Chapter 213

Chapter 213 With such a pointed question, all eyes were fixed on Justin.

Justin was unnerved by the sharp gaze of Chloe, but he remained composed as he said, “This has already become an open secret within our industry. Previously, the Sawle Group and Ada Wang were vying for the business. Ada Wang was swinging between you and Mr. Sawle. However, in the end, you outperformed them and secured the wedding planning rights.”

“Now, our side is faltering, and Ada Wang’s wedding is approaching. It’s only reasonable to assume that she might switch to Mr.

Sawle’s side, isn’t it?”

His words were carefully chosen and didn’t reveal too much.

Chloe, with a slight curve of her beautiful lips, leaned back comfortably and said, “Your analysis is correct. However, you’ve overlooked one thing, as of now, the Sawle Group and Ada Wang haven’t officially signed a contract yet.”

This revelation left everyone astonished. “What? It’s been a whole week, and they still haven’t signed?”

Justin tried to maintain his composure, but his expression had grown stiffer.

“If they had signed, wouldn’t the Sawle Group have already made a big announcement? Their silence suggests that the deal hasn’t progressed. That means we still have a chance.”

Chloe tapped her heel on the floor and swiveled her chair around lazily. “I’m naturally quite stubborn, even more so than a mule.

I won’t give up until the very end.”

“So, I’ve devised a new plan and intend to present it to Ada Wang again in the coming days, catching the Sawle Group off guard.”

The team erupted into cheers, President Thorp’s determination and boldness.

Justin had no choice but to put on a smile and join the chorus.

“But President Thorp, ultimately, it’s our KS Hotel that breached the contract. Ada Wang probably has a negative view of us by now. If you go talk to her again, won’t it backfire?”

“That’s right, there are some things that might be impossible to force!”

Chloe, with her lips painted red as lacquer and her eyes sparkling like obsidian, laughed audaciously.

“Life is full of ups and downs. Even if I can’t force it, I will still try my hardest!”

After the meeting, the project team members left.

In the vast conference room, only Chloe and Jordan were left.

Miss Thorp accepted the coffee handed to her by Jordan and stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the luxurious view of Medo City. She enjoyed her coffee calmly.

“Miss, during the meeting, you mentioned that you had devised a new plan... Is it a trap?” Jordan stood beside her and tentatively asked.

“Yes, it’s a trap, and I’ve already caught something.”

Jordan’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? Who is it?”

“I have my suspicions, but no evidence yet. I need you to follow Justin after work tonight.”

Chloe’s eyes darkened slightly. “Jordan, after work tonight, I want you to personally follow Justin.”

“Keep an eye on whom he meets and any unusual activities, and report back to me promptly.”

*

The next day, Annie woke up and found herself back home, personally escorted by Joseph.

With her imposing second brother by her side, Aubree dared not voice her displeasure. She knew that if she made a fuss, her father would likely reprimand her for tormenting Annie. Aubree, however, could handle that.

Skyler, on the other hand, remained quiet. After all, she was the one who had played a trick on Annie and didn’t have any legitimate grounds to complain. If her father found out, he would reprimand her too.

In the evening, Annie lay on her bed with a heavy heart, cradling her lost-and-found teddy bear. She tried to recall everything that had happened the previous night, and her heart raced as she remembered it. Her cheeks flushed.

She had some fuzzy memories of the previous night, but she couldn’t remember everything that had happened or how she had returned home.

She could only recall the moment when the lights went out, and then the sensation of his lips on hers, tantalizing and electrifying.

His eyes, burning like flames, had stared into her soul with piercing intensity.

Taking a deep breath, Annie got up from the bed, walked to her desk, and sat down, She took out her sketchbook and a pencil, closed her eyes in silence for a few moments, and then began to sketch.

After about fifteen minutes, the image of a handsome face with sharp features, a hint of seductive charm, and a slightly mischievous, defiant expression had taken shape on the paper.

Defiant expression had taken shape on the paper.

Annie gazed at her drawing, her fingers gently touching the beautifully rendered eyes.

“Brother Anderson, you look really... handsome.”

What Annie didn’t know.

Her handsome Brother Anderson had driven a fiery red Ferrari and had arrived at the Mazeland Manor Villa.

“Who’s coming?”

Aubree was accompanying Jake in the backyard, enjoying the autumn scenery. She looked surprised when she heard the butler’s report.

“Madam, it’s Young Master Anderson from the Anderson family.”

“At this time?”

Jake raised his hand to check the time on his watch and furrowed his brows. “He knows that Joseph isn’t at home, and it’s almost dinnertime. Why is he coming now?”

