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Chapter 37: The Person They Underestimated
The gathering had barely recovered from the tension surrounding the Bennett–Cole proposal when an unexpected problem threatened to turn the evening into a disaster.Ethan was standing near the edge of the reception hall, listening to two guests discuss the proposed partnership, when he noticed several members of the event staff moving hurriedly between the entrance and the adjoining conference room. Their expressions were uneasy, and one of them kept checking his phone.Ethan paid closer attention when he saw Victor approaching them.“What is going on?” Victor demanded, his voice low but sharp enough to make the nearest guests turn.The event coordinator, a middle-aged man named Peter, swallowed before answering. “Mr. Bennett, there has been a problem with the presentation materials. The final financial report and the signed documents for tonight's business announcement are missing.”Victor's expression changed immediately.“What do you mean missing? Those documents were secured in th
Chapter 36: Adrian's Last Advantage
The atmosphere in the Bennett estate remained tense after Evelyn's rejection of Adrian's proposal. Although the gathering had ended, the consequences of her decision were only beginning to unfold. Victor had withdrawn to his study, refusing to discuss the matter further, while the Cole family had made no attempt to hide their displeasure.Adrian sat in his father's car, staring through the window as the Bennett estate slowly disappeared behind them. His father's silence was beginning to irritate him, but he knew better than to start another argument."You should have handled that situation more carefully," his father finally said.Adrian turned toward him. "Are you seriously blaming me for what happened?""I'm blaming you for allowing a personal disagreement to become a public embarrassment. You knew Evelyn was reluctant, yet you allowed the announcement to proceed without making sure she was prepared.""She was never going to agree, not with Ethan around."His father sighed and adjus
Chapter 35: A Choice Made for Evelyn
Ethan kept his eyes on Nathaniel Cross, studying the older man's expression as the question hung between them. The folder remained open on the coffee table, exposing several pages of financial projections, but Ethan's attention was no longer on the figures."Why are you asking me about the Crosswell investment scandal?" Ethan asked.Nathaniel adjusted his cuff before answering. "Because you seemed familiar with the company, and I noticed your reaction when you saw the proposal. Most people wouldn't recognize the name unless they had some knowledge of what happened.""I said I've heard of it. That doesn't mean I know everything about it.""Of course." Nathaniel gave a small nod, although his eyes remained fixed on Ethan. "The project attracted considerable attention at the time. Some people made money, others lost quite a lot, and there were accusations that the financial risks had been deliberately concealed."Ethan glanced at the document again. "Were those accusations ever investiga
Chapter 34: The Man From the Past
The room remained silent after Nathaniel Cross interrupted Victor's announcement. Several guests exchanged uncertain glances, while Adrian shifted impatiently in his seat. Victor clearly hadn't expected Nathaniel to question the timing of the discussion, especially in front of so many people."Nathaniel, I appreciate your concern, but this is a family matter," Victor said, keeping his voice polite."Of course. I wouldn't presume to interfere with your family's decisions." Nathaniel picked up his glass, taking a small sip before continuing. "However, when a decision affects the future of a family, it's usually better to hear everyone involved before reaching an agreement."Evelyn looked at him with surprise. She had expected Victor to control the discussion, and she wasn't accustomed to guests openly questioning his approach.Adrian, however, wasn't pleased. "I don't think anyone is trying to prevent Evelyn from expressing herself," he said. "We're simply discussing an arrangement that
Chapter 33: The Gathering Begins
The Bennett estate was unusually busy that Saturday morning. Staff members moved between the main hall and the dining area, carrying fresh flowers, polished tableware, and carefully arranged folders. The smell of freshly prepared food drifted from the kitchen, while several expensive cars arrived one after another at the entrance.The family gathering Victor had been preparing for was finally underway.Ethan stood near the staircase, adjusting his cuff as he watched the guests arrive. He had chosen a simple, well-fitted outfit, avoiding anything that might attract unnecessary attention. He wasn't interested in competing with the wealthy guests or proving that he could afford the clothes they wore.His attention was on the names he had seen on the guest list, particularly one that had brought back an uncomfortable memory.Nathaniel Cross."Ethan."He turned and saw Evelyn approaching. She wore an elegant dress, and her hair was neatly arranged, but the tension around her eyes suggested
Chapter 32: A Warning From the Past
The following morning, Ethan woke earlier than usual. Victor's offer from the previous day was still fresh in his mind, but what concerned him more was the old man's determination to push Evelyn toward Adrian. He had no intention of interfering with her choices, yet he knew the Bennett family wouldn't allow the matter to rest quietly.After washing up, Ethan sat at his desk and opened the revised consultancy agreement Samuel had promised to send. Most of the changes had been made, although two clauses still required clarification. He marked them for discussion and set the document aside when his phone rang.It was Evelyn."Are you busy?" she asked."Not particularly. What's wrong?""Grandfather has called a family meeting for this weekend. He says there are important matters concerning the Bennett family that everyone needs to discuss." Her voice carried a trace of irritation. "He hasn't told me exactly what he intends to discuss, but I have a feeling Adrian will be involved."Ethan l
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