billion book
Chapter 17
Just as Lucas' heart sank bit by bit, Connor spoke up nonchalantly, "Moncada International? With the Leading Heights studio?"
A glimmer of hope flickered in Lucas' heart. Connor actually knew about Leading Heights.
"Joshua is my grandfather, and he's always praised you as a prodigy in the business world. He mentioned that partnering with Sartori Corporation on the resort development project would be a tremendous fortune and honor for us."
Lucas had been worried about how to bring up this topic. Unexpectedly, Connor had given him the perfect opening. Of course, he didn't expect Connor to agree right away. A billion-dollar project couldn't be settled with just a few sentences. But he needed to make sure Connor remembered Moncada International to gain an edge over the numerous competitors.
Connor twirled his glass with his fingers. Even while seated, he exuded an air of superiority that made those standing feel like they had to look up to him. His voice was low and indifferent, with a hint of mockery. "We can work with anyone on the resort project except Moncada International."
Hearing this, the crowd around them was taken aback. Many had their eyes on the lucrative resort development project. When Connor mentioned Leading Heights, they felt a twinge of envy. But now, that envy quickly turned to schadenfreude. Everyone was curious. How did Moncada International offend the King of Eldridge?
Even Lucas himself was stunned. Before today, Moncada International had no dealings with the Sartori family, and no one had even met Connor. Why would Connor say this out of the blue?
Lucas' face showed a hint of panic. "Mr. Connor, if I may ask, did the Moncada family offend you in any way?"
Connor suddenly stood up, his gaze passing over Lucas and landing on Chloe behind him. His demeanor was cold, and his glowing skin gave him an ethereal, almost otherworldly coolness. But his voice had a tinge of emotion. "That's a question for Mrs. Moncada."
All eyes instantly turned to the woman behind Lucas. Chloe was stunning. Arguably the most beautiful woman in the room. Many had noticed her from the start, the woman in the white dress who seemed like a goddess emerging from a misty southern garden. Her beauty was mesmerizing, and even in the simplest attire, her radiant allure was undeniable. Numerous inquisitive and scrutinizing gazes fell upon her.
Chloe hadn't expected Connor to call her out like this. But Lucas had already turned around, his gaze cold and his voice filled with accusation. "Chloe, explain yourself. What's going on here?"
Lucas felt as though he'd been hit by a hammer. How could Chloe know Connor? And what had she done to offend him? Was there something between them?
Chloe composed herself, a subtle smile playing on her lips as she stepped forward. "I didn't expect Mr. Connor to hold a grudge. It was three years ago when I accidentally scratched his luxury car. I didn't know who he was, so I left a thousand dollars and left. Hard to believe you still remember that, Mr. Connor."
Chloe had to come up with a lie on the spot. She couldn't possibly say that she had started sleeping with him three years ago and then recently dumped him. That would be too much.
Lucas let out a sigh of relief. For some reason, he had been nervous, fearing there was a more complicated entanglement between them.