Chapter 54: Is Jack Interested in Her?
At that moment, the elevator behind them dinged open. Kayla turned to look and immediately felt her pupils contract in shock-
A pair of long legs stepped out of the elevator, clad in the linen casual suit she had ironed that very morning. Cold, indifferent violet eyes, and a youthful, handsome face.
It was Ethaniel!Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
Trailing behind Ethaniel was a familiar figure. Gentle brows, silver-framed glasses, one hand casually in his pocket. When he saw Kayla, he had an expression of amusement.
Why was Jack here too?
The last person to step out of the elevator was another familiar face: blonde hair, blue eyes, and a flawlessly made-up face looking at her with hostility.
Ethaniel, Jack, Linda.
Kayla wondered if she still had a chance to escape…
Ethaniel spotted Clifton grasping Kayla’s arm in an instant. Upon seeing Ethaniel, Clifton’s fear intensified, causing him to cling even closer to Kayla.
“Why… Why are you here?” Kayla originally intended to handle this matter herself and didn’t want Ethaniel to find out.
Ethaniel acted as if he hadn’t heard Kayla, his tone indifferent as he greeted Mick, “Mr. Kwon.”
“Welcome, Mr. Han,” Mick then greeted Jack, “Mr. Robins, it’s an honor to have you here.”
Jack smiled warmly, “It’s my honor that Taihee Group is establishing a branch in Seatowne.”
Then, Ethaniel walked right past Kayla into the reception room, completely ignoring her.
Linda followed Ethaniel and Jack into the reception room. No one paid her any attention. Kayla suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, an indescribable discomfort.
“Miss Green,” Brady approached her, “I have a meeting now. Shall we reschedule our meal?”
Kayla coldly asked, “Did you do this on purpose?”
“Hmm?” Brady chuckled, “I don’t understand what you mean.”
“You deliberately called Ethaniel here so he would see me with Clifton at Taihee Group? Brady, I thought you business elites would have more sophisticated tactics.”
Brady maintained his smile, unfazed by Kayla’s words, “Miss Green delivering the young master to Taihee Group was unexpected. However, since the venue is nearby, I invited Ethaniel while you were downstairs… Miss Green, would you reconsider having a meal with me?”
Kayla pushed Clifton towards Brady, “Here’s Clifton. Stay out of my sight, both of you!”
With that, she turned to leave.
“Kayla…” Clifton called out softly.
Brady placed Clifton in the adjacent lounge, adjusted his attire, and entered the reception room, handing Ethaniel and Jack a prepared document.
“The reason for inviting Mr. Han today is because Taihee Group discovered an underwater oil field north of Seatowne. Preliminary surveys show the field’s reserves and extraction value are both very high. Acquiring it would benefit any corporation greatly.”
Ethaniel glanced at the document and tossed it onto the coffee table, folding his hands, his demeanor indifferent, “Taihee Group established a branch in Seatowne precisely because of this oil field. First come, first served. Jack has already approved the permit for you. The oil field naturally belongs to Taihee Group. What’s the meaning of showing me this now?”
Brady smiled deeply, “Our intention is to sincerely invite Goldenshore Group to invest and jointly develop this oil field.”
At Brady’s words, Ethaniel’s initially indifferent violet eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, his tone lifting slightly, “Oh?”
Brady continued, “Mr. Han should know, developing an oil field is a major undertaking. The value of oil rivals that of gold. If Mr. Han invests, the profits will be astronomical.”
“More than astronomical,” Jack adjusted his glasses with a gentle smile, “The reserves of this oil field are comparable to those in the Middle East. It might take thirty to fifty years to deplete.”
“Exactly. Mr. Han might doubt my word, but with Mr. Robins confirming it, aren’t you tempted?” Brady asked with a smile.
Ethaniel’s interlaced fingers twitched slightly as he looked at Brady, his tone calm and steady, “Business always seeks to maximize profits. Why would you share a cake you can eat alone? Mr. Kwon, do you think I would believe you so easily?”
What seemed like a straightforward offer could very well be bait.
As expected, Brady smiled and lowered his head, “Then I’ll be direct. Mr. Caden only has one son. For his sake, he’s willing to give up a lot. If Mr. Han makes a concession, you can take this contract anytime.”
He added, “Taihee Group is well-established in Estrica region. Goldenshore Group is the financial titan in Auropean. If we have the chance to collaborate, it benefits both parties. Mr. Han should understand this clearly.”
Ethaniel looked at the document on the coffee table again. It represented immense wealth. Now, this wealth and Kayla were placed on opposite ends of the scale, for him to choose.
Linda, like Ethaniel, stared intently at the document. As Ethaniel’s chief assistant and a shareholder in Goldenshore Group, she understood its significance.
After a moment, Ethaniel raised his eyes to Brady, “Before I answer Mr. Kwon, can I ask Mr. Kwon a question?”
“Please,” Brady replied with a smile.
“Mr. Caden would sacrifice so much for Clifton, showing how much he cares for him. Similarly, I have a son. Mr. Kwon, do you think I wouldn’t make sacrifices for my son?”
“… What do you mean, Mr. Han?”
“I mean, Clifton needs a wife like Kayla, and my son needs a mommy like Kayla. Therefore,” his long fingers slowly pushed the document back to Brady, “I refuse.”
Linda’s heartbeat stopped momentarily when he said those words.
He refused so simply! Was it worth it for an ordinary policewoman?
Ethaniel stood up, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
“Mr. Han,” Brady also stood, “I understand your stance, but there’s no rush. Mr. Han might change your mind.”
“Maybe,” Ethaniel replied firmly, “but not now.”
With that, he turned and walked out.
Linda glanced at the document on the table, bit her lip, and followed him out.
Jack remained seated, sipping aromatic green tea, and smiled at Brady, “I told you, these things wouldn’t sway Ethaniel.”
Brady sat down again, “He’s not the Ethaniel I know anymore. Back when he snatched the Nordic magnesium mines from Taihee Group, he didn’t hold back at all.”
“He hasn’t changed,” Jack smiled, holding his teacup, “He just has something more important now. He knows exactly what he wants and won’t waver. Such a person is terrifying at any time.”
“I invited you as a witness, but you’re speaking on his behalf?” Brady smiled at Jack, “You’re friends with Ethaniel and also my old acquaintance. There’s no need to help him like this.”
Jack smiled lightly, “Because I know you both well, I won’t get involved. Now that both sides want Kayla, it would be too interesting if I joined in.”
“Hmm?” Mick suddenly raised an eyebrow, “Are you interested in Kayla too?”