Chapter 96
Looking at the anger simmering behind his eyes, Jameson must have thought I was about to bully Xandra again. But why didn’t he just give her a clear status carller?
My brain must still be wonky from the previous injury. Otherwise, why couldn’t I understand any of Jameson’s schemes?
When Xandra realized that she couldn’t get her way with me, she immediately turned to face Tristan.
Her voice remained soft and endearing, the kind that would draw sympathy from any
reasonable man. That was Xandra’s talent, after all. She was shameless and always knew when to show vulnerability.
I heard her say to Tristan, “Mr. Zook, I’ve admired you for a long time. I didn’t expect you to be even more handsome and charming in person
Tristán responded with a nonchalant hum.
Xandra continued, “Mr. Zook, you’ve achieved so much at such a young age. I really envy Ms. Lambert. She knows how to choose men like you.
Hearing that, I almost spat out the tea I had just taken a sip of. I suppressed the disgust that I was beginning to feel again. Here we go again!
Xandra was implying that I was not only materialistic but had been with more than one man.
Most people wouldn’t catch on to such a subtle insult in the guise of a compliment. The 18- year–old me would have been naive about it, but I was familiar with her dirty tactics, so I understood what she was doing.
However, her approach clearly wasn’t working in that setting.
Tristan said in a neutral tone, “Oh? It seems that Ms. Clark knows quite a lot about Wyn. I wonder if you’re her good friend or close confidante?”
Xandra quickly replied, “No, no, I’m not. I just know Ms. Lambert’s taste in men-”
Tristan coldly interrupted her. “Since Ms. Clark isn’t Wyn’s good friend, how could you possibly know what type of man she likes?”
Xandra’s smile faltered, and she awkwardly tried to explain herself. “I–I was just observing… You see, she was once infatuated with Jameson. And now she’s with a young talented man like you, Mr. Zook.”
Tristan responded, “I see. But, aren’t you also infatuated with Jameson? After all, he’s also a young talented man, both wealthy and handsome.”
Xandra’s smile froze.
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Unfazed, Tristan continued lazily, “Or is it that Jameson isn’t worthy of your infatuation?”
Xandra looked humiliated and fled in embarrassment. As soon as she left, I had a hard time stifling my laughter.
Tristan looked at me knowingly and wiped a bit of tea from the corner of my mouth.
His actions didn’t go unnoticed by Jameson, and I noticed him gripping the napkin in his hand tightly.
The banquet continued, and I gradually understood from the conversations happening that the gathering was about a major real estate project in Baythorn.
There were immense investments and various stakeholders involved, so Mr. Bloom had taken the lead in bringing together the city’s top players for discussion. It was only then that I realized the dinner was crucial for both Tristan and Jameson.
Tristan had brought me along knowing Jameson would be present.
The relationship they had was still unclear–whether it would be competitive or cooperative but the unspoken tension was clear enough for everyone present to have a good understanding of their dynamic.
It was evident that Tristan and Jameson couldn’t collaborate. Since that was the case, they could only compete against each other.
So, during the course of the dinner, Tristan and Jameson began their covert battle–a cold war, so to speak.
Once the meal finally concluded, someone suggested that we drink tea and relax.
The restaurant we were at was similar to a private club, with a beautiful garden where guests could enjoy tea and listen to music after the meal
Mr. Bloom called Tristan over to discuss matters with several other important people, and I was guided by a staff member to the ladies‘ lounge.
Chapter 9
