Chapter 156

“Unbelievable,” Freya whispered to herself, her eyes shifting back and forth between Preston and the increasingly displeased Eloise. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion. Was Preston intentionally throwing a wrench in the works here?

Freya had been threading a needle, trying to get Eloise on board with her business plans, and Preston’s antics were threatening to unravel everything. Their dinner at the upscale steakhouse, which was supposed to be a smooth business negotiation, turned into a scene out of a reality TV show.

Already skeptical of Freya’s intentions, Eloise seemed ready to boil over. It was as if they’d invited her there only to snub her publicly.

“Waiter! Three filet mignons and three glasses of Cabernet!” Freya’s voice cut through the tension, her quick thinking preventing the situation from devolving further. It would have been a disaster if only two steaks had arrived at their table.

“Mr. Tyler, regarding the Harwood family’s estate downtown you’ve shown interest in, it’s yours for the taking,” Eloise said, attempting to steer the conversation back to safer waters. She pushed the property transfer documents across the table towards Preston.

Freya was stunned. She knew the Harwood family had left Eloise a significant inheritance. But offering Preston a prime piece of real estate out of the blue was a generous gesture.

Preston skimmed the documents nonchalantly. “Giving away a billion-dollar property just like that, Ms. Harwood? You’re quite the philanthropist.”

“It’s only fitting to welcome a newcomer with open arms,” Eloise replied with a slight smile. “Besides, collaborating with Mr. Tyler is a privilege for the Harwood family. It’s just a piece of land, after all.”

Eloise’s admiration for Preston was evident, but Freya couldn’t help but recall a time in another life when Preston chased after Eloise, offering to buy the same land at ten times its value. That deal had set Echo City abuzz, bringing Preston and Eloise closer and igniting a rivalry with Kieran that lasted years.

However, in this lifetime, Eloise made the first move. Was she seeking to get closer to Preston, sensing Kieran’s waning interest?

As these thoughts swirled in Freya’s mind, Preston’s words snapped her back to reality.

Preston rejected it. “I can’t accept such a generous offer without having earned it. This land, I must decline.”

Eloise’s brows knitted together in confusion. “Mr. Tyler, what are you implying?”

Preston said, “To put it simply, I was interested in the land until moments ago. But suddenly, I’ve lost all desire for it.”

Eloise’s expression darkened. Freya was equally stunned by this turn of events. Preston was rejecting a billion-dollar gift? “What’s your angle, Preston?” Freya pressed, her curiosity piqued.

“I mean, I no longer want the land,” Preston reiterated.

Just then, the waiter brought over the steaks and wine, but the atmosphere had already taken a dramatic turn.

With a bang, Eloise stood, her face a mask of anger. “Mr. Tyler! Are you making a fool of me? You invited me here. I offered you a billion-dollar property, and you refused it?”

Eloise felt humiliated. There she was, extending an olive branch, only for Preston to snap it in half.

“Ms. Harwood, there might be a misunderstanding…” Freya began, trying to salvage the situation.

But Eloise cut her off, her voice icy. “It seems Ms. Dawson and Mr. Tyler are quite cozy. And I thought you were genuinely trying to help me. It turns out it was all a game.”

“Ms. Harwood, please…”