“Um…” Benjamin looked at Emmeline.

Emmeline said nothing.

“This isn’t our problem really,” said Benjamin. “I can’t promise anything until I’ve talked things through with them.”

“Very well.” Flynn nodded. “I can wait.”

Evelyn whispered, “But Flynn, a three-percent increment is too much.”

“I know, but what choice do we have?” an upset Flynn said, “Either this, or we lose our supply, and our production line becomes a liability.”

“That’s not good.” Evelyn quickly said, “Those things cost hundreds of millions.”

“You’re not a total fool.” Flynn turned to Benjamin. “Mr. York, we have a deal. But please help us with the other partners.”

“Very well.” Benjamin nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Janie whipped out the contract and handed it to Flynn, then they signed the new deal. Evelyn heaved a sigh of relief, but Flynn still looked miffed. This battle ended with a loss, and the one who beat him was Emmeline herself. He noticed Benjamin looking to her for permission, which meant she was the one behind this. Once they left the golf court and got into the car, Flynn said, “This isn’t over yet. Far from it.”

“What do you need me to do, Flynn?” Evelyn quickly asked.

“Emmeline started this,” said Flynn. “You’ll have to talk to her if you want this to end. We mustn’t get on her bad side, or we’re going to lose a lot more ground.”

“Are you sure she’s that powerful?” Evelyn frowned. She didn’t think that was possible. “You don’t think she’s some sort of mastermind, do you?”

“No way.” Flynn sneered. “It’s all Abel. He’s doing this because he likes her.”

“Good.” Evelyn sneered. “Then I’m going to ask her out for a meal and punish her for doing this. And I’m going to use her.”

“Don’t do anything stupid, Evelyn,” said Flynn angrily. “I don’t mind you taking her out for lunch or anything. It’d be best if she can help us with Benjamin, but don’t you dare do anything stupid, or we’re done for.”

“I know. I won’t do anything stupid, so don’t worry.” Or so she said, but then she sneered. You’re not getting away with this just like that, Emmeline.

It was already noon when the Murphy siblings left, so Benjamin asked Abel and Emmeline to have lunch with them. Everyone went to a room in the Struyria Banquet. While the men were out smoking, Janie asked, “Mr. Ryker seems to be smothering you. He’s recovered?”

Emmeline blushed and stared at the ground. “Smothering doesn’t begin to describe it. He said he loves me more than ever.”

“Good,” said Janie. “We were all worried sick about him.”

“Let’s not talk about me,” whispered Emmeline. “So what’s the situation between you and Ben?”

Janie smiled. “The usual.”

“Janie, your efforts will not go to waste,” said Emmeline. “He’s human too. He has a heart, and I know it.”

“Yeah.” Janie nodded. “At least he lets me stay with him, and he’d want me by his side whenever he needed company. Just like earlier. I’m happy with that.”

“Good luck,” said Emmeline. “He’s a good man. If you let any other woman take him away, I’m going to deck you.”

“Don’t worry,” said Janie. “I’ll make him mine.”

“That’s the Janie I know.” Emmeline smiled. “I’ll help you when you need it.”

“Thanks.” Janie nodded.

The men came back, and the ladies exchanged a look and said nothing more