CHAPTER HUNDRED AND TWELVE

RICHARD'S POV

leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight of the room shift as Brenda's eyes met mine. There was a spark there, a glimmer of curiosity and perhaps a bit of skepticism.

"So, Richard," she began, her tone light but her gaze piercing, "you’re really part of the business consortium?"

I leaned forward, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Yes, Brenda. I recently obtained membership."

Her eyebrows shot up, and for a moment, she looked genuinely impressed. "Well, color me surprised. I thought they only allowed a select few, the crème de la crème."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You know, it’s not as exclusive as they make it out to be. But yes, they do have their standards."

Brenda’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Standards, huh? I was beginning to think they just let in anyone with a decent suit and a charming smile."

I laughed, the sound filling the room. "Well, I do have a pretty decent suit. And my smile? It’s legendary."

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her gr