Chapter 367
Nolan had barely settled at his desk when Jeff's call interrupted the quiet.
"Tomorrow at ten, Moonlight Club in Usepsall.I need to discuss something with you," Jeff said.
Without hesitation, Nolan replied, "Understood."
The following morning, the clock struck ten at Moonlight Club.
Nolan pushed open the door to the private room and immediately saw Jeff.
He occupied the chair by the window, a solitary cup of coffee sitting untouched before him.
His gaze drifted outward, distant andunreadable.
Nolan approached smoothly and lowered himself opposite Jeff.
Before any words left Nolan's lips, Jeff slid a document across the polished table.
It was the cooperation contract Nolan had prepared yesterday and dispatched to the Benton family's villa. "Let's terminate this collaboration." Jeff's calm voice cut through the quiet tension.
Nolan's eyes tightened fractionally,though surprise did not touch him.
From the moment Jeff requested the meeting, Nolan had anticipated this exact reaction.
He made no move toward the contract, choosing instead to speak evenly. "Jeff, is there some misunderstanding regarding our partnership?"
A mocking grin spread across Jeff's face, his eyes sharp with ridicule. "No misunderstandings exist.Let's be clear. Don't presume I cannot see your motives.Eleanor's happiness is not something I trade."
Despite the severity of Jeff's words, Nolan felt no anger.
After all, this cooperation had been his idea, merely a way to edge closer to Eleanor.
Being perceived so plainly and rejected outright fell within reasonable expectation.
Fortunately, the textile factory still offered an avenue to approach Eleanor.
With that thought, Nolan collected the contract."Since cooperation doesn't interest you, I won't insist. But I will demonstrate my sincerity regarding Eleanor.
He rose calmly and exited the private room.
Shortly after, Jonny appeared at the club's entrance.
He had come to meet a few friends at the club today.
Through the slightly open door of the private room,he immediately spotted Jeff seated by the window.
Adjusting his suit collar to convey sophistication,Jonny advanced with deliberate composure. "Mr.Benton, what a surprise," he said with an ingratiating smile.
Jeff glanced at him,expressionless and detached.
The man who had once caused Eleanor pain didn't even merit a proper look.
Ignoring the cold reception, Jonny continued as if nothing mattered. "I understand you are expanding partnerships. Would you be interested in exploring business opportunities in Vladena?"
His tone suggested self-importance, implying he already held weight in Vladena's circles.
The performance of authority through connections was unmistakable.
Jeff, having spent decades navigating business currents, immediately detected Jonny's pretentiousness.
"Business opportunities in Vladena?" Jeff's sneer was icy, his eyes sharp with disdain. "Who granted youthe audacity to propose collaboration? Yourself? Or your mother,who hasn't even joined the Shaw family yet?"
Jonny's confident smile froze mid-expression.
Without a word, Jeff brushed past, his demeanor frigid.
Jonny's face paled, fury tightening his jaw, fists clenching so hard that his nails almost bit into his palms.
He was convinced that once Vickie wed Donald,he would inherit the Shaw legacy.
At that point, anyone who had underestimated him would kneel and plead.
Jonny had investigated thoroughly, learning that Donald had no children of his own, only a nephew under his care.
He believed that no nephew, regardless of closeness,could rival him, the prospective stepson.
Jonny was certain that upon assuming the Shaw family heirship, Vladena's entire business world would fall under his influence. By then, figures like Jeff and even Nolan would be compelled to recognize his authority.