Chapter 143
Hearing Gordon’s explanation, Caitlin let out a relieved sigh.
Thank goodness.
So Gordon had only just arrived himself.
Otherwise, she would have felt embarrassed for making him wait.
“You’re welcome,” Gordon replied as he switched off the engine and got out to walk her to the door.
“Mr. Sylvester, I’ll head up now,” Caitlin said.
She’d only just woken up, so her voice sounded a little different-soft and slightly nasal, with a sweetness that contrasted with her usual composed self.
She hesitated, then added, “It’s getting late. Next time, I’ll have you over for tea.” Gordon gave a polite nod. “I’d like that p>
It was barely a little past eight.
Was that really late?
The thought puzzled him, but he didn’t say anything.
Only when Caitlin’s figure disappeared into her building did Gordon return to his car, close the door, and drive off.
The sleek black Bugatti melted into the night, swallowed by the darkness.
The Chandler Group.
Julian sat in his executive chair. Ever since yesterday, he’d checked his phone every three or four minutes, hoping.
But Caitlin hadn’t messaged him. She hadn’t even accepted his friend request. Why p>
Why was she doing this?
Did she really expect him to go and find her himself?
What was she thinking?
There was no way he’d go chasing after Caitlin.
Knock, knock, knock-
A sharp rap on the door interrupted his thoughts.
“Come in,” Julian said, barely containing his irritation.
Dalton strode inside. “Julian p>
“What is it?” Julian narrowed his eyes. “Did Caitlin come to see you p>
Yes, that had to be it. Caitlin must have gone to Dalton first.
The possibility made Julian’s eyes light up with anticipation.
Dalton looked momentarily confused. “No, she didn’t p>
No?
A flash of anger darted across Julian’s face.
Dalton placed a folder on the desk. “Julian, I actually wanted to talk about the Apex Game Studios situation. They just posted on their official account: two days from now, they’re launching their new game, Imperial Ascent. Our own new title is nearly ready too. Do you think we should announce a release date p>
“Release ours in two days as well,” Julian said flatly.
“Two days?” Dalton frowned slightly. “Julian, from the teaser clips Apex released, there’s a real chance they’ll pull off the country’s first AAA game. Honestly, I think we should launch before them and get the drop on the market. If we launch simultaneously ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ
Apex was promising a AAA game, and while The Chandler Group’s new release was flashy, it couldn’t compare with the scale of a true AAA title.
A head-to-head launch would leave The Chandler Group crushed.
But if they went first, they could at least capture some of the buzz, soften the blow.
Julian snorted, as if he’d just heard the world’s funniest joke.
“AAA? Apex? Do you really think they can pull off a AAA game? On what grounds? Because of Caitlin, that country bumpkin?” His voice dripped with contempt. “Our games division doesn’t just have Jasper-we’ve brought in elite talent from overseas! Caitlin’s never even set foot outside the country. It’s obvious they don’t have what it takes. Apex and Caitlin are just stepping stones for us. The Celestial Awards are as good as ours this year p>
Caitlin, that little upstart, was nothing.
Jasper was the real deal a legend in the gaming world. And The Chandler Group had an all-star team.
Besides, Caitlin had only joined Apex, what, six weeks ago?
Even if she had some business savvy, what could she possibly accomplish in a month and a half?
It was laughable. Apex was bound to get utterly steamrolled.
When the dust settled, all those who’d chosen to back Apex would regret it.
The Sylvester Group would regret it.
Irene would regret it.
Everyone would finally see what it meant to be the dark horse of the finance world.
Dalton simply stared at Julian for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright. I’ll make arrangements our game launches in two days p>
“Good. Do it p>
Dalton left.
As Julian watched him go, his eyes gleamed with certainty. Victory was within reach.
The Chandler Group had barely announced their release date when the internet exploded.
[Can’t wait to see what Mr. Chandler delivers p>
[Wow! Apex is launching in two days too! Guess we’ll see who’s really got it.] [Honestly, I’m more excited for Apex’s AAA p>
[Ha! You think Apex can actually make a AAA game? Impossible. Didn’t someone already debunk their teaser videos p>
[Anyone who thinks Apex can pull off a AAA title clearly isn’t in the industry. They don’t get what it really takes. Mr. Chandler is the finance world’s prodigy-if even The Chandler Group won’t brag about pulling off a AAA, what chance does Apex have p>
[I’ve heard the new shareholder at Apex is just some clueless girl who knows nothing about games p>
[A rookie like her thinks she can compete with Mr. Chandler? What a joke p>