“Oh, Jake, the precious Young Master Anderson rarely comes, why think so much? Maybe he’s here to see Skyler.” Aubree playfully held her husband’s arm, acting a bit spoiled.

“Aubree, what you’re saying... Could it be that Skyler and Vincent...” Jake was astonished.

“You’re usually too busy, and you pay too little attention to your daughter. You can’t even see what’s on Skyler’s mind.”

Aubree playfully poked her husband’s chest with her delicate index finger and reproached, ” Skyler has had her eye on Young Master Anderson for quite some time.”

Jake was astonished. ” Skyler likes Vincent? How come I never noticed it at all?!”

“Oh, dear, she’s just a young girl, and it’s not proper to talk about such matters casually...” Aubree acted all shy and on behalf of her daughter.

“But this is not a small matter. Skyler’s marriage is crucial for our Sawle Group.”

Suddenly, Jake’s expression became serious. ” Skyler is my first daughter, my precious gem. Her marriage must be carefully considered, and we have to choose the best among the outstanding young talents in Medo or even the whole country.”

“The Anderson family is one of the prominent families in Medo, and Young Master Anderson is Old Master’s only grandson. The entire Anderson Group will be under his control in the future. If Skyler marries into the Anderson family, she will be related by blood. What a perfect marriage.”

Aubree’s calculations were clear, audible even eight hundred miles away. “Furthermore, Young Master Anderson is Joseph’s sworn brother. If Skyler marries into the Anderson family, they will be even closer. What a great marriage.”

Jake relaxed, feeling reassured by Aubree’s words.

Even though Vincent’s reputation in Medo was not very good, boys from prestigious families, growing up in wealth and luxury, naturally sought new intellectual and emotional stimulation as they matured..

He had been reckless in his youth, but as he grew older and played enough, he would naturally settle down.

Skyler being matched with Vincent was a suitable match. After marriage, with the pressure from the Sawle Group, if Vincent still had any intentions of playing around, he would have to restrain himself.

At this moment, Vincent was already sitting in the villa’s living room.

He often came to the Mazeland Manor Villa to hang out with Joseph and felt quite comfortable, as if it were his own home. He didn’t even need the servants to pour him tea, he helped himself to a cup.

“Vincent, why did you come today?”

Jake and Aubree both came over to welcome him, thinking it was quite unusual since Joseph wasn’t at home.

“I have some matters, it was a sudden decision, and I hope it’s not too inconvenient for you, Uncle Sawle.” Vincent addressed him as ‘Uncle,’ indicating their close relationship.

“We were just about to have dinner. Why don’t you join us?” Aubree extended an invitation warmly.

“No need.”

Vincent set down his teacup with a casual tone. “Is Third Miss Sawle at home? I’d like to have a private chat with her.”

Jake and Aubree exchanged a glance, their expressions meaningful.

Skyler, upon hearing that Vincent had arrived, was so excited that she wanted to rush out to see him.

However, she remembered her mother’s advice. She restrained herself from going out to meet Vincent and instead waited for him to come to her.

Unexpectedly, Vincent, instead of waiting for Annie to come to him, came straight to find her.

Skyler’s heart raced as she walked into the tea room.

“Young Master Anderson, are you looking for me?”

Vincent casually held a teacup with his slender fingers, taking a sip. “Yes.”

“What’s the matter?” She sat across from him, her face flushed with shyness.

“About what happened at ACE last night, don’t you have anything to say?” Vincent’s gaze, cold and piercing, locked onto her. He didn’t waste any time getting to the point.

The color drained from her face as she asked, “What happened at ACE last night?”

“An introverted girl like Annie, how could her teddy bear end up discarded at ACE for no apparent reason?”

With a thud, Huo Vincent set down his teacup, his gaze chilling and piercing as an icicle. “Skyler, there should be limits to jokes, was your behavior last night not excessively malicious?”

Skyler’s face turned deathly pale, her heart racing as if it might leap out of her chest.

“Young Master Anderson, you seem to have misunderstood me... Her eyes welled up with tears, and she desperately portrayed herself as the victim.

“Annie went through your charades last night without shedding a tear. How can you dare shed tears now?”

Vincent didn’t even look at her. He felt that her tears were hot pepper water, too spicy. “In short, I came to tell you two things.”

“Firstly, don’t ever bully Annie again. I’m going to watch over her, and before you act against her, think about who stands behind her.”

“Secondly, stay away from my sister. She’s pure-hearted, and you shouldn’t corrupt her.”

With that, the man stood up, his tall and erect figure, and left without looking back.

Skyler stared blankly at the door that had been slammed shut, feeling as if her soul had been drained, leaving her sitting lifelessly on the floor.

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