Ronald and Bryan finally slunk out of the private room, shoulders slumped in defeat.
The three waiting outside could tell at a glance from Ronald and Bryan’s faces that the negotiations had fallen through. Wincent and Birgitte remained unfazed–they’d seen this coming all along. They weren’t in a hurry. Securing handling for Playry would be effortless–the only real consideration was which investors to bring on board.
Alas, on the other hand, sighed repeatedly, lamenting, “What a pity, what a terrible shame.”
Vincent remained unflappable. “Mr. Cohen, if you have other investors to recommend, let’s set up a meeting. Otherwise, I’ve got no shortage of interested parties reaching out lately.”
“Yes, I do. I’ll get on it right away,” said Alas. He’d introduced the Wilson family out of old business ties, but now that the deal had fallen through, he naturally couldn’t keep clinging to that connection. With a brief farewell, Atlas excused himself and left without another word.
Vincent and Birgitte then pushed open the door. “Ms. Miller,” Vincent reassured her, “we can always reach out to other investors.”
Aubree nodded. “Do some legwork and vet them carefully.”
Mid-conversation, the private room door swung open again, revealing an unexpected visitor.
Aubree, assuming the Wilson family had circled back, didn’t even look up before snapping, “Still here? Need me to call security to throw you out?”
“Who on earth has upset you, Bree?” came Bowen’s familiar, teasing voice. Aubree looked up and saw him standing there.
Aubree’s brows had barely relaxed before they furrowed again. She looked up and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Bowen clutched his chest dramatically in mock distress. “So harsh, Bree. Can we try a different greeting next time?”
Aubree’s brows furrowed even more. She really wasn’t in the mood for any idle chatter from Bowen right now.
Seeing her expression, Bowen dropped his playful grin. “Let’s get serious–trouble with the investment!”
Aubree nodded, not hiding it. “Yeah.”
Aubree said flatly, “The Wilson family meddled in the deal.” That single sentence was all Bowen needed to grasp the whole situation.
Bowen nodded, pulled out a business card, and slid it across to Aubree. “Aidan Matthews–the heir to the renowned Matthews family, the godfather of internet new media in Odionland,”
He continued, “Last time I talked to him, I mentioned you’ve been looking for investors lately. He should be on a flight to Rul City right now.”
“I’m not saying you have to work with him–just do me this favor and give my friend a chance, alright?”
Aubree thought, ‘Seriously? This is beyond perfect.’ The Matthews family was a global leader in digital media, and their sole partner in Odionland was the Tumer Group. Upon learning that someone of their caliber wanted to work with her, Aubree couldn’t be more thrilled. Partnering with Aidan would mean opening doors to the international market for her.
Aubree thought, “This is like instantly leveling up.”
Bowen said, “Since you wouldn’t let the Tumer Group help, I had to pull some strings elsewhere for you.”
Meeting Aubree’s gaze, Bowen flashed her a bright, knowing smile. Bowen was a businessman through and through–shrewd, calculating. If he did something, she absolutely had to know and remember it. Quiet sacrifices simply weren’t his style.
Bowen thought to himself, “How could she possibly remember what she never even knew?"
“When is Aidan arriving?” Aubree asked.
“Should be tonight, barring any unexpected issues,” he said.
Aubree turned and exchanged a knowing glance with Vincent and Birgitte.
Birgitte immediately caught on. “Mr. Turner, would you mind helping us arrange a welcome dinner? We at Bree Technology would like to host Mr. Matthews.”
“Of course,” she said. In fact, Bowen had already reserved a restaurant before he even showed up. Everything was firmly within his grasp.
Bowen’s eyes burned with absolute certainty.