Chapter 400

Visiting Ivannal Neither ATL Empire nor Echelon Group was within my sphere of influence.

No matter which company won the bid, I suspected either of these two might deliver the interior design project to me.

Firstly, ATL Empire had made us responsible for interior design, meaning we would automatically secure the development rights.

As for Echelon Group, Atticus might also entrust me with this responsibility. After all, we had an excellent work relationship. I believed we had already established an unspoken understanding. If I had no chance in development, I could pursue the next big thing by establishing an interior design company.

With designers like Hana on our team, building upon her foundation and recruiting a few renowned designers would be our winning formula.

My thoughts gave me a direction. I proposed this idea to the business planners, which surprisingly helped us clarify many issues. Our qualifications, experience, and funds would become more convincing.

I received praise from Joyce, who wholeheartedly endorsed it, “I support Chloe’s idea. Focusing on Interior design first is more suitable regarding qualifications, experience, or capital. Once you establish the brand, you can expand into development.”

Her light brown eyes looked into mine, “It’s a process, not a one–step journey. Your qualifications are a bit stretched, Ryan. That’s why I’ve been withholding this opinion from you.”

Seeing Joyce and I agree, Ryan devised an alternative proposal with the planners. After our integration, it felt like we had a more accessible entry point. After all, Tanum Corporation’s strength in interior design and building materials gave us a unique advantage.

It made it easier to implement our plans. It was more convincing as well.

The discussion continued until late at night before we concluded the dinner. We escorted our guests to their hotels under Ryan’s arrangement, and I drove home alone on the bustling night. I felt a little lost.

after the excitement wore off. Instead, I felt a sense of loneliness.

Suddenly, my thoughts turned to Ivanna. While driving to Amethyst Apartments, I called my mom and told her I’d visit Ivanna’s place before coming home.

Ivanna opened the door in her silk pajamas, seemingly ready for bed. She looked surprised to see me so late. “Why are you here so late?

I entered, saying “I saw Jared at Al Dente. Trinity was there, too.”

Ivanna sald hushedly. “They went to Al Dente, too?”

“Have you met Trinity?” I asked Ivanna.

“I have,” she said, surprising me with her casual response.

“What do you think of her?” I asked. I couldn’t believe someone as astute as Ivanna couldn’t discern the disparity between the two.

“Tunderstand what you mean,” Ivanna approached the liquor cabinet and poured two glasses of red wine. Although I hadn’t drunk during dinner, I had to take the glass now. Since Ivanna wanted to drink, I had to Join her.

“Chlo, what do you do when love comes knocking? I know that woman, and Jared understands this too, so he’s quite careful,” Ivanna said, finishing her glass and pouring another before sitting on the couch.

a She continued, “I never understood your relationship with Atlas. I always thought you were a moth to a flame. But now, I’m in the same scenario and can’t stop it.”

I didn’t know how to feel about Ivanna’s words. I wondered what she meant by ‘he’s quite careful.‘ It seemed like Ivanna was genuinely developing feelings, even accepting such flimsy reasons.

I “I’m different from you. I thought Lauren was exaggerating before, but I realized she was right when I saw Trinity today.” I didn’t need to beat around the bush while talking to Ivanna. “If you confront her, the one who will end up dead is you.”

Ivanna smiled bitterly, her face slightly pale, indicating she understood her danger.

“I’ve been waiting for the love of my life to appear. I didn’t expect it to be like this when he did,” Ivanna said, then leaned into the couch in resignation.

I glanced at her and couldn’t help but make a cutting remark that shook Ivanna further.