her screen. “And that’s not all. The local labor union suddenly raised concerns about safety compliance. They’re requesting an independent inspection, which–if prolonged–could stall construction for weeks.”
Izzy had leaned back in her chair, processing the information. “So, subcontractors are hesitating, and now we’re being hit with labor disputes?”
Anna had nodded. “It’s too coordinated to be a coincidence.”
That conversation replayed in Izzy’s mind as she turned another page in the report.
Someone was interfering with her project. For now, she had no clue who it was.
Anna, seated beside her, was typing on her laptop, cross–checking supplier contracts.
Izzy closed the folder and rested her head against the seat. She didn’t need to guess what was happening.
Someone wanted to see her fail.
And she was going to find out who.
After a grueling 18–hour flight, the two finally arrived in Macau and were welcomed by Serena.
“Miss… here are the updates on the current problem,” Serena said, handing her a tablet.
Izzy took the tablet from Serena and scrolled through the latest updates. The more she read, the deeper her frown became. The situation had worsened.
The subcontractors who had initially hesitated were now officially pulling out. The safety inspection was no longer just a request–it had been escalated into a full audit by the local labor authorities. Equipment deliveries were delayed at customs, and a last–minute supplier change had left them scrambling for materials.
She exhaled sharply, her grip tightening around the device. This wasn’t just an inconvenience anymore. Operations had come to a complete halt.
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Chapter 142
Anna was already pulling out her phone, fingers moving quickly as the messaged the seats on–line
“Serena, when did this escalate? Izzy anked
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Serena adjusted her blazer, her expression tene. “Within the law twelve hours. The moment word got out that you were coming, the pressure increased. Two of our subcontractors officially withdrew, and three others are reassessing their contracts. She tapped her tablet. “We have to meet with the site managers immedinery
Izzy nodded and handed the device back to Serena “Where’s the inspection team now?”
“At the site. They arrived this morning,”
Izzy clenched her jaw. Whoever was behind this wasn’t wasting time. This wasn’t a natural business obstacle–it was targeted interference. Someone wanted to cripple her project, and they were doing a damn good job of it
Was it Cecil? Impossible. She’s currently busy with that scandal. Then was it Calen? No. He wouldn’t be that foolish or would
he?
She took a deep breath, centering her thoughts. The timing was too perfect. The moment the set foot in Macau, everything escalated. Moreover, she’s currently alone.
Liam would have been here with her if things had gone according to plan. But his return to Europe had been unavoidable. His own project had faced setbacks after he rushed back to the US. when she was hospitalized. She had insisted that he go, but now, with everything falling apart, she hated that he wasn’t here.
Not that she couldn’t handle this on her own.
Izzy adjusted the strap of her bag and straightened her posture. “Call an emergency meeting with the site managers. I want to know exactly who is stalling and why. If subcontractors are backing out, we need replacements lined up immediately.”
Anna nodded, already dialing
Serena checked her watch. “We should head straight to the site. The sooner we show presence, the better.”
Izzy turned toward the exit of the airport, her heels clicking against the polished floor. “Then let’s not waste time.”
Izzy had barely taken a step toward the car when a voice cut through the air behind her.
“Oh my… what a coincidence.”
She turned, her expression already tight with irritation. Standing a few feet away, dressed sharply as ever, was Frederik Vasili. He had one hand in his pocket, the other resting casually at his side, looking completely at ease.
To her surprise, Serena reacted first. “Mr. Vasili,” she acknowledged, her posture straightening.
Izzy’s brows furrowed slightly. Serena knew him?
Frederik’s gaze flicked to Serena, recognition flashing in his eyes. “Serena, it’s been a while. I should’ve known you’d be working with Miss Rossi.” He smirked before his attention shifted to Izzy. “I was just here to send off a friend, but imagine my surprise when I saw you.”
His eyes gleamed with something close to amusement. “Tell me, Izzy, are you stalking me?”
Izzy snorted and turned back toward the car. “Anna, get in.”
Frederik chuckled, clearly entertained. “That’s cold.” He took a step closer. “You know, I actually forgot to have my car arranged. Since we’re all heading into the city, I wouldn’t mind sharing a ride.”
Izzy stopped mid–step. She turned back, her gaze sharp. “We’re in a hurry.”
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Chapter 142
Frederik tilted his head slightly, his smirk unfazed.
Izzy didn’t wait for a response. She turned to Serena. “Get in the car”
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Frederik watched, clearly entertained by the exchange. “Such a shame,” he mused. “I was looking forward to catching up?
However, Izzy simply ignored him and stepped inside, slamming the door shut.
Sadly, Serena was different. She hesitated, clearly torn. Moments after Izzy settled inside, she knocked on the window.
Izzy rolled it down. “What is it?”
Serena shifted uncomfortably. “Miss, Mr. Vasili is a close friend of Mr. Lin. If–if you don’t mind-”
Izzy swallowed, her gaze flicking between Serena and Frederik. With a slow nod, she exhaled sharply. She had more pressing matters to handle, and Frederik was already testing her patience. This man is seriously getting into her nerves!
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