Trouble in Paradise



Christopher hosted a banquet, insisting that I couldn't miss today's lunch after skipping last night's dinner. He claimed it was prepared just for me and was exceedingly luxurious.

The restaurant was extremely private, catering only to esteemed guests. Even Douglas had to wait outside.

After what happened last night, I couldn't find an excuse to ask Pete to join me for a regular gathering. I could only grit my teeth and watch the staff stop Douglas from entering.

I could see that Christopher hadn't exaggerated. The setting wasn't just extravagant-it was absurd.

I wasn't the only guest at the gathering. There were both men and women. The banquet hall was elegant, and a waiter slowly wheeled in a cart.

Christopher grinned maliciously and said, "Ariana, your lunch is right on that cart."

I wasn't concerned about the food itself. I just wanted a chance to talk to him and understand his intentions toward Jones Corporation.

I knew he was aware of my purpose, otherwise he wouldn't have invited me so persistently. Clearly, I had something he wanted.

Nicholas had once told me, "In business, there are no permanent enemies. It is just a lack of shared interests. Opportunities for change always exist."

I realized I couldn't avoid today's gathering, so I pretended to be intrigued. But when I saw what was on that cart, I broke out in a cold sweat.

The spread was an array of Sumanese Cuisine, but the plates weren't what I used to see. Instead, they were laid out on a naked woman's body.

The others didn't seem shocked at all and even praised the exquisite dishes. Christopher's face was glowing as he said it was all to entice important guests.

Everyone followed his gaze, their eyes turning toward the cart. Someone led the group in cheering, "Guests of honor, please enjoy."

My expression darkened immediately. Seeing me frozen in place, Christopher mocked, "Ariana must not have seen such fine offerings before."

"Naked feasts not only lets you savor delicacies but also indulge in the aroma of a virgin..."

The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Let me try it on your behalf." Christopher picked a scoop of caviar from the woman's chest, grinning lewdly as he chewed it vigorously.

Following his lead, others began helping themselves to the meal. I forced a smile, standing awkwardly among them.

"Ariana, are you not used to this?" Christopher feigned concern. "Shall I order something else for you?"

I was so nervous that my mouth felt dry. My lips stuck together, making it hard to speak. "No, it's fine. I'll just have some water."

I raised the glass to my lips, letting the water moisten them. Only then did I manage a faint smile.

"Mr. Newton, I heard you're in the pharmaceutical business now. I have some connections in that field. Perhaps we could discuss a collaboration?"

"Sure. We can discuss it, but business is tough right now. It's hard to make any money," Christopher replied, although his smile quickly faded, his tone turning serious.

"I heard Brenda transferred a prime piece of land unconditionally before she passed?"

I frowned. Few people knew about this. Mom had insisted on the transfer to help me cut ties with Nelson. Unconditional transfer wasn't an exaggeration.

Just as I was about to respond, Christopher interrupted, saying, 'Ariana, let's not beat around the bush. This isn't a secret within Jones Corporation. I was planning a development project on that land when I was still with the company, but Brenda took it away.

"Honestly, when Mr. Hawk wanted to buy my shares, he offered quite a bit. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have had the chance to get back on my feet. But that land... I just can't let it go."

"You know that land now belongs to someone else, and there's nothing I can do."

"The land from the Fisher family is up for tender. I heard Nelson is your godfather. If you can find out his bottom line, I promise to clear the grudge between us!"

"Mr. Newton, are you losing your mind? Setting aside the fact that leaking tender information is illegal, do you really think Nelson would tell me? We haven't been in contact for almost four years."

Christopher rubbed his chin, remaining silent.

"If you're looking to connect with Nelson, I might have a good candidate in mind. Would you be interested?"