Hiding Behind Her Superficiality

Chapter 54

Chapter 54 A Pawn

Houston?

Callum and Elspeth looked at each other and instantly understood who was behind it.

“I really didn’t expect that Houston would not give up and challenge my bottom line again and again. Does he really think I dare not lay a hand on him?” She was gnashing her teeth in hatred. If it wasn’t for Callum today, she would most likely be fighting this buff man to death.

“Erm… Can I go now?” The burly man stood up slowly, trying to escape, but Callum kicked his knee hard, sending him tumbling to the ground once more.

Callum then uttered in a calm and cold voice, “Attempted assault also warrants legal repercussions.”

“Huh!” The man cried loudly without caring about the situation. “But, I already told you about the mastermind behind it. Why can’t you let me go?!”

Elspeth shot him a threatening gaze. “If you speak one more word, it won’t be as simple as going to jail.”

The man shut his mouth after being intimidated, feeling completely dejected.

She first called the police, sent the big guy to the station, and then merely tidied up a bit. In addition, she intended to settle accounts with Houston after returning from the business discussion.

The two met in the private room on the first floor of the hotel. As soon as Elspeth walked in, she noticed a familiar man opposite her.

“What a coincidence. We meet again.” Jordan greeted her with a smile.

She was shocked beyond belief, and her head whipped around to look at Callum as though she wanted to know why their business partner was Jordan.

Callum explained patiently, “Our partner is NK Group, but I just found out an hour ago that he is the president.”

Jordan chuckled. “I guess we are fated to meet each other.”

The three then sat down, and Callum began to discuss cooperation with him. “I can sell this land to you, but NK Group has to give Winthrop Group a 10% dividend.”

Jordan’s eyes lit up. “Mr. Winthrop, you sure know how to make demands, but ten percent is too high. What about five percent?”

Despite that, Callum was unwilling to give in. With a determined attitude, he uttered, “Ten percent is my minimum limit. If you’re unwilling to take it, I’ll have to look for another company.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Although he spoke with a smile, Elspeth could hear the impending storm from the lively conversation between the two.

Callum chuckled in response. “Of course not. We’re all businessmen; seeking profit isn’t crossing the line, is it?”

Jordan suddenly stopped answering him and stared at her with a smile instead. “If it’s for Miss Lynwood’s sake, then a ten percent dividend shouldn’t be too much, though.”

Hearing that, Callum furrowed his brows.

“Mr. Carr, you don’t have to do it for my sake. You two should talk it out between yourselves.” Elspeth already felt the pressure from the surroundings and didn’t want to get involved in the situation.

“Miss Lynwood, I admire your ability. NK Group rarely tolerates such counter proposals. This is my first time.”

After hearing that, Callum mocked, “What a flirt you are, Mr. Carr. I’m sorry to tell you that Elspeth is my fiancée. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for you to take the offer for her sake?”

In response, Jordan laughed out loud. “Miss Lynwood is an outstanding woman. Which man wouldn’t be tempted by her? I’m just an ordinary man. If you’re unhappy about it, it’s alright to tell me. You don’t have to feel threatened.”

Callum raised his eyebrows and countered with a hint of sarcasm, “Of course, I won’t. It’s not like she will be satisfied with just any man.” Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

Elspeth felt helpless in her heart. Why do you have to involve me when you’re boasting?

Jordan withdrew his smile and uttered with an unnatural expression, “There’s no need for you to be oppressive. For Miss Lynwood’s sake, I shall agree to your unreasonable request. I’ll treat it as doing her a favor.”

“She doesn’t need your favor.”

Jordan stood up. “If you are unwilling to cooperate with NK Group, then let’s put this collaboration on hold for the time being. We shall continue the conversation when you come to discuss with sincerity.” After saying that, he left the room directly.

Elspeth knew that Jordan was upset, so she nudged Callum’s arm. “Callum, what’s the matter with you? Why are you so impolite? You are here to discuss cooperation, not to quarrel with him!”

He stared at her face with a burning gaze before spitting, “Are you dumb?”

She was taken aback by his mockery. “Why are you scolding me?”

He didn’t bother to explain to her, so he stood up and walked out. After that, he returned to his room, but she didn’t want to return to hers, so she left the hotel for a stroll in the garden by herself. She walked to an empty corner where no one was around and dialed Houston’s number.

“Who is this?” Houston’s voice sounded weak.

He was unlucky. The same night he set fire to Winthrop Group, someone set fire to his residence. During that time, he was sound asleep in the room, and five family members came perilously close to being killed by the flames. They were extremely fortunate to have escaped the fire unscathed.

However, his assets were frozen the following day. The reason for this was that during his time working for Winthrop Group, there were issues with his assets, and as a result of an investigation, all his assets were confiscated. It was even more infuriating that Alphascape Group gave up on him on the same day because they believed Winthrop Group had dismissed him from his position!

Now, his family of five was crammed into a small rented house and complained endlessly on a daily basis. Their frequent quarrels had almost exhausted him physically and mentally.

“Houston Bishop, do you know who I am?”

The voice sounded pleasant to the ear, and he was almost immediately able to identify the person whose voice it was.

“Elspeth, are you calling to mock me too?” He sneered and inhaled a long breath of smoke.

“You sent someone to assault me. Do you really think I’ll let you go easily?”

Houston didn’t understand what she said, so he questioned, “Assault you? That wasn’t me. Don’t accuse me of what I haven’t done!”

She snickered. “You know best whether you have done it or not.”

This time, he burst into laughter.

“Are you putting the blame on me because you were framed by others? Elspeth, oh, Elspeth. Why do you have so many enemies? If I were you, I would have killed myself and ended all this misery.”

Hearing what he said, she suddenly sensed something was wrong. “Are you sure you didn’t do it?”

“How could it be me? My life has been ruined by you. My house and job are gone, and I can hardly afford to feed myself. How can I hire someone to take revenge on you?”

“OK.” After hanging up the phone, Elspeth started pondering the possibilities.

He didn’t sound like he was lying, so it seemed he wasn’t the one behind this.

Who could have used him as a spear, then?

Someone capable of doing bad things in the name of Houston while also having a grudge against her… She immediately realized who it might be.