Chapter 36
The man glanced at Eliana with skepticism before his eyes drifted toward Nathan.
It was indeed Nathan. But he showed no sign of familiarity with Eliana.
“In that case, Ms. Lyons,” the man ventured, “would you mind introducing me to Mr. Turner?”
Eliana’s cheeks flushed with instant embarrassment.
Being caught bluffing was mortifying, but she’d already gone too far to back down now.
Swallowing her pride, she led the man toward Nathan.
“Mr. Turner, what a coincidence,” she said brightly, stepping into his line of sight.
Nathan looked down at her, a faint smile touching his lips. “You are…”
Those two words nearly shattered her composure.
“Seems your memory isn’t what it used to be, Mr. Turner,” she replied, keeping her tone light. “Weren’t you the one who called me this morning about investing in the Westridge project? Have you forgotten?”
‘I have to keep up the act,‘ she thought, seething. ‘I need him.‘
If it were before, she would have given him the cold shoulder for a month over a comment like that.
Her heart clenched at the memory.
Nathan had been her sole testing ground for every tantrum and barbed word.
His bottomless patience had fooled her into thinking he’d never walk away until he did, disappearing without
a trace.
After graduation and the family–arranged marriage, with the Lyons Group on shaky ground, she stopped indulging her every whim. Caution became her compass, guiding every careful move within her marriage to avoid another collapse.
Looking back, she wasn’t sure if the timidity of her past marriage stemmed from that first failed relationship or her family’s decline.
No wonder Irene had argued with her so fiercely. Even Eliana herself found the person she’d become unrecognizable.
She wondered, ‘How can someone’s entire nature change so completely?‘
“Is that so?” Nathan’s voice pulled her back to the present. “I don’t recall making any such call. Madam, are you certain you haven’t been scammed?”
Eliana met his gaze, her expression turning serious. “That’s entirely possible. Sorry to disturb you, Mr.
12:25 Mon, Jan 19 M
Chapter 36
Turner.”
She turned to leave, but in one swift motion, Nathan caught her wrist and pulled her back.
The sudden movement stunned everyone present, including Eliana.
The force of it nearly sent her crashing into his chest.
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“Is this how you negotiate, Ms. Lyons?” he asked, his voice low. “You give up that easily? What if you lose the opportunity?”
By now, the man beside her needed no further convincing.
If Nathan was her backer, he had nothing to worry about.
No wonder she dared to stand up to Logan. With the Turner Group behind her, she could afford to be bold.
“Ms. Lyons, Mr. Turner is right,” the man chimed in eagerly. “In business, you have to fight for it!”
“Mr. Turner, a pleasure to meet you.” He quickly introduced himself, hoping to make an impression.
After a brief acknowledgment from Nathan, the man was satisfied, his attention fixed back on Eliana.
She gently pulled her wrist free. “Mr. Turner, I’m serious about discussing this partnership.”
Nathan leaned in slightly, meeting her eyes. “So am I. What else would I be after, Ms. Lyons, if not business?”
Eliana’s brow furrowed, but with an audience watching, she played along. “Of course. My mistake. I will make every effort to secure the Turner Group’s investment.”
“Good. Start by getting me two coffees. You remember my usual order, right?” said Nathan.
Eliana gritted her teeth but managed a tight smile. “I remember. I’ll be right back.”
With that, she turned around and left.
Watching her storm off, irritated, lifted Nathan’s mood inexplicably.
Seeing her anger felt alive. It reminded him of the past.
Anything was better than the lifeless, resigned woman she’d become beside Logan.
His smile faded as he noticed the man still staring at him. “Was there something else?” he asked, his tone cooling.
“N–no, nothing else, Mr. Turner. It’s just… regarding the Westridge project…” said the man.
Nathan promised, “The Turner Group will invest. As Ms. Lyons said, on a larger scale than you anticipated.”
As the man nodded enthusiastically, Nathan handed him a black, gold–embossed business card. “From now on, if there are any issues, come to me directly. Don’t bother her with them.”
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Chapter 36
The man stared at the card in his hand, dazed, as if caught in a dream.
He carefully tucked it away, thanked Nathan profusely, and finally left.
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Meanwhile, at the coffee shop counter, Irene could barely contain her excitement. “Eliana, I told you he came back for you.
“A second–chance romance. Wow, you two could be the plot of a novel!”
Eliana shot her a weary look. “Irene, for the last time, this is real life, not one of your novels. There’s no ‘second–chance romance‘ for us. It’s impossible.”
“How is it impossible? The way he pulled you close just now was pure hero material! He’s so protective.
“Eliana, he’s like a novel character come to life! Rich, handsome, aloof… and he hasn’t been with anyone all these years. It’s like he’s been waiting for you. It’s perfect.”
“Or maybe,” Eliana said dryly, “he hasn’t dated because he discovered other interests overseas.”
As she finished the sentence and took the coffees from the staff, she turned and nearly bumped into Nathan.
Her face paled.
Eliana never expected Nathan would follow them.
He was notoriously petty. If he’d heard her last comment, he’d definitely use it against her.
Sure enough, he leaned in close, his gaze intent. “Whether I swing that way or not… why don’t you find out for yourself?”
His words hung in the air, and the look in his eyes grew intensely heated.
