Chapter 25: Why Is It You?

Chloe was suddenly stunned. The Winthrop Group? In her understanding, among all the medical businesses in Phoenix, there was only one family with the surname Winthrop. And she happened to have a conflict with that family. Thinking about this, Chloe furrowed her eyebrows, hoping she wouldn't be so unlucky to encounter the person she least wanted to see. Shortly after, the two arrived at the agreed-upon coffee shop. The representatives from the medicinal herbs merchant had not arrived yet. Chloe and Michael took the initiative to sit down, ordered two cups of coffee, and waited for the other party. After about fifteen minutes, there was a knock on the door. "They're here." Michael perked up, informing Chloe beside him. She nodded and stood up, saying, "Please come in." Soon, the door was pushed open, and a male voice sounded, "Sorry for being late." Chloe raised her eyes and looked ahead, only to meet eyes with Stella. Sighing inwardly, Chloe thought, "It seems that what I fear will come to pass." Stella was astonished, her eyes wide open. Her voice, driven by a mix of surprise and sharpness, exclaimed, "You... Chloe? Why is it you!" Hadn't she disappeared long ago? Why was she here! Seeing Stella's reaction, both Michael and Matthew were somewhat surprised. Michael, maintaining a friendly attitude as a potential business partner, inquired, "Miss Winthrop, do you know Dr. Stanhope?" Stella's expression changed again, "Dr. Stanhope?" "This is Dr. Chloe, the head of our research institute. She specially came with me today to demonstrate our institute's sincerity for the signing ceremony," Michael introduced. However, Stella's complexion became increasingly unsightly. She just wanted to know when Chloe had returned! In the morning, it was the first time in six years that Quintus had openly admitted his intention to dissolve their engagement. Was it related to Chloe? Did he... already know about Chloe's return? Moreover, had they already met? The more Stella thought about it, the more uneasy she became. Facing Chloe in front of her, her expression changed constantly. Compared to her, Chloe remained composed, as if it were the first time meeting Stella. She calmly pulled her lips into a slight smile and straightforwardly asked, "Miss Winthrop, do you still want to continue discussing our cooperation?" Hearing her voice, Stella abruptly snapped back to reality, giving Chloe a steady gaze for a few seconds. Her demeanor turned slightly cold, and her eyes took on a hint of playful expression. "Of course, Dr. Rawlins has worked hard for this contract, going back and forth with us for so long. Naturally, I won't let his efforts go to waste." As she spoke, she signaled the waiter and ordered four more cups of coffee. During the coffee preparation, Stella's gaze, slightly darkened, roamed over Chloe. Although she was unwilling to admit it, Chloe had changed a lot in six years. Unlike her previous cautious self, the current her, just sitting there, seemed to exude a sharpness that almost overshadowed both her beauty and aura. Meanwhile, Stella had changed nothing. The man she had almost had but slipped away; now, the hope was fading away. Realizing this, Stella clenched the hand placed under the table into a tight fist, filled with jealousy. "I'm very interested in cooperating with your institute. However, I felt that the price discussed previously wasn't quite suitable. Since Dr. Stanhope is here today as the head, I hope we can discuss the price matter further," Stella said with a professional smile, but her eyes were filled with coldness. Upon hearing this, Michael was about to speak, but Chloe stopped him and calmly asked, "So, Miss Winthrop, what is your suggestion?" "I hope to increase the price by 2% from the original one," Stella responded firmly, her expression unyielding.