Chapter 121
Lavern felt Daron’s intimidating presence, even though he was angry or loud. His attitude shifted instantly.
“Mr. Zamora, I was just making a point,” Lavern said quickly. “Marina and 1…”
23%
56 vouchere
Daron cut him off. “Mr. Ross, let’s keep this strictly business. I don’t go for pulling the emotional card. Feelings can flip in an instant, don’t you agree?”
Lavern’s face darkened. He knew Daron was clearly mocking him.
After all, Lavern cheated before the wedding. Whatever he said sounded fake.
Lavern had heard Daron was a real pain to deal with, but he had no idea he’d be this impossible.
One slip of the tongue and he’d be in trouble with Daron.
Lavern had just been trying not to come off as weak, hoping to put himself on equal footing with Daron.
But now, feeling Daron’s clear contempt, Lavern felt his confidence slipping.
“You’re right, Mr. Zamora,” Lavern said. “In business, it’s all about gains and progress. I suppose Marina.”
Daron interrupted him again. “You mean Ms. Finley.”
Lavern hadn’t expected Daron to deliberately correct how he addressed Marina. His expression froze, and he had no choice but to follow Daron’s lead.
“I’m sure Ms. Finley already talked to you about Ross Group’s future plans. Since you’re interested in working with us, you must believe in where we’re headed. Now that we’re hitting a rough patch, why not buy in and become a real part of our future? What do you think?” Lavern said.
Daron listened with a blank face, didn’t look interested at all.
He didn’t answer, just seemed to be sizing up what Ross Group was really worth.
Lavern was a bundle of nerves, his heart pounding.
“Mr. Zamora, if you think my asking price is too high, why not tell me what you’re really willing to pay?” Lavern said.
Lavern was already dropping his price before Daron even said a word. He was clearly desperate.
“Trouble brewing inside Ross Group, huh?” Daron said.
His voice was cool, his gaze fixed on Lavern, making it impossible for Lavern to meet his eyes.
Lavern kept his expression neutral. “Why do you say that, Mr. Zanora?”
Daron toyed with his phone, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“I heard you reached out to Carter first. Did Carter decide not to buy into Ross Group after all?” Daron asked,
Lavern shook his head. “No, Carter’s actually pretty keen on the hares.”
Daron’s eyes narrowed. “Then why the rush to come to me?”
Lavern’s eyes flickered with unease. With Daron’s gaze seeming see right through him, he couldn’t help but back down.
1/3
19:26 Thu, Dec 25 WWG.
Chapter 121
“Of course, it’s all about the profit,” Lavern said.
Anyone running the Zamora family could see right through his ttle plans.
Daron just wanted to test how genuine he really was.
Lavern figured he might as well come clean. It’d save him from aron’s constant suspicion.
4
23%
FZ55 vouchers
He needed Daron on his team. That was way better than letting Carter and Marina call all the shots at Ross Group.
Daron gave a lazy nod. “So, Mr. Ross, you’re trying to keep Ms. Finley in check?”
Lavern just stared at him, lost for words. ‘I’d already spelled everything out. Why is Daron still needling me?‘
Daron was really starting to get under his skin.
Daron didn’t seem to notice Lavern’s irritation and just kept talking.
“So, Mr. Ross, looks like things between you and Ms. Finley aren as good as you said. That gash on your head. Ms. Finley gave you that, right? From the looks of it, she’s pretty determined to dump you,” Daron said.
“We’re fine. She’s just pissed off, that’s all,” Lavern replied.
Even now, Lavern refused to admit that he and Marina had broken up.
As far as he was concerned, it was just Marina calling it quits. He never agreed to any breakup.
As soon as he said that, the air seemed to freeze.
Daron narrowed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and looked at Lavern with a cool, indifferent gaze.
“No? So, if you two aren’t broken up, why are you scheming behind her back? If you can play these of seven years, it really makes me wonder how you’d treat your business partners,” Daron said.
games
with
your fiancée
Lavern’s face fell as he realized Daron had just caught him in a verbal trap. It felt like something was stuck in his throat.
Daron was drumming his fingers slowly and steadily on the armrest of his chair.
Lavern was already a bundle of nerves, and now he was straight–up panicking.
“Mr. Zamora, it’s just a temporary thing between me and Marina She’s just blowing off steam right now. Once she cools off, we’ll be back together,” Lavern said.
“You know what they say. If you don’t look out for yourself, nobely else will. Mr. Zamora, you’ve made it to the top, so I’m sure a guy like you gets it,” Lavern added.
Daron let out a cold laugh. “Not in the slightest.”
He’d been raised as the heir from day one. Back when his uncles were fighting tooth and nail, everyone was out to prove themselves, making their own businesses and projects the best ey could be. But never at the expense of the family.
Because the Zamora family always had each other’s backs, that’s how they got this far.
Yeah, there were some small squabbles, but everyone knew what really mattered.
Lavern was nowhere near someone Daron could ever relate to.
Lavern’s face went stiff. From Daron’s words, he finally saw where Daron stood–they were never on the same side.
2/3
19:27 Thu, Dec 25 WW.
Chapter 121
He clenched his jaw, forced a smile, and had no choice but to stand up and take his leave.
“Since you’re not interested in Ross Group, Mr. Zamora, guess I stop bothering you then,” Lavern said.
Daron looked up, his eyes flashing with a cold edge.
23%
55 vouchers
“We haven’t even gotten to the price yet and you’re already heading out? Is my time really that cheap to you?” Daron said.
Lavern felt the pressure in Daron’s words. He had no choice buto sit back down, suddenly a lot more humble.
“That’s not what I meant, Mr. Zamora. I just thought you had zelo interest in investing in Ross Group,” Lavern said.
Daron raised his hand and made a number with his fingers. Before he could even say the number, Lavern’s face instantly. brightened.
‘6.5 billion?‘ Lavern thought, his heart pounding with excitemen
So the rumors were true. Daron’s seriously generous when he’s interested in a company, Lavern thought.
“65 million for 20% of Ross Group,” Daron said coolly.
Daron watched as the excitement in Lavern’s eyes vanished, replaced by shock and disbelief. A cold, mocking smile curled at his lips.
“Mr. Zamora, that’s way too low! Ross Group’s market value is way above that,” Lavern protested.
Daron picked up his cup and took a slow, unhurried sip.
“Ross Group used to be worth a lot more. But now? This is all you get. If you want to drag this out, go ahead. Next time you come knocking, the price might be even lower,” Daron said coolly.
Lavern took a deep breath, but this time he just couldn’t hold it in anymore–he was practically shaking with anger.
He could feel Daron’s contempt, and it was obvious Daron was just messing with him.
“If you’re not actually serious about this deal, Mr. Zamora, then there’s no point sticking around,” Lavern said, his voice edged with frustration.
Daron didn’t bother to stop him. He just set his cup down and said coolly, “Anyone else will only offer you less. If you don’t believe me, you’ll see for yourself. But next time you come to me, don’t expect me to be this accommodating.”
Lavern walked out of Daron’s office, jaw tight and face grim.
No way anyone would offer less than Daron. He just didn’t buy it
Twenty percent of Ross Group should be worth at least 3 billions.
Daron was basically going straight for his jugular. No way Laver was letting it go for that price.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
