Chapter 98 Setback 
Emelie was confused. 
Bryan seemed very interested in her joining the company at the beginning of their negotiation. Even last night, he reminded her not to forget the conditions they discussed. 
Why did he politely decline her today? 
What Emelie didn’t know was that her troubles were just beginning. 
Emelie dragged her suitcase and took a taxi back to her apartment. 
As soon as she unlocked the door, she heard a bang, which startled her. 
The next moment, colorful confetti rained down, and Mona cheered, “Congratulations, Emelie. You’ve finally escaped your suffering!” 
Emelie chuckled. “You’re exaggerating. Why did you even buy confetti poppers? I thought something exploded.” 

Mona grinned. “I calculated it. Tomorrow is Saturday, and your contract expires today. Shouldn’t I celebrate properly for you?” 
She took Emelie’s suitcase and asked, “So, have you settled everything with William? Are you going your separate ways now?” 
“We’ve settled it.” Emelie didn’t mention what happened on the ship. 
“There were parting gifts when we disembarked–towels, bathrobes, and slippers from the ship’s hotel. 
“They were good quality, so I asked for an extra set for you.” 
Mona beamed. “You’re truly the best friend! Go rest for a bit. I’ll cook dinner tonight.” 
She planned to start by making chicken soup. 
It was almost time to prepare the ingredients, so she went to the kitchen. 
Emelie tidied up the contents of her suitcase. 
Then, she poured herself a glass of water to take her medicine and scrolled through her phone on the 
sofa. 
Coincidentally, Samuel sent her a/WhatsApp message, reminding her that she hadn’t fully recovered from her illness and should continue taking her medicine. 
Emelie smiled and replied, “I know.” 
Emelie clicked into her social feed and saw a post from Samuel two minutes ago, featuring a picture of the moon taken on the deck, with a caption also referencing the moon. 
She casually liked the post. 
Scrolling down, she noticed a post from Vivian Ellis, who worked in HR at Vertex Capital Holdings. 
At that moment, Mona emerged from the kitchen and sat before her. “Emelie, so you’ve decided to join Vertex Capital Holdings, right?” 
Emelie nodded. “Yes.” 
She already had extensive discussions with Vivian, clearly stating that she would sign with them once her contract with Cloudex Corporation expired. 
“Then you’ll have to move to Coastalburg. Mona pouted. “Ah, we’ve never been apart for so many years. Suddenly, you’re leaving, and it makes me feel a bit sad.” 
“Coastalburg and Capebatt City are neighbors. We can meet in just an hour by high–speed rail, which isn’t much different from our usual commute time. 
“Not to mention, on weekends or if we finish work early, we can always meet up for dinner,” Emelie said with a smile. 
Mona’s mood was lifted. “I feel much better now.” 
Vivian’s post mentioned the end of work and two days off, asking if anyone wanted to make plans for 
tomorrow. 
The location tag was a hotel in Capebatt City. 
Emelie thought momentarily and then opened a private chat with her. 
“I saw your post just now. I know a restaurant specializing in Capebatt City cuisine with authentic flavors. How about I’ll treat you to lunch tomorrow?” 
Vivian responded with a few shy emojis. “You’re too kind.” 
Emelie replied, “That restaurant serves great food. I always recommend it to friends visiting from out of town.” 
Vivian chuckled. “Haha, sounds good. I’ll gladly accept.” 
“See you tomorrow,” Emelie said. 
The restaurant Emelie mentioned was 1215 Bistro. 
They specialized in Capebatt City cuisine and were located in an ancient mansion with a history of 35 
years. 
It was renowned as the pinnacle of Capebatt City cuisine. 
“This taste is just alright, Elias/commented after trying their signature dish, the Spicy Seafood Gumbo. 
He glanced across the table at William and took a sip of his tea. 

After they got off the ship to have dinner, Elias casually asked, “Isn’t the person you were texting in the car earlier Mr. Brown from Vertex Capital Holdings? Aren’t you supposed to be rivals?” 
Chapter 90 Setback 
Why did they even start talking? 
William smiled. “In the business world, aren’t we all friends and enemies simultaneously?” 
That was true. 
Elias glanced at the dishes before him and forced himself to take a few more bites. 
At around 10:00 am the following day, as Emelie was getting ready to meet up, she remembered she hadn’t told Vivian the name and address of the restaurant. 
She swiftly sent the location over. 
However, Vivian responded with several crying emojis. 
Her reply read, “I’m sorry, Ms. Hoven, I just received an urgent task from the company, and I have to return 
to Coastalburg now. I won’t be able to make it for lunch.”