The Scent of 172

Chapter 172

But considering Theodore’s position, having access to first–hand information and giving his own people an advantage was only natural,

That was just how things worked in high society. Matthias was used to it.

He gritted his teeth and said, “Our company does need partners to expand the project, but I just can’t stand Jorge…

Celeste knew he was upset because Jorge liked Wynn. But she didn’t care.

She remained calm. “The priority is making sure the project runs smoothly and maximizing our benefits. Everything else is secondary.”

She had met Theodore once. He might have his own agenda, but judging by how Zachary treated him, he was someone trustworthy.

Matthias sighed. “I know.” He was just venting.

Then, with a smirk, he said, “Anyway, there’s still time before we officially start seeking investors. I’ll keep him hanging for a while.”

Celeste chuckled. “Alright.” As long as he was happy.

After Jorge’s call, Celeste and Matthias went back to business. But half an hour later, his phone rang again.

When he saw the caller ID, his expression was a mix of disdain and satisfaction.

Celeste knew it was another familiar face and asked, “Who is it?”

Matthias grinned. “Beck.”

“Also looking to collaborate?”

“Most likely.”

Just like it was with Jorge, Matthias didn’t usually have much interaction with Beck, Miles, and their friends. So, there was no reason for Beck to call him out of the blue.

Besides, the Harper family, like the Robinson family, had strong connections in both politics and the military.

They were always well–informed.

Matthias turned to Celeste. “Should I answer?”

Celeste was Trevor’s wife, and Beck, as one of Trevor’s childhood friends, had never thought much of her. Instead, he had accepted Wynn, the mistress, and was even close to her.

In Matthias’s eyes, Beck was even more detestable than Jorge.

Celeste said, “Answer it.” She didn’t want Matthias to act out of spite.

So, he picked up the call.

As expected, Beck, just like Jorge, was also calling about a potential partnership.

After explaining his intentions, he said, “I’m currently out of town on a business trip. I’ll be back in Baumond tomorrow at noon. How about dinner tomorrow night?”

Matthias responded indifferently, “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Harper, but our project is still in early development, and the company has a lot on its plate. I really won’t have time tomorrow. Maybe next time.”

“What about Thursday?”

Matthias replied, “I might not be available then either. But if I am, I’ll be sure to contact you.”

Beck knew their company’s lining up.

projects were in high demand, and Mattlilas had no shortage of

So, he said, “Alright, I’ll be waiting for your call.”

After hanging up, Matthias happily smacked the table and burst into laughter. “That felt great!”

Celeste smiled as well.

But as he laughed, Matthias suddenly quieted down and looked at her. “Do you think Trevor might also want to collaborate with us?”

YodaVision was in the same industry as InnovaTech, meaning they were technically competitors. But competition didn’t rule out the possibility of collaboration.

And given the nature of these two new projects, there were quite a few aspects where they could work with InnovaTech.

Celeste responded calmly, “I don’t know. But we should focus on the project itself. Personal grievances can be set aside.”

“I get it.” A little bit of attitude was fine, but when it came down to serious business, he never acted on impulse.

Thinking about it, Matthias was actually looking forward to a call from Trevor. But it never came.

Instead, he received several other calls–all from people wanting to collaborate. But none were from Trevor.

However, just before the end of the workday, he got a call from an unknown number. After glancing at it for a moment, he decided to answer.

A voice spoke first. “Mr. Yoder, correct? I’m Harvey Locket, Wynn’s father.”

Matthias immediately stopped walking. He pulled the phone away slightly and told Celeste, “It’s Harvey.”

Celeste looked at him without saying anything

Having known her for so many years, Matthias understood her meaning instantly.

With others, they could put personal grudges aside for the sake of business. But when it came to the Locket family there was no need to do that.

Putting the phone back to his ear, he replied with a smile, though his eyes remained cold. “Oh, Mr. Locket. What can I do for you?”

As expected, Harvey was also looking to collaborate. After listening to him, Matthias said, “I understand, Mr. Locket. If your proposal is a good fit, we’ll definitely consider it. You can rest assured about that.”

Harvey wasn’t stupid. He could tell Matthias‘ words were perfectly diplomatic, but whether he actually meant them was another matter entirely.

He wanted to find an opportunity to invite Matthias to a meal, but Matthias declined, saying he was busy, and hung up.

Turning to Celeste, he scoffed, “I can understand Jorge and Beck being the first to get wind of this–they come

from the top elite families. But the Locket family…?”

The Locket family was an outsider in Baumond, barely having established their footing. If they had caught wind of the news so early, that could only mean…

Celeste knew he was implying that either Trevor or Beck had tipped them off. Given Trevor’s feelings for Wynn and Beck’s close friendship with her, it wasn’t surprising that they’d pass along the information.

Matthias scoffed. His good mood had been ruined.

But he also knew that Celeste probably felt worse.

So, he said, “Let’s go. Your senior has plenty of money–I’m taking you out for a feast!”

In truth, Celeste wasn’t as upset as he thought. She had already come to terms with many things. Those people no longer had the power to sway her emotions so easily.

Besides, this time, she was the one holding the reins. She had nothing to worry about.

But s

since Matthias was offering her a meal, she wouldn’t refuse.

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Then, the two of them walked out together.

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