Chapter 172

Chapter 172
But considering Theodore’s position , having access to first – hand information and giving his own people an advantage was only natural ,
That was just how things worked in high society . Matthias was used to it .
He gritted his teeth and said , “ Our company does need partners to expand the project , but I just can’t stand Jorge …
Celeste knew he was upset because Jorge liked Wynn . But she didn’t care .
She remained calm . “ The priority is making sure the project runs smoothly and maximizing our benefits . Everything else is secondary . ”
She had met Theodore once . He might have his own agenda , but judging by how Zachary treated him , he was someone trustworthy .
Matthias sighed . “ I know . ” He was just venting .
Then , with a smirk , he said , “ Anyway , there’s still time before we officially start seeking investors . I’ll keep him hanging for a while . ”
Celeste chuckled . “ Alright . ” As long as he was happy .
After Jorge’s call , Celeste and Matthias went back to business . But half an hour later , his phone rang again .
When he saw the caller ID , his expression was a mix of disdain and satisfaction .
Celeste knew it was another familiar face and asked , “ Who is it ? ”
Matthias grinned . “ Beck . ”
“ Also looking to collaborate ? ”
“ Most likely . ”
Just like it was with Jorge , Matthias didn’t usually have much interaction with Beck , Miles , and their friends . So , there was no reason for Beck to call him out of the blue .
Besides , the Harper family , like the Robinson family , had strong connections in both politics and the military .
They were always well – informed .
Matthias turned to Celeste . “ Should I answer ? ”
Celeste was Trevor’s wife , and Beck , as one of Trevor’s childhood friends , had never thought much of her . Instead , he had accepted Wynn , the mistress , and was even close to her .
In Matthias’s eyes , Beck was even more detestable than Jorge .
Celeste said , “ Answer it . ” She didn’t want Matthias to act out of spite .
So , he picked up the call .
As expected , Beck , just like Jorge , was also calling about a potential partnership .
After explaining his intentions , he said , “ I’m currently out of town on a business trip . I’ll be back in Baumond tomorrow at noon . How about dinner tomorrow night ? ”
Matthias responded indifferently , “ I appreciate the offer , Mr. Harper , but our project is still in early development , and the company has a lot on its plate . I really won’t have time tomorrow . Maybe next time . ”
“ What about Thursday ? ”
Matthias replied , “ I might not be available then either . But if I am , I’ll be sure to contact you . ”
Beck knew their company’s lining up .
projects were in high demand , and Mattlilas had no shortage of
So , he said , “ Alright , I’ll be waiting for your call . ”
After hanging up , Matthias happily smacked the table and burst into laughter . “ That felt great ! ”
Celeste smiled as well .
But as he laughed , Matthias suddenly quieted down and looked at her . “ Do you think Trevor might also want to collaborate with us ? ”
YodaVision was in the same industry as InnovaTech , meaning they were technically competitors . But competition didn’t rule out the possibility of collaboration .
And given the nature of these two new projects , there were quite a few aspects where they could work with InnovaTech .
Celeste responded calmly , “ I don’t know . But we should focus on the project itself . Personal grievances can be set aside . ”
“ I get it . ” A little bit of attitude was fine , but when it came down to serious business , he never acted on impulse .
Thinking about it , Matthias was actually looking forward to a call from Trevor . But it never came .
Instead , he received several other calls – all from people wanting to collaborate . But none were from Trevor .
However , just before the end of the workday , he got a call from an unknown number . After glancing at it for a moment , he decided to answer .
A voice spoke first . “ Mr. Yoder , correct ? I’m Harvey Locket , Wynn’s father . ”
Matthias immediately stopped walking . He pulled the phone away slightly and told Celeste , “ It’s Harvey . ”
Celeste looked at him without saying anything
Having known her for so many years , Matthias understood her meaning instantly .
With others , they could put personal grudges aside for the sake of business . But when it came to the Locket family there was no need to do that .
Putting the phone back to his ear , he replied with a smile , though his eyes remained cold . “ Oh , Mr. Locket . What can I do for you ? ”
As expected , Harvey was also looking to collaborate . After listening to him , Matthias said , “ I understand , Mr. Locket . If your proposal is a good fit , we’ll definitely consider it . You can rest assured about that . ”
Harvey wasn’t stupid . He could tell Matthias ‘ words were perfectly diplomatic , but whether he actually meant them was another matter entirely .
He wanted to find an opportunity to invite Matthias to a meal , but Matthias declined , saying he was busy , and hung up .
Turning to Celeste , he scoffed , “ I can understand Jorge and Beck being the first to get wind of this – they come
from the top elite families . But the Locket family … ? ”
The Locket family was an outsider in Baumond , barely having established their footing . If they had caught wind of the news so early , that could only mean …
Celeste knew he was implying that either Trevor or Beck had tipped them off . Given Trevor’s feelings for Wynn and Beck’s close friendship with her , it wasn’t surprising that they’d pass along the information .
Matthias scoffed . His good mood had been ruined .
But he also knew that Celeste probably felt worse .
So , he said , “ Let’s go . Your senior has plenty of money – I’m taking you out for a feast ! ”
In truth , Celeste wasn’t as upset as he thought . She had already come to terms with many things . Those people no longer had the power to sway her emotions so easily .
Besides , this time , she was the one holding the reins . She had nothing to worry about .
But s
since Matthias was offering her a meal , she wouldn’t refuse .
She smiled . “ Thank you . ”
Then , the two of them walked out together .
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