He smirked dismissively as if he doubted she could stir up any trouble. "There are others here today to meet Mr. Carter, not just us. If you can get him to sign the contract today, I might consider it." Business deals rarely concluded in one meeting. Casper didn''t trust her abilities. Honestly, she wasn''t too sure of herself either. But for a million dors, she was determined to give it her all.


    The car pulled up in front of a uniquely designed estate and stopped. Casper got out and took Eliza''s hand, leading her inside, with Faithe following closely behind.


    Standing at the entrance, Amaya spotted Eliza from afar, her eyes lighting up with delight.


    "Eliza!"


    "Amaya!" Eliza let go of Casper''s hand and hurried over for a hug. "I''ve missed you so much."


    "My dear girl, it really is you." Amaya raised her hand to touch Eliza''s delicate face, pretending to scold her. "You little heartbreaker, how long has it been since youst contacted me?"


    "It''s just that, Amaya, it''s just..." Eliza started to exin but couldn''t find a solid excuse and resorted to a yful tone, "I promise to visit more often, as long as you don''t find me annoying."


    Amaya nodded, finally satisfied. Her gaze shifted to Casper. "Mr. Casper, you came with Eliza. Are you...?"


    "Ms. Eliza is a key yer at Welton International. She''s in charge of the auction house we''re nning tounch."


    Casper always had a knack for positioning Eliza strategically. Not only did he rify his rtionship with her to outsiders, but he also ced her in such a pivotal role to facilitate future discussions about thend deal. He was adept at ying the business game.


    Eliza felt a chill in her heart. This gathering was ostensibly to admire Mr. Carter''stest creation. But beneath the surface, everyone was vying for a piece ofnd he owned Thend was acquired by Carter thirty years ago and seemed


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    different. In the now-valuable Falconridge, thend''s price had skyrocketed, multiplying its value by thousands. Despite the soaring prices, thepetition didn''t wane.


    The guests mingled, tacitly avoiding any mention of thend to leave a good impression on Carter. Amaya pulled Eliza aside for a chat. She was fond of this beautiful and well-mannered girl. When Carter brought her home, Amaya believed Eliza was the perfect match for her stepson.


    "Eliza, are you and Mr. Casper just colleagues?" With her experienced eye, Amaya sensed something more between them.


    Eliza smiled, hershes drooping demurely before she looked up again. "Amaya, you must be aware of Casper''s reputation. Do you really think I''d get involved with someone like that?"


    Fair point. Casper''s infamous exploits were well-known, even if not all were true. His habit of unting affairs was certainly not the behavior of a decent man.


    "Since you and Mr. Casper aren''t involved, how about considering David?"


    David was Carter''s son. Amaya had hoped to set David and Eliza up since college. David was a great catch, five years Eliza''s senior. He was kind and considerate and had pursued her for quite some time. But back then, she loved Casper, leaving no room for anyone else. Now, why would she disrupt David''s life in her current predicament?


    "After all these years, you''re still trying to match me with David? For all we know, David might already have a girlfriend that you''re unaware of."