Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Jeff entered the room and respectfully told lan, “Boss, the Pennyfeather family called. They want you to

join them for dinner.” lan found the whole thing a bit Ironic. Dinner, really?

He guessed they must’ve heard he was coming back and thought that a dinner invite would be enough

to keep him around.

All he felt for this family was pure annoyance.

“Make up an excuse and turn it down”

Jeff nodded but then added, “Mr. Pennyfeather said Ms. Pennyfeather was really looking forward to

meeting you. Apparently, she even prepared a few of their family’s signature dishes.”

Maja, sitting across from lan, clenched her spoon tighter upon hearing this. She could sense her

father’s desperate efforts to win lan’s favor.

Disappointment and mockery flashed in her eyes.

Sadly, her father’s efforts would only make lan more annoyed with her.

As expected, lan didn’t hide his distaste. He responded, “Tell the Pennyfeather family all I need from

them is to stick to the contract. Don’t get any other ideas.”

Jeff nodded and quietly left the room.

lan turned to Maja, “What were you about to say?”

Maja gave a small laugh, “I was just going to say that I’m stuffed, Mr. Raymond. Are you still eating?”

The Pennyfeather family’s antics had ruined lan’s appetite too.

Maja started to clean up, staying silent with her head down.

She wasn’t worried about what lan might think of her. Outside of work, they were just strangers with no

emotional connection. She was just disappointed in her father’s actions.

He wanted to meet lan to strengthen ties with the Raymond family, but he used his own daughter as an

excuse.

She had never felt her father playing favorites before. It was because of her that Cristina hadn’t been

immediately brought back to the Pennyfeather family. But she didn’t know when their relationship had

changed.

lan’s voice broke Maja’s train of thought.

“Someone else will clean this up. You can go.”

Maja looked up at him, “So, you’re heading back to Greenfield the day after tomorrow, Mr. Raymond?”

“Tomorrow.”

They had finished discussing everything they needed to. He was very satisfied with the Crystalbrook

Valley project and had seen the government’s sincerity.

The success of a company in a certain place depended on the government’s support.

With the Fourier family’s funds and the government’s support, the project team would handle

everything else.

Maja wanted to ask about whether the area where Daly’s house was located would be demolished, but

she thought even if it was, all the money would probably go to Olivia..

lan noticed her hesitation.

His fingers lightly tapped on the keyboard, “If you’re short on cash, you could buy a few more houses in

Pinecrest Grove.”

He was implying that the area would definitely be demolished, and since it was a government–led

initiative, the compensation would be generous.

Daly’s house was in Pinecrest Grove, and after finding out that their house could be demolished did

Maja feel a sense of relief.

As for herself, even though she was currently a bit strapped for cash, if she bought their house now

knowing it would be demolished, that would be taking advantage of inside information, which Maja

couldn’t accept.

“No need. Most of the houses in Pinecrest Grove are single–story homes where the elderly live. There

are also some middle–aged people who can’t afford to buy houses in the city. If I bought their houses,

where would they live? Even if I had that money, I wouldn’t feel right.”

lan stopped typing and his tone grew colder.

“In business, the goal is to make more money, sometimes even by exploiting information gaps.”

Many people made profits by exploiting such gaps.

Maja gave a small laugh, “I understand. Thanks for the good intention, Mr. Raymond. I’m not

suggesting you did anything wrong. I just lived there for a while and knew the people well. I

don’t want to do that.”

“Okay.”

lan’s gaze shifted to the screen. He put on a Bluetooth headset, looking ready to start a meeting. He

probably just mentioned it casually.

Maja didn’t take it to heart.

Back in her room, she took a bath and went to sleep.

The next morning, she went to say goodbye to Daly and Susan. Susan handed her some homemade

items, insisting she take them home.

Maja didn’t really like eating homemade items, but to avoid worrying them, she put everything in the

trunk.

Olivia mocked her from the side.

“City folks like you wouldn’t appreciate handmade stuff. Even though you accepted them, you probably

think they’re unsanitary. It’d be better if they didn’t give you anything. Then they could sell it and make

some money.”

Maja gave her a cold took, “If you don’t say anything, no one will think you’re mute.”

Olivia immediately retorted, “Mom, look, I was right. Now she’s showing her true colors, yelling at her

elder.”