Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Curtis casually lifted his glass, replying, “That shabby little stall of an outfit, VentureVista Securities, thinks it can merge with my prestigious ElitePinnacle? It’s like a poor boy marrying a golden daughter. Dream on.”

Maddox had never heard of a business merger compared to marriage and was momentarily speechless. “VentureVista is backed by VectorVista Bank. A merger with your ElitePinnacle is hardly a step down for them.”

Curtis raised an eyebrow. “You think I need your money?”

The look on Curtis’ face was practically begging for a punch.

Just as Maddox was about to respond, Curtis clicked his tongue. “Never mind. You do have deep pockets.”

Maddox was at a loss for words.

He hardly lost his temper.

-Despite its shortcomings, VentureVista Securities was Vector Vista Bank’s investment arm

and the Richardson family’s property.

“A merger is not out of the question,” Curtis said leisurely, sipping his wine. “Have your good-for-nothing VentureVista Securities become part of my ElitePinnacle.”

He meant he wanted VectorVista’s resources, but VentureVista would have to take on the ElitePinnacle name.

Maddox had been thinking about incorporating ElitePinnacle into the Richardson Group, but his ambitious and greedy son wanted to get something for nothing.

What should have been a straightforward merger turned into a giveaway. After a lifetime in business, Maddox had never been on the losing end like this, and his blood pressure

was rising.

“You’re playing a clever game,” he remarked.

Curtis gave a sly grin. “You’re the one who schooled me in that, right?”

There was nothing Maddox could do. After all, Curtis was his son by blood.

With a wave of his hand, Maddox conceded, “Okay, have it your way.”

The outside world was all rumors about their family affairs, like brotherly feuds and covert power struggles, but Maddox had his plans.

His eldest son, Phillip, had been groomed as the successor from a young age.

With the business talk out of the way, Maddox called for dinner to be served. The kitchen

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had been ready for a while, and soon, dishes arrived at the table.

Maddox wasn’t much for conversation, and Curtis wasn’t in the mood that day, so they ate quietly until Maddox finally spoke up.

“Have you and Anne settled the divorce?”

Curtis forked a bit of fish, gave it a critical taste, and commented, “This fish isn’t done right. It’s got too much of a fishy taste.”

Before Maddox could try it himself, he gestured with his hand.

Someone immediately removed the fish and brought Curtis a fresh fork.

Curtis didn’t touch his food again, loosened his tie, and took a sip of wine before he said, “I’ve been busy and haven’t gotten around to it.

His company had just moved back stateside, and he did have a lot to do.

Maddox advised, “Once you’re through this busy spell, take some time to talk with Anne. Meet any reasonable demands she has. She’s been through a lot these years. Make amends and part on good terms.

Curtis said nothing, slowly finishing his wine.

“What about Grandma?”

“The psychic predicted three years, and now that time’s up. Your grandma’s health was stable these two years. She won’t object. She is reasonable. She can’t keep you two together for life.”

“That’s debatable,” Curtis smirked. “Grandma loves her drama.”

Exiting the restaurant, Curtis got into his car. Jake waited a moment before asking, “Mr. Curtis, where to today?”

Curtis, who had closed his eyes, opened them again and glanced at Jake through the

rearview mirror.

“What do

you

think?”

Trying to guess the mysterious mind of his boss was beyond Jake, but considering Curtis’ rare moment of consideration that morning, delivering clothes and leaving with a stormy expression, it seemed there was another argument. He ventured a guess.

“Back to the apartment in Hawthorne?”

Curtis replied, “Wrong guess.”

Jake was internally exasperated.

Curtis closed his eyes again. “Let’s just go home.”

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