Chapter 45

Sebastian took a deep breath, his gaze darkening. Even with the curtain between them, Eleanor could still feel his imposing presence. The main issue was that when he didn’t speak, it left too much room for speculation about his mood. She had difficulty deciphering a stranger’s thoughts, so she got straight to the point.

“Mr. W, I’d like to talk to you about the superconducting material. The Sandberg Group has been working with Zeiten for thirteen years now. This time, we were set to renew our contract.”

“But since you also wanted this material and signed an exclusive and exclusionary agreement with Zeiten, they can no longer work with us.”

“However, the Sandberg Group really can’t do without this material. Could you allow Zeiten to continue working with us?”

“No,” Sebastian replied.

Eleanor was momentarily stunned by his bluntness. She quickly added, “I’m willing to agree to any conditions you propose, as long as they’re within my power.” Sebastian leaned back in his chair. His posture was relaxed, yet it didn’t feel careless or improper.

“As far as I’m concerned, Phillip Sandberg is the CEO of Sandberg Group, and your relationship with him isn’t great. Do you really need to work this hard for him?” Eleanor wasn’t about to discuss her personal matters with an outsider, so she brushed it off. “Mr. W, you must be joking. My uncle and I are family; we share the same surname. Our fortunes are tied together. When Sandberg Group thrives, I thrive, and when it falls, I fall. Of course, I have to do my best for my family’s business.”

She wasn’t lying. Sooner or later, she would reclaim Sandberg Group. This was her business. She was helping Philip, she was helping herself.

Selustian raised an eyebrow. “You’re so selfless and compassionate, Ms. Sandberg.”

Eleanor wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but something about his tone felt sarcastic. However, she chose to ignore it. “From the way you’re speaking, I…”

“It seems this matter isn’t entirely…” Sebastian idly spun a black metal pen between his fingers and tilted his chin slightly. “Since you said you’d agree to any condition, turn left and take three steps forward.” Though confused, Eleanor did as he instructed. She turned left and walked three steps forward, stopping in front of a small coffee table.

On the dark wood surface sat a delicate and fancy candle. The air carried a faint tea-scented fragrance. Beside the candle lay a single card. Eleanor picked it up, seeing that it was a hotel key card. She froze for a second, realizing what it meant. Then, a surge of anger shot straight through her.

“Do you see what’s on the table?” The man’s voice was laced with mockery.

“Yes,” she replied coldly.

“A woman like you shouldn’t need me to spell it out, right?”

He was right. He didn’t need to. Even an idiot would understand what it meant to give someone a hotel key card. She had said she’d agree to any condition, and this was the condition he offered.

Eleanor’s impression of him quickly changed. He was no longer refined and elegant. Instead, he was now a weary, cold scumbag.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. “Mr. W, you might not know this, but I’m already married.”

“Is that bastard son even worthy of you?” Sebastian asked emotionlessly.

Eleanor’s eyes sharpened. “Mr. W, have you been looking into me?!”

He didn’t respond.

Eleanor threw the card back onto the table. “My personal affairs have nothing to do with the business at hand. Since you refuse to reconsider, I won’t waste any more of your time. I’ll be…”

When she turned to leave, Sebastian stood up.

“Did you… could you leave?”