Chuck was still smiling. "Ms. Miller, I sincerely just want to collaborate with you. Don't overcomplicate matters. You'll make things difficult for me."

Yvonne sneered, clearly not buying it.

"You know very well how this collaboration came about. I know whether you are sincere or not too."

Yvonne leaned back. Her gaze was cold. "You keep playing all these games. Aren't you afraid that my patience will run out one day?"

Chuck's smile faded a little. "Why do you have to make things so difficult?"

"If you want to maintain a good partnership, you should know where the line is." Yvonne tapped her fingers gently on the table.

She enunciated, "Crossing the line won't be good for anyone."

Neither of them was willing to back down.

When they were silent at the same time, the atmosphere in the meeting room turned overbearing. Everyone else there didn't dare let out a single breath.

Chuck looked at Yvonne and smiled stiffly. "You're way too serious, Ms. Miller."

Yvonne smiled. "If you