Chapter 1713
Matthewâs face was etched with gravity as he spoke, âMs. Skyler is the fiancée Hudson picked out for Zavier, and Samuel gave his blessing too. Hurry up and get her dressed to keep Zavier company through the wake.â
The aged butler nodded, âRight away. Miss Skyler, please follow me.â
Skyler trailed after the butler.
Barbara tagged along, but after a few steps, she turned back, flashing Matthew a smile, âHey, Matthew, thanks.â
He returned the smile but remained silent.
Sierraâs voice echoed softly, âWhatâs that old bat up to now?â
Matthew replied dryly, âBrown-nosing, obviously.âe2
Sierra scoffed, âWhat a tramp.â
He shrugged, âThe Blues are stirring the pot, but theyâre not worth our time.â
Sierra watched Skylerâs retreating figure, then glanced at Zavier, âYou know Zavier wants no part of this marriage, yet you send the Blue girl to his side. Arenât you afraid heâll cause a scene?â
A cold smile played on Matthewâs lips, âThatâs precisely what Iâm counting on. If he doesnât make a scene, Hudson, out of sympathy for his late son and grandson, might just soften up and hand Rivera Inc.âs reins to that little punk.â
Sierra countered, âEveryone has a soft spot, but not Hudson. When Brodie died, Hudson seized control of Rivera Inc. faster than lightning. He was worried we couldnât handle Brodieâs loyalists. At his age, heâs still got a vice grip on the helm. A man that obsessed with power? Soften up? Hardly.â
Matthew mused, âThatâs what everyone thinks. But Iâve got this nagging feeling Hudsonâs hiding something. What if heâs gone. stupid and hands the wheel of the Rivera family to Zavier?â
Sierra retorted, âEven if Hudson does, can that wild card Zavier handle it? The guy spends his days gaming with his entourage, never minding the family business. Heâs practically a write-off. Whatâs there to worry about?â
âYou donât know jack,â Matthew shot back. âZavier may seem like a slacker, but heâs actually turned a pretty penny with a few games his team developed.â
âProfitable games?â Sierra scoffed. âCan they compare to Rivera Inc.âs profits? Knowing games doesnât mean he knows management. Heâs clueless about running a business. Rivera Inc. would crumble in his hands. Unless Hudsonâs lost his marbles, heâd never entrust the Rivera legacy to him.â
Matthew pointed out, âHudsonâs health is failing day by day. After this blow, itâs only a matter of time. Itâs a critical moment for Rivera Inc.âs succession. I must achieve something significant during this period to show him who the most suitable heir is.â
Sierra hinted, âI heard Owenâs courting the Dixon Group from Harbor City. If he nails a strategic partnership with them, our
chances will dwindle.â
Matthew reasoned, âHudsonâs set up the Blues from Southern Port for Zavier. Owenâs vying for a partnership with the Dixons. Given the choice between the Blues and the Dixons, Hudson will pick the Dixons, hands down.â
âSo what are you suggesting?â Sierra probed.
âOwenâs been talking to the Dixon Group for ages, even had a few minor collaborations. Snatching them is next to impossible. If we want to win, and become Hudsonâs obvious choice for succession, we need to secure a deal with the Hartley Group.â
âYouâre thinking of reaching out to Marcus?â Sierra asked, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and anticipation.