billion book
Chapter 7
"Dad, are you talking about Connor, the billionaire from the Sartori family?"
Joshua nodded. "Yes, that's him."
Antonio sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "This is going to be tough. The guy is practically royalty in Eldridge, while we're just a small-town family in Riverbrook. Plus, the status gap between the Moncada and Sartori families is huge. How are we supposed to get close to him?"
Everyone knew the Sartori family was the wealthiest in the nation. They had an extensive network and a complicated family tree. Connor was Jeffery's son; he was born in Jeffery's later years and was personally chosen as the successor by Jeffery himself. Yet, Connor kept a low profile and never appeared in public, so much so that people didn't even know what he looked like. It was a mystery why Joshua suddenly brought him up now.
Joshua continued, "The Sartori family bought the Paradise Resort land a while ago. I've got some inside info that Jeffery has put Connor in charge of the entire project. If Moncada International catches his attention, our chances will skyrocket when they pick a construction company."
"Dad, this plan sounds far-fetched. So many people are trying to cozy up to the Sartori family. Just showing up in Eldridge City might not even get us a meeting."
"Who said anything about Eldridge City? Connor is actually in Riverbrook right now and has been living here for the past three years."
Lucas frowned. "Really? How has an elite from Eldridge settled down in Riverbrook for three years? That sounds off."
"His mother Marian is from Riverbrook. She moved back here three years ago to recover from an illness, and Connor came with her. This was kept under wraps. For the past three years, they've
been staying at Valley Vista Manor in Riverbrook."
Valley Vista Manor was a villa built on the mountainside in the southern district, and the entire mountain hosted only that one villa. It had been rumored for years that its owner was a reclusive tycoon. It turned out to be a property of the Sartori family.
"Dad, how did you find out if it was supposed to be a secret?" Tara asked, her curiosity piqued.
"It was a secret, but not anymore. Everyone knows now because tomorrow is Marian's seventieth birthday, and for the first time, our family has received two invitations.
"Not just the Sartori family, but all the major families in Riverbrook got invited. It looks like Marian is ready to lower her guard and make friends here.
"Regardless, this is an opportunity and the reason I had Luca rush back home."
Then, Joshua took out two invitations. "Luca, Chloe, you two will attend Marian's birthday party tomorrow night. Prepare a meaningful birthday gift, and make sure to show your faces in front of Connor. That would be even better if you could manage a conversation or even befriend him."
"Alright, let's not talk shop during dinner." Seizing the moment, Tara spoke up, "I've cleaned up the room. You two should sleep in the master bedroom tonight. Now that you're back, it's about time you had a child."
Chloe had her own room in the Moncada family home even before. After getting married, she continued to stay in her small room and never moved into their master bedroom.
"I have plans tonight, so I need to step out," Lucas said indifferently.
Tara slammed her cutlery down on the table. "Going out? To see that girl? If you leave Chloe alone tonight, I'll find someone to give that girl a piece of my mind."
"Mom, come on."
"You think I won't?"
Chloe didn't say a word, sipping her soup and watching the drama unfold. To be honest, it was impossible to say she had completely let go of the betrayal. When her life hit rock bottom, the two people she trusted most betrayed her. She had hated them and sought revenge crazily. But time had tempered her spirit. Now, she could watch the drama unfold as if she were just a spectator and was thoroughly entertained.