“Am I?” Nate replied, his gaze deepening as he admired her smiling face.
“The redevelopment plans for the old southern district don’t justify a five billion investment if it’s just housing. You must have other intentions, Miss Holland. I’m hoping you might include me, given our history, so I can adjust my strategies for the surrounding properties.”
A flicker of amusement crossed Corrine’s eyes.
“Trying to pull some strings, Mr. Hopkins?”
Nate raised his hand, lightly touching Corrine’s hair, and held the back of her head tenderly. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek, his voice low and enticing.
“Would you consider it, Miss Holland?” His smile deepened, adding a charismatic charm to his features.
Corrine blinked, her eyelashes fluttering as she regained composure.
“Isn’t this crossing a boundary?”
“We’re more than mere acquaintances, aren’t we?” Nate responded.
Corrine brushed his hand aside and said firmly, “Remember, you’re the one chasing me. I haven’t said yes yet.”
Unperturbed, Nate continued, “We’ve already held hands and embraced. Doesn’t it make sense to get a little closer and deepen our connection?”
Corrine was at a loss for words. Nate’s way of arguing was frustratingly brilliant.
“Let’s get back to business. I’ll put up two and a half billion for fifty percent of the shares.” Nate returned to their initial discussion.
Corrine raised an eyebrow, responding without hesitation, “For thirty-five percent of the shares.”
“Thirty-five percent.”
“Deal.”
In the front seats, the driver and Matias exchanged glances, both taken aback. Straightforward negotiations like this were uncommon. In just moments, these powerhouses sealed a deal worth billions. One could wonder whether Nate was more enchanted by beauty than business sense.
Despite Corrine’s striking looks, Matias believed it was crucial for Nate to maintain a level head.
Surprised by his directness, a subtle look of astonishment appeared in Corrine’s eyes.
“You’re not worried I might be tricking you?”
“I trust you,” Nate replied without a hint of hesitation.
With a chuckle, Corrine responded, “That’s a lot of trust after just a few encounters. Am I supposed to feel honored, or should I be questioning your judgment, Mr. Hopkins?”
“My choices are backed by reason,” Nate said confidently.
At that moment, Nate’s phone interrupted with a ring. It was Moses on the line.
“Nate, I’ve dug something up. It’s the Ford family stirring trouble.”
“Okay,” Nate replied calmly, his voice cool and detached.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up.”
Hoping to keep the conversation going, Moses quickly added, “Hold on, weren’t we supposed to grab lunch? Where are you? I can’t find you.”
Nate, idly twirling a strand of Corrine’s hair, remained unfazed.
“Something more urgent has come up. We’ll need to postpone.”
A gleam of amusement shone in Corrine’s eyes. Something more urgent? Without waiting for a reply, Nate ended the call.
Corrine and Nate opted against the usual Lonsong Restaurant, choosing instead Corrine’s preferred haunt, Gourmet Spot. Nestled in a narrow lane, Gourmet Spot had transformed from a run-down courtyard house into a stylish private club. It preserved its historic architecture while incorporating a modern, two-story addition styled in vintage, exuding an air of ancient charm.
Upon opening the doors, they encountered twin glass tanks where blossoms floated above darting fish. Beyond the enclosure, a staircase led to the private dining areas on the second floor, which overlooked a pool surrounded by statues and dotted with flowers. A mist hovered above the pool, lending the place an ethereal allure. Among the trees, a woman’s silhouette could be discerned, her voice melodiously carrying as she sang into a microphone.
As Corrine walked with Nate to their reserved room, she couldn’t miss the owner’s evident respect for him, leading her to suspect that this establishment was under Nate’s control.
As the meal unfolded, Nate attentively served Corrine, only to notice her intense gaze.
“Would you be interested in visiting my grandmother with me tonight?”
She gently shook her head, replying, “I’m tied up with other commitments later.”
Nate accepted her response gracefully, suggesting, “I’ll escort you there later then.”
Their meal drew to a close at one o’clock. Just as Corrine and Nate were getting ready to leave, Corrine’s phone rang-it was Farris calling.
“Corrine, it’s been ages since our last chess game.”
“Things have been pretty hectic for me lately with so much going on, so…” she started.
Interrupting her, Farris let out a weary sigh.
“I understand. It’s Bruce’s loss that he didn’t choose you. Don’t forget, my 80th birthday is around the corner, and I would love for you to be there. At this stage of my life, every day is precious. It’s my wish to see you once more.”
Initially, Corrine had intended to return the bracelet that Farris had gifted her and cut ties…
However, Farris’s straightforward request left her no room to refuse.
“Alright,” she said softly.
“Then I’ll expect you to be there,” Farris replied.
Ending the call, Corrine headed toward the entrance to wait for Nate. At that moment, a few people emerged from a private room on the first floor, led by none other than Bruce.
Bruce paused, momentarily disbelieving his eyes, until he stepped closer and confirmed it was indeed Corrine. Maintaining his composure, he addressed Kaiden from Ford Group, saying, “Mr. Hudson, I’ve just noticed a friend. Give me a moment to say hello.”
Kaiden, feeling the effects of the wine, gestured casually
“Sure, go ahead.”
Bruce hurried over to Corrine, grabbed her arm, and led her to a quiet corner. His tone was sharp with accusation as he asked, “Corrine, what are you doing here?”
“Release me!” Corrine demanded, breaking free from his grip, her eyes cold.
“My being here is none of your concern.”
With gritted teeth, Bruce said, “This place isn’t just open to anyone.”
The Gourmet Spot was a private retreat, catering not just to the wealthy, but to those who valued privacy, with only a hundred VIP memberships granted annually. This wasn’t a place for anyone without influence or wealth, unless they were accompanied by someone powerful.
Narrowing his eyes, Bruce scoffed, “I didn’t think you’d degrade yourself just for a taste of luxury.”
Before Bruce could continue, Corrine slapped him sharply across the face. Her eyes flashed with a cold light, her voice chilling.
“Who are you to judge me, Bruce?”
Bruce’s head snapped to the side from the force of Corrine’s slap. Driven by both anger and humiliation, her strike showed relentless fury. The imprint of her hand reddened Bruce’s cheek.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.