Chapter 157

“Mr. Tyler, it seems you are not interested in collaborating, so let’s call it a day,” Eloise said, her frustration palpable as she grabbed the land transfer agreement from the table. With a swift turn, she exited the restaurant, leaving behind the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and apple pie.

When watching her departure, Freya’s expression darkened. “Preston, what are you doing?” she demanded, her voice a mix of anger and disbelief.

Ever the picture of calm, Preston took a leisurely sip of his red wine. “The truth is right in front of you, right? I thought I made myself clear.”

“I was trying to help you by securing that land for you. And now here you are, screwing things up and driving her away. Don’t you want that land?” Freya’s frustration was clear.

“Exactly, I don’t want it,” Preston replied, focusing on his steak.

“You!” Freya was at a loss for words.

Preston continued, nonchalantly cutting into his steak. “This place does make a decent steak. Care to try, Ms. Dawson?”

“I’m too upset to eat because of you!” Freya had never encountered someone so infuriating.

To think someone would refuse land worth a billion dollars. How could anyone be that foolish?

Preston signaled to Hans, who promptly cleared Eloise’s place.

“Even though things didn’t work out with Eloise, maybe we can discuss our partnership,” Preston suggested, changing the topic. “What do you mean?” Freya was instantly on guard, knowing nothing straightforward ever came from Preston.

“I recall the Dawson family owns a prime piece of downtown real estate, right?”

Freya asked, “So, what if we do?”

“I’ve got all the details on that land, and I’m interested in buying it from the Dawson family,” Preston revealed.

Hearing that, Freya was caught off guard. “Buy our land?”

“I must warn you. That piece of land from the Dawson family is quite expensive,” Freya replied, playing coy.

Preston said calmly, “Name your price. No matter the cost, I will pay ten times more.”

Freya’s heart sank at these familiar words. She thought, ‘Isn’t Preston supposed to pursue Eloise by buying land at ten times its value? Why is he offering me the same deal?’

“My land… it’s worth around seven or eight hundred million.”

“Then consider it sold for ten billion dollars,” Preston stated. “I expect the land transfer agreement on my desk in three days.”

With that, Preston stood up, leaving his half-finished steak. “Steak’s all yours, Ms. Dawson. See you in three days.”

As Preston left, Freya was in a daze. What just happened? Offering her ten billion for a piece of land? Was Preston simply too wealthy for his own good? Or was there a darker reason behind his generosity?

It dawned on Freya that Preston might be using this to launder money. Suddenly, she stood up, determined to confront him. “Preston, wait!”

But it was too late. Preston’s car was disappearing into the night. Fuming, Freya realized Preston had fooled her. Believing he was being charitable, she soon realized his true intent was to drag her down with him. She wouldn’t let Preston get away with it.

About to call Kieran, Freya suddenly felt an intense pain and was quickly silenced, a hand covering her mouth and nose.

“Mph!”