"Come now! Don't be like that! We've been childhood playmates, remember? Regardless of circumstances, our bond persists." Wynstan responded, pouring two glasses of wine with an exaggerated flourish. "This is a vintage from my personal collection. A true delight for the palate. Try it." Given there were just the two of them, the spread wasn't overly grand. Yet, countless esteemed businessmen from Crystal Cove would give an arm and a leg to be part of this dinner. However, to Nora, the invitation felt more burdensome than honorary. A toast always called for full glasses. And business often demanded the libations flow freely. Seeing Nora's thoughtful gaze, Wynstan chuckled: "Finding my wine lacking, are we? I suppose, being the magnate you now are, this might not match your status." Truth be told, the wine wasn't cheap, retailing at over a thousand. Yet to Nora, it was mere triviality. The wine wasn't the issue. Even if Wynstan had offered a commonplace wine worth mere tens, its
Mammon's lips curled into a gentle smile: "If gratitude is to be given, direct it to Jonathan. While Mr. Moore and I might be acquaintances, our bond isn't as profound. Had it not been for Jonathan's plea, the Moores wouldn’t have found me in their corner." "Yes, indeed!" "Now, Mr. Moore, we must expedite matters. The sooner we seal the agreement, the better." "Let us restart the project and alleviate our shared anxieties." Business attended to, Mammon shared a few parting words before departing in the company of Jonathan. Their venture could truly be described as a fruitful one. Barring unforeseen tribulations, the peril that threatened the Moore family was seemingly defused. Their reputation, however, was something they'd have to mend on their own. Considering their current scenario, evading a declaration of bankruptcy due to piled debts was almost a miracle in itself. To hope for more would be sheer fantasy. All agreements were set in stone. Soon, Mammon would dispatch his
Tommy shook his head, his words hastening to fill the air between them: "My sister-in-law is doing well; she's thriving in her job. Not too long ago, she even moved to a new house." “But when I visited Curtis last, there was a man at her place.” Tommy, flustered and scrambling for words, replied: "Oh, he must've been just a business partner, discussing some contracts with my sister-in-law. Nothing more.” Jonathan's face darkened in thought. A man? From what he knew about Adela, she would never entertain business at her private residence. Could it be? Had Adela found someone? It was possible. After all, when he had left Elite Summit, she had suggested they take a year apart. This perhaps hinted that their time together might eventually come to an end. Though Jonathan's relationship with Adela had blurred past friendship, their bond, in essence, was only maintained by Curtis. They never really became lovers. So, it was perfectly normal for Adela to have a boyfriend. Yet, the very th
After a while, Jonathan broke the ice, initiating a topic of discussion. Moonlight, Adela's brainchild, was now the talk of the town. "Our autumn collection has been a great success, both in terms of sales and profits." Adela began: "But to claim the top spot might be premature. Despite the backing of renowned domestic and international fashion houses like Wind & Fire and M & N, we can't be overly confident in becoming the flagbearer of our nation's fashion industry." "We'll truly know our standing after assessing the sales for the next three seasons. Only then can we truly earn national recognition." Truth be told, Adela was not overly concerned about Moonlight's position or its future; her worries had nearly evaporated. But she shared this perspective nonetheless. Jonathan silently rejoiced, noting Adela's growth and maturity. She was no longer the fishmonger he once knew from the market; she had blossomed into a successful businesswoman. In a time not so distant, Adela would,
"It's rare to run into familiar faces in Elite Summit." Tryphena mused, her words a flurry of excitement: "Would you join me for dinner tonight? If you're busy, tomorrow is fine too. Let's exchange numbers and connect on social media first!" Although initially hesitant, Jonathan found himself swayed by the genuine warmth in her eyes: "Tonight it is." With contact details exchanged and plans set, the two bid each other a temporary farewell. That very evening, as the city's lights began to shimmer, Jonathan received an investigation update from Roger. Adela was seeing someone. Moonlight Corp, where she worked in Elite Summit, was primarily managed by her and Deputy CEO Vera. However, recently, a charismatic new CEO named Feagan William, reputedly a returnee from overseas studies and rumored to be the scion of some top executive from M & N, took the helm. Since Feagan's arrival, he seemed relentlessly smitten by Adela. He often accompanied her to business outings and ensured she ret
Once Tryphena was out of earshot, Juliette burst into giggles: "So Jonathan, that beauty is really your sister-in-law? Are you some kind of beast?" Of course, Juliette was jesting. Initially, she'd assumed the beauty Jonathan had turned down was just a stranger, and his mention of her being his brother's girlfriend was surely playful. But who was she kidding? Being a seasoned veteran in Crystal Cove' entertainment industry, Juliette had encountered countless personalities. Tryphena posed no threat. A few words were all it took to send her packing, all while maintaining her own clandestine identity. "Let's drop it. Since we've met, let's go somewhere." Jonathan said, steering the conversation away from Tryphena. "Agreed." Juliette cheerfully responded. As they strolled through the streets, their charisma was undeniable. The frequency with which heads turned to steal glances was remarkable. "How long are you staying in Elite Summit this time?" Juliette inquired with genuine interes
Katherine swiftly dismissed with a flick of her hand, her face etched with profound disagreement. "How can you suggest such a thing? If in the next two years you don't marry her and by some chance you decide to part ways with my dear Juliette, then what?" "If such were to occur, you would've squandered the best years of her youth! Absolutely not! It cannot be so." "Yet, for now, Juliette and I are not in a position to wed." Jonathan feigned discomfort, an aura of unease surrounding him. In a sudden whisper, Katherine interjected: "Even if marriage isn't immediate, there must be some assurance you can provide, mustn't there?" At this, both Andres and Wyatt, father and son, shifted their eager gazes toward Jonathan. Juliette inwardly smirked, thinking to herself, 'Mother is starting her games again.' It was clear the reason her parents were here tonight was solely for this imminent matter. They hadn't raised a daughter, but rather, it seemed, a mere commodity. "What assurance d
At the Moonlight company's neighboring cafe. Jonathan and Juliette sat secluded in a dim corner. Juliette, shedding her pretense, took a sip of coffee before saying: "I've arranged to dine with Feagan tonight. What's our next move?" "How do you find Feagan?" Jonathan inquired earnestly. "Handsome, even more than you. And oozing charisma! If I were Adela, I'd choose him and kick you to the curb." Juliette quipped. Jonathan: "..." "Heh, just teasing!" Seeing Jonathan's knitted brows, Juliette laughed: "But seriously, Feagan seems like another wolf in sheep's clothing. He's no match for you! I entered his office and he stared at me for minutes. I've seen that type of gaze in Crystal Cove all too often. He's not a catch." "You've got the right hunch. Feagan is no pillar to lean on. If your old friend is by his side, she's bound to regret it." Hearing this, Jonathan hesitated: "Tonight, carry a mini-camera. Entice him to reveal his true colors. If you succeed, make a swift exit."