Chapter 382

Testing the Waters I settled back into my seat and asked, “Mr. Atticus, did you have something to discuss?”

“Nothing too urgent. The design for the downtown project is complete, and construction will begin soon.” He sipped his tea and said, “I had some free time, so I thought I’d invite you for a chat.”

I quickly said, “If you’re looking for staff, the project with ATL Empire is about to wrap up. Your team will be back in no time! I have been meaning to thank you, but it seemed insufficient.”

Atticus chuckled. Since I met him, I always thought he had a captivating smile that was also mysterious.

“Do you think I invited you here just to reclaim the team?” He lounged on the couch and asked, “So, any interest in continuing our collaboration?”

“Yes, I’d love that. But that depends on how fruitful you think our partnership has been.”

“The downtown project’s architecture and interior design may be synchronized, I considered doing it myself, but my energy is limited. So I’m thinking of outsourcing it.”

Atticus added. “But I want to target the high–end market. Your second phase for the 50,000–square–

meter project impressed me, so I wanted to discuss it with you.

I caught a clue. His limited energy implied that he had something significant in the works.

Then I briefly went over our year’s plans. “It depends on your needs. Ryan and I adjusted our strategy this year to target high–end customers. We will build our brand with top international design teams.

“Ryan studied management abroad but attended an architectural design college. So he has connections there.”

However, I quickly pulled back when I thought of the second phase of Avalon Hills. Liora had been fighting for the early stages. Could it be that Atticus’s attention was diverted to this project?

“Do you have any new goals for this year?” I asked casually, though I was nervous inside.

I couldn’t afford to lose the second phase. It was a stepping stone for me and Ryan.

“Nothing definite yet. Several projects outside the city require a lot of attention.”

Atticus spoke casually, but I could tell he was hiding something.

He continued, “Why don’t you schedule a meeting with Ryan? We can discuss the interior work for the downtown project. While the overall plan has been approved, I think something is missing. Let’s exchange Ideas!”

“Sounds good! You choose the time.” I quickly agreed. No matter how I looked at it, I could not say no to Atticus.

He casually dropped a piece of information. ‘ATL Empire is also in talks for new projects.”

“Oh? Mr. Atticus, you’re well–informed,” I replied calmly.

It seemed that Atlas was also vying for the second phase of Avalon Hills.

“Atlas is reclaiming his territory and expanding his domain. Celine’s projects appear to be nearing completion, ending her competition with Atlas.”

Atticus appeared to be well–versed in the Pierce family’s internal affairs. However, it was understandable.

It was only natural for a foundation like Echelon Group to be aware of its competitors. It seemed to me that Echelon Group could not match ATL Empire.

Echelon Group focused solely on architectural development, while ATL Empire was a more comprehensive entity.

“But Celine may not accept defeat so easily,” I remarked.

“Since leaving the ATL Empire, her cunning and vigor have declined. Atlas also hasn’t given her a chance to counterattack. This time, it’s not that she doesn’t want to compete, but her competitive edge has diminished,” Atticus analyzed, and it made sense.

“Celine used to be the foundation for Pierce Corporation. Her power is still viable. I retorted.

“That was back in Nocturnia. She has no power in Torado. Atlas sees that, too, since he can only overpower Celine when her influence is minimal. Therefore, Atlas’s influence in Torado shouldn’t be underestimated.”

“But those who cozy up to Mrs. Greta can be quite crafty. They might still help her,” I said, subtly alluding to Liora.