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    Chapter 629


    Shania, sitting next to Josie, shot a sideways nce at her.


    She wondered if Josie was so eager to secure a deal from Rosalie. Regardless of the urgency, Shania didn''t think it was wise for Josie to propose a coboration under the guise of concern. She wondered if Josie assumed that Rosalie, who came from an ordinary background and only rose into the upper ss through marriage, could be easily deceived.


    Rosalie had been with the Murrays for nearly 20 years. Even if she were inexperienced, the Murray family''s resources would have honed her into a business expert.


    With an apologetic expression, Rosalie whispered, "I''m not in charge of the business side, and the orders for thepanies under my name are currently full. However, if there are any future ns for business expansion, I will certainly rmend you, Josie!"


    Rosalie noticed that Finn was deeply fond of Wanda. If it were up to her, she would be willing to give somerge orders to the Thompson and Warbane families to strengthen their rtionship. However, the Murrays wanted to wait until Finn and Wanda were engaged before entering into a partnership.


    "Please don''t get me wrong, Rosalie. I''m only offering to help because I''m concerned you might be overworking yourself," Josie said, smilingly, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes.


    This was her first meeting with Rosalie. Although she knew her direct approach might risk Rosalie''s opinion of her, she had no choice but to proceed in this manner because Thompson Group was at a disadvantage in their businesspetition with Yuriel.


    Josie had initially thought that feigning a strained rtionship with Shein would convince Yuriel to let his guard down, preventing him from targeting both families simultaneously. But Yuriel, as the wealthiest man in Rivend, had not been wary of the possibility of her and Shein joining forces against him.


    Yuriel had almost monopolized 60% of the development rights in the Riverwatch District, while Thompson Group and the Warbane family''s Windex Corporation only held abined share of 30


    %.


    Yuriel hadpletely outpaced Thompson Group in the real estate sector. In the fashion and handbag industry, Yuriel''s Fashion Breeze was closing in on Islo Clothing. In the inte sector, Yuriel''s Wowlingo boasted 1.5 million registered users,pared to Thompson Group''s Vision Door, which had only about 800 thousand.


    Thompson Group was also falling behind Yuriel''spany in other sectors. Overall, Yuriel held a significant edge over Shein in every area.


    Josie knew that even if they integrated the resources of the Thompson and Warbane families, it would still be challenging to match up against Yuriel. She understood that rushing wouldn''t help, but the situation demanded urgency.


    The international luxury brand Hermès was about to enter the Cascade State market with ns to open three exclusive stores there. To attract customers, Hermès was seeking a partner to design a limited-edition, sophisticated handbag.


    Eightpanies werepeting for this project, including Islo Clothing and Fashion Breeze. Josie knew Islo Clothing well and was aware that its design had stagnated.


    Despite being established a few years after Iso Clothing, Fashion Breeze''s unique design concepts and technological innovations had garnered industry attention, making Isolo Clothing''s chances of winning the bid slim.


    Coborating with Hermès, a top international luxury brand, could significantly enhance a


    Rosalie elegantly lifted her teacup and took a sip before gently asking, "I assume you''ve been under quite a bit of stresstely, Josie?"


    Josie, whose family had been in business for three generations, had learned business etiquette from a young age. Her eagerness to coborate with the Murray family indicated that their business in Rivend was facing some difficulties.


    "Is it that obvious?" Josie responded while giving an awkward yet polite smile.


    Rosalie gently said, "It''s Wanda''s birthday today. We should focus on making her happy. Business affairs can wait."


    After bing a member of the Murray family, Rosalie had gained everything she ever wanted-a luxurious home, expensive cars, and a vast fortune. Even her friends and rtives had benefited from her marriage.


    However, she had lost her freedom and time and missed out on raising her own son. She disliked this version of herself, feeling like she had failed as a mother.


    Josie had a simr situation. It was said that she handed her daughter over to a nanny shortly after giving birth and rarely returned home.


    Yet, unlike Rosalie who was bound by the Murrays'' restrictions, Josie had chosen her career over her daughter.