Chapter 18 Invitation
Charles glanced at the board members, his voice calm but firm. “I’ve already made up my mind to partner with the Brooks Group. I’m not considering a collaboration with your company.”
The room fell silent, the tension almost palpable.
Then, Albert broke the quiet, his voice tight with frustration. “Mr. Foster, Florence is my wife. Working with her is the same as working with me. And as for her, she’s not really into business. She prefers shopping and spa. If you have any projects in mind, we could sit down and talk about it.”
Charles‘ smile barely flickered, but the coldness in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed.
32:57
Chapter 18 Invitation.
+2 Bonus
“Albert, I never realized you could be this
shameless.”
Her gaze hardened as she continued, “The Brooks Group is my father’s hard–earned business. What does it have to do with
you?
“I was fooled into letting my father hand this branch over to you. Now it looks like you want to take everything, doesn’t it?”
Albert’s face darkened, his grip tightening. “That’s not what I meant.
“I don’t care what you meant,” Florence snapped, her voice cold and steady. “I’m getting a divorce. If you don’t sign these papers, I’ll let the media know how you spent our honeymoon with Isabella. That’ll ruin your family’s reputation. 2/9 Think it over.‘
22:57
Chapter 18 Invitation
Albert’s face went even darker, but Florence wasn’t bothered. She had said what needed to be said, and now she turned to leave.
+2 Bonus
“Mr. Foster, sorry for the trouble. Let me treat you to lunch. What do you want to eat?”
Once they were outside, Florence gave him an apologetic smile.
She wasn’t eager to offend Charles. After all, he would be a key ally in the future.
She realized her phone had run out of battery, an oversight she would definitely fix next time, especially for important
matters.
Charles smiled lightly. “It’s fine. I have a 3/9
22:58
friend who just opened a restaurant. Let
Chapter 18 Invitation
take you there. Next time, you can treat
me.”
+2 Bonus
Florence considered it for a moment. She didn’t think it was right for him to treat her, but given their future collaboration, she decided not to argue.
At the restaurant, Charles had reserved a private room. He let Florence order, and once she was done, he asked the waiter to bring the dishes.
It wasn’t until then that Florence realized Charles had only ordered a steak, while all the other dishes were her choice.
“Mr. Foster, aren’t you hungry? Why didn’t you order a few more things?”
“I’m not that hungry. What you ordered is
4/9
fine”
22:58
Chapter 18 Invitation.
+2 Bonus
Florence didn’t fully believe him, but she couldn’t deny she appreciated his polite, considerate manner.
Back when she was with Albert, he was always so self–absorbed. Never once had he let her order first.
The one time he had brought Isabella along, he had gently told her to order first. That was when Florence finally realized that it wasn’t that Albert couldn’t be considerate. He just didn’t care enough about her.
In her past life, she’d been too submissive, thinking that if she kept giving in, he would eventually love her. But all she got in return was losing her life and hurting the child she was carrying.
5/9
22:58
Chapter 18 Invitation
This time, things were going to be different.
+2 Bonus
“Are you alright, Ms. Brooks?” Charles‘ voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She shook her head slightly, regaining her
composure.
“By the way, Mr. Foster,” she asked, “I’m guessing you didn’t ask me out just for lunch. Is there an issue with our
contract?”
Charles shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. “No, the contract is fine. Actually, I wanted to invite you to a jewelry exhibition at my company’s art gallery in two days. It’ll feature some pieces from well–known designers. Given your background in the jewelry industry, I thought you’d enjoy it.”
6/9
22:59
Chapter 18 Invitation
+2 Bonus
Charles explained, “It’s an exclusive event, just a few close friends. I haven’t made it public yet.”
Florence understood he was probably inviting a select few potential clients, making this exhibition even more intriguing.
She smiled and agreed, “That sounds great. I’ll definitely be there.”
As she flashed him a bright smile, he looked at her with a subtle but intense
gaze.
After lunch, Florence said her goodbyes and headed home.
When she walked in, she was surprised to
find Albert there.
7/9
22:59
Chapter 18 Invitation
voice was tight, his expression dark and full of anger.
+2 Bonus
Florence’s gaze was cold. “Didn’t Isabella faint? Why aren’t you with her at the hospital? What are you doing here?”
“She’s fine now,” Albert shot back, standing up and walking toward her. “But I’m still waiting for you to explain what you were doing with Charles.”
Though Isabella had told him that Florence was just trying to get his attention by associating with someone like Charles, Albert couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Florence was his wife, and no matter how little he cared for her, he wouldn’t allow her to get close to other men.
