Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The scene had attracted a crowd, all eyes riveted on the unfolding drama.

Liam, sensing trouble, pressed again, “Mrs, Fletcher? Which Mrs. Fletcher7”

Connor’s retort was swift. “You’ve just insulted the wife of Mr. Vincent Fletcher.”

“Mr. Vincent Fletcher?” At the mention of Vincent, Lian’s demeanor changed drastically. He whirled around and slapped Lucianna, sending her sprawling on the floor.

With a kick to her chest, he berated her, “You pushed me into insulting Mr. Fletcher! What are you trying to do, ruin me?”

Luciana, in agony, attempted to plead, “Hancy, I didn’t mean to

Another kick landed on her shoulder as Liam dismissed her, “Honey? Who the heck is your honey? Get away from me!” He then turned to Stephanie, his smile forced. “My deepest apologies, Mrs. Fletcher. Thad no idea. Lucianna is to blame.”

Stephanie, unfazed, simply stated, “I don’t feel right about this.”

Liam’s mouth twitched as he pondered, ‘Vincent is a living terror in the business industry. Offending him could cost me my future!‘

Eager to make amends, he offered, “Tell me how to make it right. I’ll do whatever it takes!”

Stephanie remembered Liam owned an office building in the Eternal District. Though secluded and not highly valued, a developer would later take an interest in it and demolish it for the construction of a high–rise building, Consequently, the building’s value plummeted by 60 million dollars.

“You own that office building in the Eternal District, correct?” she asked quietly.

Liam, catching on, cautiously inquired, “What about it?”

“Sell it to me for 400 thousand dollars,” Stephanie proposed.

Liam balked at the amount. “W–What? 400 thousand dollars? But I put 2 million dollars into that building!”

“Understood,” said Stephanie, her lips curling into a grin. “I guess I’ll have a chat with Vincent about the day’s events.”

Panicked, Liam capitulated, “No! Fine, I’ll do it. I’ll have the contract ready…

“All right. Bring the contract to Fletcher Group by 11 o’clock. I’ll ensure the funds are transferred to your company’s account,” Stephanie instructed, then signaled to Connor, “Let’s leave.”

As they made their way to the exit, the crowd parted for them, giving Stephanie and Connor clear passage.

Stephanie couldn’t resist throwing a smug look back at Lucianna before moving on.

Lucianna, unnerved by Stephanie’s confident smirk, tried to latch onto Liam, pleadingly calling him “Honey…

Liam, glancing at his watch and realizing it was already 9:50 a.m., brushed off Lucianna’s attempt to hold him. “Stay away from me, or it’ll be the end of you!” he threatened.

Fuming with anger, Lucianna slammed her foot down hard. Catching sight of someone snapping pictures, she quickly slipped on her sunglasses and made her exit.

12:43 Sat, 25 May M

Chapter 14

The mall manager, looking stem, turned to the shop manager and the associate, “You two, out now! You’ve nearly been the end of me!”

Regret washed over the shop manager and assistant. They hadn’t expected to cross paths with someone of such importance.

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Over at Fletcher Group, just after Vincent wrapped up a meeting and made his way back to his office, Zane came in to report.

“Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Sawyer from Construction Depot is here to see you,” he sai

said.

Vincent arched an eyebrow. “As far as I know, we’re not working on anything with Construction Depot at the moment.”

That’s correct, Zane confirmed.

“Then see no reason to meet with him,” Vincent declared firmly.

Zane countered, “But he claimed Mrs. Fletcher sent him regarding a contract signing”

Vincent issued a stern warning, his gaze sharp, “Next time you omit the most important detail, it’ll cost you 20,000 dollars.”

“My apologies. I’ll have him come in now,” Zane conceded.

Shortly after, Liam was ushered into the office.

Standing stiffly before the solid wooden desk, he handed over the contract to Zane, who then passed it to Vincent.

Vincent’s gaze briefly lingered on the words “transfer contract on the cover before he started to review the document.

He thought, “How did she manage to secure this building for merely 400 thousand dollars?” Vincent knew from insider information that the land was slated for demolition come the new year, with its value expected to skyrocket. The modest investment of 400 thousand dollars was poised to balloon to

at least 4 billion dollars.

Vincent couldn’t help but smile, impressed. ‘She’s quite the strategist. How did she convince Liam to let go of it for such a steal?”

Resting his hands on the wheelchair, he tapped the armrest thoughtfully. “How did she purchase this building?”

Liam, visibly sweating, explained, “I didn’t realize who Mrs. Fletcher was. During a shopping trip, linadvertently offended her. As a gesture of apology, I agreed to sell this building to her for 400 thousand dollars.”

His voice trailed off as he noticed Vincent’s expression grow increasingly stern.

Just then, Vincent’s phone pinged with a message from Stephanie: [Honey, have you seen my wedding gift to you? It might not look like much now, but I believe it’s going to be worth a fortune soon!!

A brief smile softened Vincent’s features. He texted back: [Yes, I’ve seen it. It’s perfect. Thank you.]

Stephanie’s immediate response came through: [You’re welcome! What would you like for dinner? I’m happy to make whatever you’re in the mood for.]

Vincent replied: [l have whatever you cook.)

Liam, observing Vincent’s pleased smile, mistakenly thought the contract had been well–received. He ventured, “Mr. Fletcher, if you’re satisfied with the contract, we could proceed with the signing.”

Vincent gave Liam a frosty look. “Mr. Sawyer, next time you cross paths with my wife, choose a different direction.”

12.43 Sat, 25 May

Chapter 14

“Of course, I’ll steer clear,” Liam hurriedly assured.

With that, Vincent signed the contract.

After Liam was escorted out, Zane returned to the office.

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Vincent, standing by the expansive window, exuded a powerful presence. His tall stature, even more imposing outside of the wheelchair, demanded

respect.

Zane, maintaining a respectful distance, announced, “Mr. Fletcher, Liam has left.”

Vincent, half–turning, ordered, “Bring up the mall’s surveillance footage.”

“Right away.” Zane responded, adding, “Mrs. Fletcher’s foresight is impressive. Snagging that building for just 400 thousand dollars–it’s going to be

worth so much more in the future.”

Vincent’s smile returned. “Indeed, she’s got a keen eye.” Zane couldn’t help but feel that Vincent was somehow complimenting himself.

Soon, the surveillance footage was playing on Vincent’s computer.

Seeing Stephanie’s fury over Lucianna’s disrespect toward him filled him with a sense of warmth.

The protective instinct she showed was comforting

Vincent remembered a young girl’s soothing voice. Despite her obvious fear, she had held him close and promised, “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you!”

A smile flickered across Vincent’s lips, then vanished.

He pressed the intercom button and instructed, “Send details on the woman who antagonized Mrs. Fletcher to Liam’s wife and make sure she’s

exposed.”

“Understood!” Zane responded promptly.

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