Return Of The Prodigy
Return of the Prodigy Chapter 122

Katie was at a loss over what the man had to say about her. She was utterly shocked. Moments later, she smiled grimly.

Did I really think this way? Why do I know nothing of it?

The man sighed and said, "Ms. Hartley, I didn't want to say it out loud. I only brought it up since you insisted. I hope you don't take it to heart." Katie and Adam were rendered speechless.

Adam did not know what to say. These people undoubtedly had an overactive imagination. They were so creative that they would have made excellent novelists. Robert was at a loss too.

Did she really plan on doing this? He had to agree it was a brilliant plan. She could become the president and win a few hearts over while she was at it. He was very impressed.

Since she was Adam's wife, she was no ordinary woman! Now that he knew what she was up to, he had to help keep up the act. Robert mentally prepared himself right away.

Katie said, "I'm sorry about giving you grief. I mean it. I only came today so that I could apply to join the Chamber of Commerce."

She paused before adding, "Mr. Chandler, here is the application for Hartley Group. Please consider our application. I have something to attend to, so I won't be staying" The moment she finished her sentence, she turned to leave.

Everyone was at a loss for words and kept staring at one another in shock.

Did she really have no intention of becoming the president?

Were they overthinking it?

Ryan snapped out of his shock and hurriedly said, "Ms. Hartley, one moment, please. You haven't taken your necklace yet."

Ryan ran after Katie anxiously leaving the people speechless.

Bruce suddenly laughed and said, "Do you think you're very smart? You're just a bunch of goons." He turned to leave the association as he laughed.

The crowd wore flushed faces. The situation was so awkward that they wanted to hide. Even though Katie treated them like her elders, they were unfit to be elders. It was utterly embarrassing. "Just leave. The meeting is over," said Bruce.

All the businessmen left the place awkwardly. Truth was, it was so embarrassing for them that they could not bear to linger.

Mr. Wilson was quietly standing in the crowd considering himself lucky. Katie had forgotten about him thanks to the argument. Otherwise, he could forget about ever joining the Chamber of Commerce considering Ryan's attitude toward Katie.

As the people dispersed, they avoided Mr. Wilson like a plague when he was still lost deep in thought.

"Mr. Wilson, thank you for offering to introduce the president, but I'll pass. Don't bother staying in touch. After all, we aren't friends." Mr. Brown chuckled and left.

People looked at Mr. Wilson pitifully shaking their heads as they left.

"Can you believe what he said about Ms. Hartley? Look who's laughing now?"

"He's the real idiot. How could someone like him even dream of joining the Chamber of Commerce?"

As the mockery continued, Mr. Wilson trembled before slumping onto the ground powerlessly. Meanwhile, inside the car.

Katie looked at the two boxes in her hand and did not know what to say. One box contained the necklace from Andrew while the other had a brand new necklace from Ryan. Even though it could not compare to Andrew's gift, it was dazzling and clearly cost a bomb. Even though Katie did not want to accept the new necklace, Ryan threatened to kneel if she refused. She had no choice but to accept it.

"Adam, has the world changed? Or am I missing something? Why did Ryan Chandler suddenly change his attitude towards me?" Katie was puzzled.

Adam smiled and replied, "He might have heard something and got scared."

"Did he have to get so scared?" Katie said powerlessly. "Why would I harm him for no reason? What could I do to him?"

"People tend to have cognitive inertia and see the world through their own perspective," Adam explained. "Since Ryan is a scheming man, he sees you in the same way. The same goes for those others at the chamber. In their eyes, every word you uttered and every expression on your face had a hidden meaning. It is completely normal for people to make conjectures. No one would believe you meant what you said."

Katie said sadly, "Do I have to become like them if I want to succeed?"

Adam shook his head and said, "Most people have no choice. They are like stones lying in the river. Even though they have no intention, the water will eventually wear them out."

Katie looked out the window at the passers-by. She said dejectedly, "Does this mean I have to become like them one day? I hate people like them. Do I really have to be like them?"

"No, you don't have to. You can do whatever you want. I will have your back even if I have to go against the tide!" Adam comforted her.

Adam's words sounded sweet and loving, Katie was instantly moved. It felt as though she was surrounded by love.

She rolled her eyes at Adam and whined shyly, "I don't recall you saying sweet nothings before. Did you find self-liberation because you reunited with your older sister?" "Don't you like it?" Adam said rhetorically.

Even if Katie did, she would never admit to it!

She changed the subject and said, "Accepting the necklace just doesn't feel right. When Annie goes to school tomorrow, I'll get her to return the necklace to Ryan's daughter."

Adam said, "Sure. Whatever you want. Then again, this is not considered a bribe. After all, you're not the president of the chamber. If you return the gift, Ryan might end up feeling worried and stressed out."

Katie knew what he meant, but she simply felt bad about accepting the necklace. She could not bring herself to do it.

"Why don't you donate it if you really don't want it? You can get rid of it and put the money to good use," Adam suggested.

Katie felt this was a great idea. Her mood lifted and even her voice sounded gentle. "That sounds perfect."

Thirty minutes later, the two of them arrived at Hartley Group. The moment they entered through the door, the receptionist came over and said, "Ms. Hartley, a pretty woman came looking for..."

The receptionist suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Katie asked quizzically, "A pretty woman? Was she looking for me?"

The receptionist shook her head and glanced at Adam furtively.

Katie promptly froze and turned to look at Adam. "Is she here for you?"

Adam raised his brow and replied immediately, "Impossible. I don't know this woman."

His words had only just landed when a beautiful silhouette appeared, and a bright and melodious tone drifted...

"Are you Adam Drake?"

Katie glanced toward the voice and instantly frowned. She could not help feeling tense and apprehensive.

Adam also frowned as he looked at the unknown woman intently!