Chapter 9
Author: Mayday
last update2025-08-06 19:26:08

As Serena and Victor's mocking words echoed in the air, Ethan seemed to have ignored them completely, his expression cold and indifferent.

His intense gaze, however, shifted to Avery, who was standing a short distance away.

So, the true owner of the Phoenix ring... was Avery?

That would mean... the person who saved him all those years ago was Avery, not Serena?

The realization hit Ethan like a wave, a kind of complicated emotion flickering in his eyes.

At the same time, Avery’s thoughts spun in confusion.

Ethan has a ring exactly like hers?

How?

But suddenly, a vague memory started to surface in her mind.

She had indeed lost a ring once.

She remembered clearly—it was given to her by a boy she had saved when she was very young.

But the years had passed, and she had almost forgotten about it.

If Serena hadn't brought up the ring just now, she might have never thought about it again.

She was about to speak up to explain about the ring, when suddenly the sound of hurried footsteps broke through the air.

Dante, accompanied by a crowd of bodyguards, stepped out of the elevator.

Swish!

The moment Dante appeared, all eyes in the room were immediately drawn to him. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as everyone’s gaze focused on him, their eyes wide with admiration.

“Dante! Is that really Mr Dante? They say he’s the CEO of the Blackgold Consortium, the wealthiest man in the world!”

“How could someone like him be here? Could there be someone in Clouddale who’s important enough to attract his attention?”

“Either way, just seeing Mr Dante in person today is enough for us! He’s my idol!”

The whispers and murmurs among the crowd grew louder, all filled with excitement.

Serena couldn’t help but curl her lips into a satisfied smile. If these people only knew that she was about to sign a contract with Dante, they’d probably faint from the envy.

Once the deal was signed, it would mean that the Blackwell family was finally aligned with the mighty Blackgold Consortium.

And who knows? With Dante’s introduction, she might even meet that influential people who could make everyone, even Dante and Blake, show her respect.

In that moment, she felt certain: the Blackwell family’s golden days were just around the corner.

And Avery, seeing Dante appear, couldn’t hide the excitement and thrill that surged through her.

Finally, she was about to meet Mr Dante!

She had tried so many times to make an appointment with Dante at the Blackgold Consortium building, but all her efforts had always been in vain.

Now, this rare opportunity had come. She couldn’t afford to let it slip away.

She had to find a way to secure a partnership with Dante to save her family!

But as for Dante, his expression remained completely calm, as if untouched by the excitement around him.

His face, indifferent and impassive, didn’t even spare a glance for Serena or Avery as he walked straight ahead, heading for the exit.

Seeing this, Serena and Victor quickly seized the opportunity, stepping in front of Dante with sycophantic smiles on their faces.

“Mr Dante! Good day! I’m Serena, and I’d like to thank you for selecting our group to be a partner of the Blackgold Consortium!”

Her tone was respectful, full of admiration and reverence.

Dante glanced at her briefly, his gaze as cold as ever, showing no intention of engaging with her.

Serena, undeterred, didn’t seem the least bit annoyed. Instead, she leaned in even closer with a more obsequious smile.

“And, Mr Dante, if I may…”

But before she could finish, Avery rushed forward, her hands trembling as she clutched the project proposal tightly. With great respect, she handed it to Dante.

“Mr Dante, this is the project proposal from the Mitchell family. I hope you will take a look and consider a potential partnership with us.”

“You’re probably aware that the Mitchell family has been established in Clouddale for decades. We have our own hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and our services reach more than half the population.”

“I believe that if you choose to collaborate with us, you won’t regret it.”

Avery’s words were sincere, full of genuine hope, even with a hint of pleading.

The interruption was not lost on Serena, whose expression turned immediately cold.

“Avery! What are you doing here? Can’t you see I’m trying to have a conversation with Mr Dante?”

“And you’re barging in like this, showing no respect for Mr Dante at all! And don’t think I don’t know about the current state of your family. You talk about having hospitals and pharmaceutical factories, but who doesn’t know you’re actually on the verge of bankruptcy, and your hospitals are practically deserted!”

“You think someone like Mr Dante would consider a partnership with a failing company like yours? Get real!”

Avery’s face drained of color. She was at a loss for how to respond.

Serena’s smile grew wider, a sneer curling on her lips as she silently gloated.

With a smug look on her face, Serena continued.

“Mr Dante, the situation with the Blackwell family is completely different! Our pharmaceutical factories employ over three hundred people, and we have experts overseeing operations.”

“Not only that, but our hospitals are far superior to anything the Mitchell family can offer.”

“Once the contract is signed, I’ll personally take you on a tour!”

Serena's words were dripping with sycophantic praise, making sure to belittle Avery and the Mitchell family while flaunting her imminent contract with the Blackgold Consortium.

As expected, Avery’s face turned pale with panic.

“No! That’s not what’s going on! Mr Dante, please, let me explain! Our family…”

Avery’s voice faltered as she rushed to explain, but Dante’s expression immediately soured.

“The Blackgold Consortium do not partner with companies on the brink of bankruptcy.” His icy gaze swept over her, his tone freezing as he spoke without hesitation.

“Well, now do you see the difference between you and me, Avery?” Serena sneered arrogantly.

“I…”

Avery’s chest burned with fury at Serena’s words. Her anger was boiling over, but with Dante standing right there, she couldn’t afford to say anything to further irritate him.

“Just get out of here! People like you could never secure a partnership with the Blackgold Consortium. You’re just daydreaming…”Serena smiled cruelly.

But before Serena could finish, Damon's voice rang out. Cold and sharp.

“She’s not the one unqualified for this collaboration—you are.”

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