Chapter 120
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It wasn’t until the other guy said that Logan snapped out of it. He’d been so caught up in grabbing his share that he hadn’t even bothered to look over the contract.
He didn’t believe for a second that anyone would go through all the trouble of gathering these heavyweights just to pull a fast one on him.
For massive deals like this, needing upfront investment was just par for the course.
But the real problem was that he was tapped out.
As soon as Logan realized it, a knot of anxiety twisted in his gut. But he was too worried they’d kick him out if he showed any weakness, so he kept his poker face.
He pulled out the contract and took a look. When he saw the number on it, he nearly lost his composure.
He knew there was no way he could scrape together that kind of cash right now, and if things blew up and Eliot Group couldn’t cover the consequences, he was just about ready to swallow his pride and try to hand the contract back.
After all, he’d only just signed it, and everyone was still in the room.
It wasn’t the greatest move, but it beat ending up on the hook for cash he didn’t have.
But before Logan could say anything, the other guy cut in, “Mr. Eliot, once this contract is signed, it’s legally binding.
“I know you’re aware, but since we’re talking big money here and I was the one who vouched for you, I just wanted to lay it out for you.”
Noticing Logan’s uneasy look, the guy added, “Mr. Eliot, you did go over the contract, right?
“The breach penalty is no joke, and you’re in for a hefty chunk. You’d better hustle and get that money together. If you can’t cough up the cash and the project gets delayed, that’s gonna hurt
“But don’t stress. Once you put in your share, this project’s guaranteed to make bank. You won’t regret it, Mr. Eliot.”
After the guy had said all that, Logan felt way too awkward to admit he wanted out.
Things had already gone this far. Logan just forced a thank. He gritted his teeth and walked out.
It wasn’t until he got outside and into the car that all that bottled–up frustration finally exploded inside him.
He’d been all smiles on the way over, but now his face was like thunder.
Andrew had stuck with Logan the whole time, so he knew exactly what had happened. Right now, he didn’t even dare to make a sound.
Seeing Logan’s face so grim, Andrew tried his best to shrink into the seat and not draw any attention.
When Logan told him to drive with an ice–cold voice, Andrew didn’t dare waste a second. He started the car and sped away.
The car sped off, and Logan spent the whole ride on the phone, trying to secure a big loan from a few bankers he knew.
But Eliot Group still had a pile of unpaid loans, and with all the tumors flying around lately, nobody was willing to take the risk and lend them money now.
A few just rejected Logan straight up. They probably thought he was finished, so they didn’t even bother with the usual polite small talk.
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But a couple of them were still courteous, explaining their own difficulties and even pointing him toward another option.
“Mr. Eliot, you know how it goes. There’s a lot we just can’t control. It’s not that we don’t want to help you out, but the bosses upstairs are locking everything down.
“With your current situation, if we sign off on a loan, we’d be the ones taking the fall if anything goes wrong
“And it’s not that we doubt you’ll pay it back, honestly. We just can’t get the money out right now, no matter what.
“But hey, since we’re friends, if you’re really strapped for cash, I’ve got a suggestion. Go hit up a VC firm.
“Nathan Turner just got back, and his venture capital company is a global giant. The guy has got more cash than most of us could ever dream of.
“Your funding needs sound massive, even scary, but for him? It’s probably pocket change. Plus, since he’s fresh back, word is he’s throwing money at anything that looks promising. If he thinks your project’s got a shot, he’ll invest
“Honestly, your project’s a guaranteed moneymaker, it just takes a while to see the returns. But if you get Nathan to cover the risk and put up the cash, you’ll be sitting pretty and raking in the profits.”
When Logan first heard that suggestion, his eyes flashed with pure disdain. No matter what, he’d never bow his head and ask Nathan for help.
But after calling around and getting nothing but rejections or being told to go to Nathan, Logan was furious. Still, he was actually considering it now.
After all, business was business, and personal feelings were personal.
Going to Nathan for help with work just meant he could swallow his pride when he had to. There was nothing to be ashamed of.
And honestly, it looked like this was his only way out now.
If he didn’t fix this fast and couldn’t scrape together the cash, that huge penalty would land squarely on his shoulders. Eliot Group could go down in flames, all because of him.
After all, when he signed, he’d stamped Eliot Group’s name right on the line.
Thinking that, Logan clenched his fists and stole himself. He shot Andrew a look and said, “Drive to Turner Group. Now.” Andrew was clearly caught off guard, but he didn’t dare say a word. He just hit the gas and headed out.
When they pulled up outside Turner Group, Logan explained his business to the receptionist, and she wasted no time calling Bobby.
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‘Not surprised at all, Nathan thought when Bobby knocked and told him Logan was here.
‘He’s got nowhere else to turn. Coming to me is his only shot now, Nathan mused.
Still, Nathan hadn’t expected Logan to bend so fast. He didn’t even wait a single day before showing up at his door.
For a guy like Logan, Nathan couldn’t decide if he should give him props for being so sharp and ambitious, or just call him out for being totally shameless.
But this was all part of his setup. Now that Logan had stepped right into his snare, Nathan saw no reason not to see him.
So after Bobby finished, Nathan didn’t even blink. He said, “Let him up. Take him to the guest room. I’ll join him shortly”
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Bobby shot back a quick “got it” and headed out to give the front lesk a heads–up, and they let Logan and Andrew through.
Once Bobby left, Nathan settled into his chair.
With deliberate care, he opened the drawer and took out a photo
In the picture, Eliana was wearing her school uniform, radiating youthful energy. She glanced back over her shoulder, her face glowing with a bright, carefree smile.
She was so beautiful back then. So captivating that no one could just look away.
As Nathan thought about it, his fingers gently traced her cheek in the photo, and his eyes filled with tenderness.
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