CHAPTER 372: CHAPTER 372: DIFFICULT TIMES

Ethan Sterling spent a week recuperating at home, but he went on a business trip the very next day after returning to work.

Ruby Sullivan has been extremely busy lately because several well-known domestic factories collectively breached their contracts. As a result, the delivery of "Angel Smile" is looking to be delayed. Even though she had stated during the pre-sale that she retained the final interpretation right for the delivery date, if the series cannot be launched soon, the biggest impact will be on Nirvana.

Not only is there an issue with the perfume, but the production lines for handmade soaps and aromatic candles have also encountered problems.

The factories breached the contracts without reason, although they promised to pay contract penalties.

If it were the off-season, they might get by, but the Double Twelve shopping spree along with the Christmas sales peak is right around the corner. If the factories refuse to fulfill the orders as per the agreements during this period, the blow to "Nirvana" would undoubtedly be fatal.

Moreover, the turbulent changes in the domestic market directly affect her collaboration with Alex. Initially, Nirvana held significant influence in this partnership, but now, amidst the domestic sales downturn and her proposed risk management schemes, there’s been no feedback from the other side.

Ruby Sullivan was so troubled that several sores appeared in her mouth, and they haven’t healed—seemingly on the brink of ulcers.

Now, she was sitting in the car eating bread, and just as she took a bite, she saw Mr. Roman, the owner of the factory, coming out from the company.

She dared not delay, hurriedly got out of the car, and rushed forward. "Hello Mr. Roman, I’m Ruby Sullivan from Nirvana Studio. I’d like to discuss cooperation with you."

Damian Quinn had a large head on short neck, a hefty belly sticking forward, basically the kind of prosperous boss who can’t see his own toes when he looks down. His slicked-back hair shone, and he wore a black leather jacket, looking like a bear with hair gel slicked over.

Damian Quinn got startled when he was suddenly blocked by the beauty in front. He had zero impression of her, but was willing to accept her business card purely due to her beauty. "Ruby Sullivan... That name sounds somewhat familiar."

Ruby Sullivan didn’t want to use Ethan Sterling’s name to bluff anymore. Seeing that he appeared willing to talk, she took the opportunity to propose, "Our studio is into fragrance products. I wonder if you could spare some time to discuss cooperation with me."

Damian Quinn smirked crookedly, "There’s no time like the present. This evening at seven, at the Regal Hotel, I’m willing to offer Miss Sullivan a dinner conversation."

"Thank you, Mr. Roman." After watching him get in the car, Ruby Sullivan’s sweet smile hardened into a block of ice.

The look in his eyes just now was unmistakably transparent, but she already knew what he was thinking without needing to meet. Yet, this was her only chance—even if it’s nauseating, she has to go.

She got back in the car, finished the remaining bread, took a sip of the chilly mineral water, shifted gears, and pressed the throttle to head back to the company.

Tonight, she’s definitely bringing Howard along to meet him.

Upon entering, the receptionist girl stood up and said, "Boss, a lady named Vivian is waiting for you in the reception room." People without appointments usually aren’t allowed in the company, but Vivian directly called Howard at the entrance to get in.

"Alright." Hearing that name made Ruby Sullivan inexplicably annoyed.

She really had no mood or energy to deal with the Sterling Family people right now.

She unconsciously let out a long breath, tapped her slightly stiff face, loosened her lips, and quickly walked towards the reception room.

Vivian was playing a mobile game but paused it upon seeing her, beginning with a smile. "I heard you’re busy lately, so I came over on my own."

Ruby Sullivan, same as before, smiled, hugged her briefly, exchanged cheek kisses, then sat down, trying her best to sound gentle as she asked, "Is there something going on?"

Vivian raised her eyebrows, feigning displeasure as she retorted, "Can’t I just visit you without any reason?"

"Of course." Although somewhat awkward, Ruby Sullivan didn’t object, but it did make her feel increasingly uneasy.

Not one to bore herself, Vivian slapped a business card onto the table. "This person used to be a good friend of my uncle. He runs a factory in R City mainly helping domestic small brands with cosmetics. Their craftsmanship is decent, it might solve your urgent problem."

Ruby Sullivan didn’t expect her visit was for this matter, feeling quite grateful but hesitantly asked, "Did Ethan send you?"

Vivian shook her head, "Ethan has no idea about this. I don’t know what’s gone on between you and Ethan, but that’s your own business. While I do regret it, I also respect your decisions." After speaking, she stood up, "I know you’re busy, so I won’t take up your work time. Bye."

Ruby Sullivan smiled and said, "Thank you."

Vivian nodded and said, "I’m leaving."

Ruby Sullivan put away the business card and went to Howard’s office.

"Damian Quinn agreed to have dinner tonight. Come with me."

Howard nodded and pushed the information he was holding towards her, "Damian Quinn’s mistress is due in two months, and he seems to be planning a divorce, hoping to promote the mistress to wife. I think we can try reaching out to his current wife."

Damian Quinn suddenly ordering the factories to backtrack was all thanks to Rhonda Sullivan. The penalty losses paid to Nirvana by the factories were also covered by The Sullivan Group. Considering Damian’s weakness for women, it’s hard to say whether there’s an unspeakable deal between him and Rhonda Sullivan.

After discussing Damian Quinn, Ruby Sullivan took out the business card Vivian handed her and placed it on the table. "Apparently, it’s an old friend’s place of my uncle."

"This person previously cooperated with The Sterling Group, known for being adamant in their statements, quite upright. The Sterling Group even considered acquiring them, offering a high price back then, but the offer was declined."

Ruby Sullivan was, of course, unfamiliar with such domestic affairs, prompting her curiosity, "Why?"

"The owner is a headstrong person, likes to run things solo, feels that selling would compromise his freedom." Howard recalled the owner’s freewheeling principle back in the day, still very memorable.

Ruby Sullivan smiled, "If tonight doesn’t go well, let’s consider that factory as a backup option."

In the evening, Damian Quinn entered the private room to find Howard also there, visibly displeased.

He pulled a face and said with a pout, "It seems Miss Sullivan isn’t very sincere." Then he started to leave.

Ruby Sullivan sneered inside but outwardly appealed to him, "Mr. Roman, no need to rush." As soon as she finished speaking, Howard promptly exited the private room.

Only then did Damian Quinn sit down contentedly.

Soon after, the server presented a table full of dishes, more than sufficient for ten people.

Ruby Sullivan, smiling, picked up a dish for him, "I hope these dishes suit Mr. Roman’s tastes."

Damian Quinn nonchalantly placed his salty pork hand on her thigh, patting gently, and chuckled, "Anything Miss Sullivan orders, I surely enjoy eating."

Ruby Sullivan held back her disgust without showing immediate fury, slowly asking, "I wonder what terms The Sullivan Group offered Mr. Roman to make you breach the contract despite the penalty?"

Upon hearing that, Damian Quinn suddenly recalled Ruby Sullivan’s name, meekly withdrew his hand, his expression subtly shifting.