In a private room of the restaurant, Yvette stared at the message from Xanthe in the group chat, feeling like that word was hitting her in the face. She was seething with embarrassment and anger, her face turning dark as she mmed her phone down on the table. The noise startled Jessie, who immediately leaned in with concern, asking, "What''s wrong, Yvette? Did something happen?"


    In this private space, away from outsiders, Yvette let her disdain show. "What else could it be? That wretched Shakira! Why hasn''t anything happened to her yet?"


    Lago and Gideon turned their attention to Yvette after hearing her words. A flicker of anger shed in Gideon''s eyes, but since he was seated in the far corner, no one noticed. Lago''s expression soured 100.


    Throughout dinner, Yvette had been cold since she arrived, and her outburst now put Lago, who had arranged for Gideon to meet Yvette, in a tough spot.


    Gideon looked up to Lago, and if he found out that Yvette was being rude to her father, it would really hurt Lago''s reputation in Gideon''s eyes.


    Thinking about this, Lago forced a smile and softly exined to Gideon, "My daughter has been spoiled since she was a kid; she has a bit of a temper. I hope you don''t mind."


    Gideon responded with a sympathetic smile, showing he understood. "Mr. Smith, I get it. In wealthy families, it''s normal to pamper daughters. Yvette is lively and spirited because of your love; you''ve raised her well."


    Lago beamed at thepliment. "You really know how to tter, Gideon." Lago subtly warned Yvette, "Don''t misbehave too much; remember, today''s dinner is to celebrate Gideon joining my newpany."


    Though he didn''t say it outright, the warning was clear, and Yvette rolled her eyes in disdain.


    Just a poor delivery boy, she had no intention of being careful. Even if Gideon found out something, it didn''t matter. A lowlymoner like him would never have the chance to confront a member of the Nelson family. Shakira couldn''t best her either. Impatient, Yvette nced at her diamond watch. "Let''s get on with it; I still need to try on the dress for tomorrow,"


    Jessie asked, "Where are you going tomorrow?"


    ite casually tossed her hair. "Reba is introducing me to some friends in the entertainment industry. There''s a duector''s reality show in its final preparations, even sponsored by the city, set to air during the New Year."


    Yvette added, I convinced Felix to join me; we''re taking promotional photos tomorrow, so I need to pick a stunning dress."


    Jessie was thrilled. "You''re going on TV? My daughter is about to be a big star! I heard those celebrities earn millions per episode...


    Jessie was more excited than Yvette herself. "Your father barely made that much in a casino over half a month, and you could earn it in just a couple of shows. You really are exceptionall


    In her excitement, Jessie forgot herself, while Yvette paid her no mind. It was Reba who secured these opportunities, not Jessie


    Suddenly, Lago interjected with a serious tone. "Yvette; no matter how well your foster parents treat you, they are still outsiders. We are your true parents. Be careful, no outsider canpare to us."


    "Got it." Yvette replied, her lips curling in disdain as she shifted back to the main topic. "Have you decided on the direction for thepany yet?" Lago had long imed he would make aeback, but Yvette had never taken him seriously. 08-29 Fri, Nov 1 B.


    B4%94%#


    To her surprise, Lago somehow secured a few million dors. Yvette didn''t think much of him, but she didn''t show it openly. She let him try whatever he wanted-if he actually managed to make some money, it would benefit her too. Lago smiled and gestured to Gideon. "Gideon, why don''t you exin?"


    Gideon took a deep breath, as if gathering courage, before meeting Yvette''s gaze. "Yvette, I''ve analyzed the current market. along with the resources Mr. Smith has, I believe we should return to Mr. Smith''s original line of business. Gideon added. The startup capital of two million isn''t enough; we need to find a way to raise more funds."


    Yvette furrowed her brow immediately. "What do you mean? Do you want me to fund you?"N?velDrama.Org content.


    Gideon quickly waved his hands. "No, Yvette, you''ve misunderstood. I mean to make the money work for itself. With that, Gideon pulled out a map and slid it toward Yvette.


    This is a map of Pueru. When I was delivering food, I identally overheard conversations in the SVIP rooms. They mentioned that thend reform n for Pueru will be announced in the spring, leading to a big acquisition of residentialnd."


    Gideon continued, "Pueru is underdeveloped, and property prices are still low. Mr. Smith''s two million could buy at least twenty vis." Listening to Gideon''s n, Yvetteughed derisively.


    -


    "What century are you living in? Do you really think redevelopment will make you rich? By the time the n is announced and executed, with fundingpensation involved, can you guarantee the timeline? I see you''re aiming for a six-million loss!" Yvette said. Lago looked bewildered. "How could that be? Gideon is so clever... Lago''spany had thrived a decade ago mostly due to luck, not brains. Just moments before, he was confident in Gideon''s n, but after Yvette pointed out the ws, he started to Waver


    Yvette demanded, "Dad! Who do you trust, him or me?"


    Lago nced at Gideon anxiously. "Gideon, should we reconsider this?"


    Gideon stayed calm. "Yvette, the risks you mentioned are real, but how can investment exist without risk? Since Mr. Smith entrusted thepany to me, my fate is tied to it, and I want to see thepany thrive and make profits too."


    Gideon added, "Right now, the Pueru demolition n is still internal news; many outside spectors might not have caught wind of it. If we act quickly and finish the procedures before they do, we can sell to them afterward."