# Chapter 38: Cooperation
The second floor of the banquet hall was a world apart from the chaos below. While Ingrid's face had turned the group of gossiping girls into silent statues, Grant Stanton was leading Nicole toward a quieter, more significant encounter.
The man waiting for them was unmistakably Gerard Lichman, the engineering genius behind J&L Technologies. Dressed in an expensive black shirt that seemed to clash intentionally with the formal atmosphere, he had the untamable look of a man who played by his own rules. When his eyes landed on Nicole, there was appreciation there—but it was measured, respectful. He didn't leer like other men did. He *assessed*.
"Ms. Nicole, you're not only beautiful but also capable. I hope you don't mind that I postponed our dinner in favor of this banquet."
Nicole's smile was polished steel wrapped in silk. "Of course not. Congratulations on J&L's fifth anniversary. I hope we'll be able to work together happily in the years to come."
*Double entendre*. She was already negotiations, not pleasantries.
Grant gave her a reassuring glance before excusing himself. Then it was just her and Gerard, standing under the ambient lights of the quiet second floor. The burgundy liquid in Gerard's glass swirled like a slow storm.
So he asked her directly: "Ms. Nicole, why are you so confident about this cooperation?"
She didn't flinch. Her hair fell across her forehead in a wave, and she tucked it behind her ear with deliberate grace. "Mr. Lichman, my terms are sincere. Compared to every other investor, Stanton Corporation is the most suitable partner. Those who can pay more than us can't offer the same long-term vision. And those who can offer more benefits simply don't have the capital."
She leaned in slightly, her eyes sharp and alluring at once. "We don't expect J&L to profit in five years. We're looking at the next decade—and we intend to be the ones who determine the level of AI development in this world."
Her boldness worked. The playfulness in Gerard's eyes faded, replaced by genuine solemnity. He bowed his head, considering.
Then he dropped a bomb: "Vice President Nicole, would you mind participating in a three-way partnership with another company?"
Nicole's confidence barely cracked. "Who else?"
She couldn't imagine anyone more fitting than Stanton Corporation. So when Gerard raised his glass, pointing behind her, and she heard slow, deliberate footsteps approaching...
Her heart skipped a beat.
The air went silent. She turned, glass in hand, and her polished smile froze on her face.
There he was. Eric Ferguson. Dressed in a black suit that matched the night itself. His presence was cold, commanding, and utterly unexpected. His gaze lingered on her for a few seconds before greeting Gerard without missing a beat.
Gerard's eyes bounced between the two of them, clearly sensing the charged air. "I suppose I don't need to introduce you both. Ms. Nicole, my apologies for not telling you in advance—but regardless of who our final partner is, Ferguson Corporation will be involved."
He chuckled at her stunned expression. "You see, Mr. Ferguson has been funding all my projects as an angel investor from the very beginning."
The words hung in the air like a challenge.
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**Reader's Impressions & Star Rating**
*This chapter was a masterclass in tension and setup. The confrontation between Nicole and Gerard was sharp and intelligent—she's not just a beautiful face; she's a strategic powerhouse. But the twist at the end was absolutely brilliant. Eric Ferguson's unexpected appearance completely shifted the power dynamics, and the way Gerard casually revealed that Eric has been his angel investor all along was a gut punch. The chemistry between Nicole and Eric is palpable even in this professional setting, and their history hangs in the air like a ghost. The chapter leaves you hungry for more.*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
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**Next Chapter Prediction**
The partnership negotiation just became a three-way chess match. Nicole is now forced to collaborate—or compete—with the ex-husband she thought she'd left behind. Expect a tense, emotionally charged meeting where their past relationship will inevitably clash with business demands. Will Nicole walk away from the deal, or will she be forced to work side-by-side with Eric? And Gerard—is he a neutral third party, or does he have his own agenda for bringing these two together?