Chapter 120 Charmaine’s Doing
Charmaine’s eyes sharpened with understanding. “So, they’re using connections, huh?” she said.
Finished
Keon signaled for the butler to leave. He observed Charmaine holding her teacup, her clear, intelligent eyes sparkling with insight. He knew what she was thinking. “You’re planning to get involved, aren’t you?”
“I may not be able to manage something as big as this project, but stirring up a little trouble–well, that shouldn’t be too hard, right?” Charmaine tilted her head and flashed a playful grin.
“Mr. Riverson! My sincerest apologies for not greeting you properly. Please allow me to drink three cups in atonement!” Bennett greeted, his voice dripping with politeness as he entered the private room. Despite his previously messy appearance, he had managed to clean up well. His face was now plastered with a smile designed to flatter.
Roger, the middle–aged man, didn’t look like the typical bureaucrat. His age was nearing 50, but he appeared well–preserved, his thick black hair and strong build betraying little of his age.
“Mr. Read? Mrs. Read just introduced me to you. Please, just call me Roger,” he said warmly.
Roger smiled with genuine delight. “It’s a nice surprise to meet a fellow countryman here in Eragos.”
“I never imagined that you had such strong ties to my father–in–law, Mr.–I mean, Roger. Please, let me toast to you!” Bennett quickly became friendly with Roger, gulping down several cups in rapid succession.
Willard and Jonah stood off to the side, their expressions icy and displeased.
This should have been the Nelsons‘ moment to shine, leading the partnership and securing the largest share of the deal. Yet, Bennett was monopolizing the conversation and fawning over Roger.
P
“Ha! What a coincidence! Mr. Blanton offered me some advice years ago, and without it, I wouldn’t have achieved all this. I’ll never forget his kindness. By the way, how is Mr. Blanton doing?” Bennett continued, keen to build rapport.
Sighing deeply, Bennett added, “To be honest, he’s been living in a remote village in the mountains. We don’t get to see him much.”
“I’ve heard about that. I know Mr. Blanton went to the mountains to pray for his granddaughter, who he recently reconnected with. I’ve been wanting to repay his kindness but haven’t had the chance,” Roger replied, his gaze shifting to Leah, who stood next to Sophie. His eyes lit up. “Is this the granddaughter Mr. Blanton has been praying for?”
Leah shyly nodded. “Hello, Mr. Riverson. I’m Leah.”
Roger’s face softened with pleasure. “What a charming young lady. You’ve grown into a beautiful woman.” He couldn’t stop showering her with compliments.
Leah, sweet and polite, responded with grace, further delighting Roger. He continued praising her, calling her a “good child.”
Bennett and Sophie eagerly joined in, recounting the complicated details of Leah’s past and how much her grandfather valued her. Roger listened closely, occasionally sighing at her story.
“I had no idan it une like this No wonder Mr Blanton I ife really is full of currices” he remarked
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Chapter 120 Charmaine’s Doing
thoughtfully.
Finished
Bennett quickly wiped his face and shifted the conversation back to business. “But thankfully, things are improving. With Leah in our family, we’re closer than ever. So, we thought we’d team up and bid for the South City project.”
Roger, as perceptive as ever, had already anticipated their request.
He didn’t beat around the bush. “I’m here to return a favor for Mr. Blanton. But I won’t show any favoritism. The process will proceed as it should.”
Bennett’s face lit up. “You’re too modest, Roger. With your help, we’re sure to win the bid!”
The room was filled with lively conversation as everyone continued to eat. Soon, Roger mentioned he needed to leave.
The group escorted him to the door, but before they could say goodbye, there was an unexpected arrival.
“Mr. Riverson! What a surprise to see you here! It’s been so long!” Dominic, stepping out of a car parked nearby, appeared to have been waiting for some time.
Bennett blinked in irritation, his temper rising. “Dominic, what are you doing here?”
Leah frowned. Dominic was Celeste’s father, and the Wheelers and Reads had strong business ties.
Dominic laughed. “Just out for a stroll after dinner. Didn’t expect to run into old friends. Mr. Riverson, how about a game of tennis to help with digestion?”
Roger, already a bit tipsy, was easily persuaded and agreed, quickly being led away by Dominic.
As their car drove off, the exhaust fumes hit Bennett and the others, bringing them back to focus. “D*mn it, is Dominic trying to interfere with the South City project? How did he know Mr. Riverson was here?” Bennett muttered, frustration rising.
Leah lowered her voice, her eyes thoughtful. “Do you think … it could be Charmaine’s doing?”
Everyone turned to look at her. Leah bit her lip, her eyes downcast. A faint trace of helplessness and sadness crossed her face.
“After Mrs. Alessa’s birthday party, Celeste started distancing herself from me. Ever since, she’s been hanging out with my sister at school. They seem to get along really well now, and Milo’s involved too … I shouldn’t jump to conclusions about Charmaine, but all of this feels too coincidental … ” she murmured softly.
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