A Vengeful Ex-Wife novel Chapter 84

The office was silent for a while, and things were somewhat depressing. Summer was trying to recall what she did wrong that pissed James off.

After a bit, James said in a flat tone, "This project isn't suitable for YL Group. HM Group is far more experienced at charity projects than YL Group. Not to mention they turn a tidier profit doing it. We can work with them and cut YL Group out this time. As for them..." The man tapped his fingertips on the back of the chair and continued, "Give YL Group another project as compensation."

Lorenzo and Summer exchanged glances with each other, wondering whether that was the real reason. Neither of them could think of a better partner in this than YL Group.

They didn't understand what was on James' mind. HM Group was a large and powerful organization, but the bid they put in wasn't as good or as comprehensive as that of YL Group. YL Group even included a timeline and a possible expansion of services.

They couldn't help wondering what happened to James.

Summer advised him as best she could. "Mr. Xi, I read over that project proposal YL Group sent over. I think they did a better job than HM Group in terms of medical equipment and children's psychological guidance. Is there some compelling reason you don't want to work with them?"

James knew better than anyone else what Summer meant. Thinking of Maria, his eyes darkened. "Just do as I say."

It's all thanks to Maria. He cursed her name inwardly.

"Yes, Mr. Xi." Lorenzo nodded and left.

In Miracle Cafe, Maria was working as usual.

After washing her hands, Maria came to the bar counter and saw a barista creating latte art. She walked over and asked "Hey, Mike. Thinking of entering the latte art competition at the end of the year?

Mike nodded with embarrassment. "Yeah, but I'm not good enough..."

He'd been at it for several years, which made him a little better than the normal baristas. But he was far from talented enough to enter his work in a competition.

Maria dried her hands and took the tools from him. "Let's see if I can give you a few pointers."

"Okay!" "The first thing is make sure you've textured your milk just right. And you want to clear

anything that's settled on the top with some cream first. Pour from a little higher up to clear that up. To make it look just right, pour directly into the center of the cup, following the

centerline all the way down..." Maria taught him earnestly, step by step, and Mike listened to her carefully.

After he finished a lovely-looking leaf using her

guidelines, Mike was about to ask the cafe

assistant to bring it to the guest, but they were all busy taking orders. Maria wiped her hands and said, "Leave it to me."

"Thanks, Maria. It's for table No. 12."

"You're welcome." Maria took the tray and walked towards table No. 12.

There were three girls sitting there, chattering eagerly. When Maria came to bring them coffee, they were discussing the rumors about James. "Lydia accidentally saw the marks on Mr. Xi's back. How embarrassing! We thought it was from Mr. Xi's one-night stand. It turns out Alina Tang gave him those scratches. Who knew she was that wild?" one asked.

"Who told you she did it? I heard it was someone else," another remarked.

"Alina Tang admitted it herself. Well, her friend did, anyway—"

Maria interrupted them intentionally. "Excuse me. Here are the lattes you ordered." She didn't like them talking about James and Alina.

The three women said "thank you" without raising their heads. Then they continued to gossip. "And the bite mark on Mr. Xi's lip? That was Alina too, apparently."