He Does Not Deserve My Devotion-Chapter 24: Did She Offend Someone from the Sinclair Family?

Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Did She Offend Someone from the Sinclair Family?

Despite Declan Grant’s warnings, Nina Walsh insisted on going to the Lawson Group.

Too worried to let her go alone, Declan Grant drove her to the Lawson Group himself.

At the entrance to Lawson Tower, Nina Walsh ran into Leo Lloyd and Michelle Quinn.

Leo Lloyd saw Nina and rushed over. "Ms. Walsh, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you all day."

"I’m sorry, Mr. Lloyd. I got held up," Nina apologized.

Michelle Quinn noticed Nina looked unwell, so she didn’t press for details. "We can talk about it later. Let’s focus on solving the problem at hand."

Today was the Lawson Group’s bidding meeting. Michelle Quinn had arrived early, hoping to cheer Nina on.

But Nina was nowhere to be seen. Instead, she found Leo Lloyd pacing anxiously with his team and the samples. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

As her best friend, Michelle Quinn didn’t hesitate to stand in for Nina, helping Leo Lloyd see the entire bidding meeting through to the end.

Michelle told Nina, "At the bidding meeting this morning, everyone from the Lawson Group was impressed the moment they saw the physical samples. They immediately said they loved your design. After the meeting, they even asked me and Manager Lloyd to stay behind to discuss the details of the partnership. We didn’t sign the contract then and there because you weren’t present."

"But then, an hour ago, we got a call from the manager at Lawson Group. We didn’t get it. They completely changed their tune, showing a total lack of integrity. I was just about to go in and demand an explanation," Michelle said furiously.

After hearing the whole story, Nina understood. ’This has to be Aiden Sinclair’s doing.’

Unwilling to accept such an outcome, Nina led her team into Lawson Tower.

Leo Lloyd found the project manager and put on an accommodating smile. "Manager Wang, didn’t you say this morning that you wanted to partner with us for the collaboration? Our General Manager is here now, so we can sign the contract."

Manager Wang rubbed his nose awkwardly. "I’m sorry. Your design is exceptional, but after further consideration, the company has decided that your qualifications and resources are insufficient."

’Those are just excuses. The real reason is that someone told the Lawson Group not to work with her.’

"Is Mr. Lawson in? I can present our product to him in person. We’re also willing to lower our price by another three percent," Nina pressed.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Lawson is out of the office on a business trip."

Without a signed contract, it wasn’t technically a breach of faith, and Nina couldn’t hold anyone accountable. After he finished speaking, Manager Wang gestured for them to leave.

With no other choice, Nina could only lead her team out.

"You guys go on ahead. I’m going to the restroom."

Michelle went to the restroom. When she got back in the elevator, she didn’t press the button for the first floor. Instead, she pressed 16—the floor of Cameron Lawson’s office.

Her first job after graduation had been at the Lawson Group; she knew the layout of this building by heart.

The elevator doors opened, and Secretary Lynch from the CEO’s office saw her, surprised. "Deputy Director Quinn?"

Michelle Quinn smiled. "I resigned last year. Linn, is Mr. Lawson in his office?"

"Yes, he is..."

Michelle was in a hurry. Before Secretary Lynch could finish her sentence, she had already pushed open the door to the CEO’s office.

Behind the desk, Cameron Lawson was sitting in his executive chair, with a woman nestled up against him.

She had long, wavy hair, a slender waist, and prominent curves. Her white blouse was unbuttoned twice, revealing an ample bust and deep cleavage.

Michelle leaned against the door, her tone teasing, "Mr. Lawson, I hope I’m not interrupting your ’business trip’ on this big leather chair?"

Cameron Lawson glanced up at her, then said to the woman beside him, "Director Dalton, you can leave the materials here. You’re dismissed."

"Of course, Mr. Lawson."

Director Dalton straightened up and sashayed out on her high heels. She made a point of locking eyes with Michelle as she passed.

Michelle closed the door, strode forward, and planted her hands on the desk. "Why did you go back on your word? Maelie clearly won today. Nina’s design is absolutely top-notch."

Michelle’s fury took Cameron by surprise. "Why are you so upset? Is this Nina person that important to you?"

"I’m not just angry because Nina is my best friend! I’m angry because the Lawson Group has abandoned its integrity, disregarded fairness, and is maliciously crushing a smaller company!" Michelle raged.

"If the Lawson Group is so contemptible, why did you turn down other companies and insist on working here back then?" Cameron retorted.

Michelle was at a loss for words. After taking a moment to calm down, she asked, "Then tell me. What was today really about?"

Not wanting to be the scapegoat, Cameron didn’t hide the truth. "You should go ask your friend if she’s offended someone from the Sinclair Family."

Michelle froze. She was about to press him for more details when her phone rang. It was Nina, rushing her.

Michelle answered the call, turned, and walked out of Cameron’s office.

...

Michelle rushed downstairs and met up with Nina. The entire group looked dejected and miserable, especially Nina. She was swaying under the scorching sun, barely able to stay on her feet.

Nina had spent the last few days carefully reviewing Maelie’s accounts. It wasn’t just that cash flow was tight; the company was saddled with a mountain of debt. If a few of their long-term suppliers decided to call in their debts, Maelie would go bankrupt instantly.

Losing a major client like the Lawson Group left Maelie’s future looking incredibly bleak.

Declan Grant said to Nina, "Try not to think about work. Nina, you need to get some proper rest. Why don’t you come stay at my place?"

Not wanting to be a burden, Nina refused. "That’s not necessary. I can stay at the office."

Brandon Grant was still worried. "You’re in no condition to be alone. You need someone to look after you."

Michelle said, "Lemon, you look exhausted. Stop trying to act tough. Today wasn’t your fault, so don’t blame yourself. Dr. Grant, let Lemon stay at my place. Don’t you worry."

And just like that, Nina moved into Michelle’s small apartment.

Nina collapsed onto the sofa and closed her eyes, looking completely drained.

Michelle poured her a glass of water. "What happened to you? Where’s the energetic Nina I used to know?"

Without opening her eyes, Nina said listlessly, "Shelly, I’m just so tired."

Michelle sat down beside her. She chose her words carefully. "Lemon... do you know someone from the Sinclair Family?"

Nina’s eyes snapped open, and she stared at Michelle.

Michelle told her what Cameron Lawson had said.

"Lemon... did you really go abroad to study for the past few years? Be honest with me. Did the Sheridan Family lock you up somewhere?"

Michelle finally voiced the suspicion she’d held for so long.

They had been inseparable for all three years of high school, and even after going to different universities, they had remained in close contact.

But five years ago, Nina had suddenly vanished. Michelle searched for her everywhere. If she had really gone abroad to study, how could she have left absolutely no trace?

Besides, Nina’s mother had been sick in the hospital back then. How could Nina possibly abandon her mother to study abroad, not even returning for a final goodbye?

No matter how Michelle thought about it, she could only come to one conclusion: Nina hadn’t been able to come back. She’d been trapped.

"Shelly," Nina whispered, gripping Michelle’s hand as tears streamed down her face.

"I’m pregnant..."