"That’s not going to happen!" Sophie Wilson sneered, "I can’t let people sling mud at Mr. Seymour."

"I really want to see what’s going on with this bid, otherwise I’m totally in the dark." Sophie Wilson said and shot James Reed a fierce glare—bullying her is one thing, but trying to bully Mr. Seymour was beyond the pale!

James Reed was about to say something but was interrupted by Hayley Cole: "Precisely, we need to get to the bottom of it. How can the same situation lead to different outcomes!"

"Some people truly have connections that reach the heavens!" Hayley Cole mocked, turning to look at Jason Cole.

Upon meeting Jason Cole’s displeased look, Hayley Cole hesitated for a moment, but the bid situation was too much of a provocation for her, overshadowing any fear she had of Jason Cole.

She had embarrassed herself in front of James Reed!

And in such a big way, if she didn’t regain her face, how could she continue interacting with James Reed?

Their relationship had just started to make progress, should it regress now?

She didn’t want James Reed to think she was deceiving him.

The thought of James Reed being disgusted and resentful towards her made Hayley Cole forget everything else.

"I suggest you go through the proper complaint process." Jason Cole said.

"Not possible!" Hayley Cole immediately rebutted, "Why can’t we get an explanation? We just want to see why they won the bid."

Sophie Wilson scoffed on the side, "It’s the first time I’ve seen a bidding conference turn into a marketplace, it’s amusing."

Hayley Cole didn’t miss Sophie’s sarcastic words and immediately turned to ask in a snide tone, "What’s this? Feeling guilty?"

"I’m guilty of what?" Sophie Wilson replied in amusement, "Then let’s make it public, why did we win the bid, and see if there’s any favoritism involved!"

"If you still have objections, go file a complaint!" Sophie Wilson stood her ground, determined to just contend with Hayley Cole this time.

"Alright then!" Sophie Wilson’s response suited Hayley Cole’s wishes perfectly, "Then let’s announce now, why did Sophie Wilson win the bid?"

Edward Palmer listened and glanced nervously at their boss.

To him, it was clear this was Charles Seymour’s doing.

Otherwise, how could their boss have access to training camp connections?

Edward Palmer glanced at Lucy Wells next to him, who was quite composed, and quietly asked, "Aren’t you worried?"

If Charles Seymour really did pull strings, the scene could be quite ugly.

Everyone’s gaze shifted to Jason Cole, knowing full well the relationship between Jason and Hayley Cole; in this situation, it was all eyes on how Jason would handle it.

Jason Cole stared steadily at Hayley Cole, and just when she felt flustered and dared not meet his gaze, he finally spoke, "Alright, let me tell you the reason!"

Jason Cole turned to the person in charge of the bidding beside him.

The person understood and directly spoke, "Bids can have recommended candidates, among which Joya Grande Decor was recommended as the first choice."

All the company representatives were stunned.

What does being the first choice mean?

It means being the winner of the bid!

Why was Sophie Wilson’s company recommended as the first choice?

After a brief moment of stupor, Hayley Cole sneered, "So there really is something shady going on. I wonder how many benefits were given by Peace Group, how much money was thrown."