Chapter 580 Clash on a Narrow Path
Their gazes met, and Winnie nonchalantly lowered her eyes as if nothing had happened. She watched as someone approached from that direction.
Winnie then pulled Olivia to the side.
"What's wrong?" Olivia asked, sensing the tension.
The man approaching had dark, gloomy pupils. At that moment, Olivia raised her head and finally saw Lawrence R. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
It was Olivia's first time seeing Lawrence R. in his office with his subordinates. Apart from being charming, he was truly blessed with handsome looks as if favored by the gods.
Lawrence R.'s features were unparalleled—mature, elegant, and truly befitting a domineering CEO.
Olivia couldn't help but recall the news of his return to the Rodriguez family in Lymington. When he got off the plane, the nation's top Mr. Rodriguez emerged, captivating countless debutantes in Trento City.
The shirt and suit on him seemed as if they were tailored for a mannequin.
Olivia discreetly pinched her own hand to prevent herself from continuing to be infatuated. She immediately lowered her head and asked Winnie in a low voice, "Why is he here too?"
Winnie paused, glancing around before replying, "You're asking me, but I don't know. Whispering Meadows Hotel is a high-end business establishment."
Olivia was displeased, muttering, "What a small world!"
Winnie walked calmly. But Olivia couldn't stay quiet. "If we're both in Trento City in the future, your company isn't far from the Rodriguez family group. There will be chances of running into each other. Besides, the Rodriguez family and the Blanchet family are both in Camellia Mount, right? Um... Winnie, will you invite Lawrence R. to your wedding?"
Olivia couldn't keep her mouth shut, thinking her voice was low enough, but at that moment, a group of people passed by them. Winnie stepped aside, and the man's breath suddenly brushed past, warm and clean, carrying a scent that was pleasant no matter how imposing.
As Lawrence R.'s footsteps ceased just one step behind Winnie, suddenly, he halted. Winnie's heart skipped a beat as the man turned his gaze, fixing his eyes on Olivia with increasing coldness.
Olivia suddenly turned her head, feeling the chilling gaze of Lawrence R. She muttered nervously, "What are you looking at, Mr. Rodriguez? I didn't lie to you!"
"Let's go," Winnie interjected, wanting to avoid any trouble.
"Winnie," Lawrence R. spoke, his tone low and icy.
She hesitated, feeling the weight of his words. Slowly, she turned, her face expressionless. "Do you have something to say, Mr. Rodriguez?"
Lawrence R.'s tall figure half-turned back towards her, positioning himself squarely in front. With a graceful gesture, he raised a slender finger, prompting the high-level executives trailing behind to instinctively take several steps back.
Lawrence R. withdrew his gaze, looking down at her with a fierce inquiry. "What did you say to my mother today? She was in a terrible mood after returning to the hospital!"
Winnie pursed her lips.
Olivia couldn't stand his arrogant demeanor and retorted, "Your mother wanted to buy a house next to Winnie's. Do you think that's appropriate? She made unreasonable demands, Winnie disagreed, and now you have the nerve to come and interrogate her?"
Lawrence R.'s face darkened as a storm brewed within him.
He lightly furrowed his brow, saying, "Didn't she tell you herself? Or do you lack self-control and need someone to help you keep your mouth shut, Ms. Smith?"
Olivia took a step back under his intense gaze.
Winnie stood in front of her, blocking her, and stood up without looking at his face. "What I have to say is the same as what Olivia said."
Lawrence R. countered, "You disagree, so you can hurt my mother's feelings?"
"I don't care what you think," Winnie retorted. "I won't agree. That's my home, and I don't want to see people I don't want to see!"
Winnie's gaze chilled as she lifted her head, staring at him with unwavering intensity. Meanwhile, the man's face remained cold and unfeeling as he turned on his heel, walking away without a second glance.
Olivia's voice trembled with frustration as she stepped forward, addressing Lawrence R. directly. "You're going too far, Lawrence R.! What gives you the right to be so arrogant? You know Winnie finds your actions disgusting, yet you still insist on provoking her? I'm so angry! Who wants to be neighbors with your mother? Having money doesn't make you superior! You're not allowed to buy the house next to us!"
Winnie quickly intercepted Olivia, her tone firm yet composed. "We have a business to attend to."
"But he's too infuriating!" Olivia exclaimed, her agitation palpable. "Winnie, why don't we sell Dazzling Estate another day?"
"We've only bought it for a month; it's not the closing day yet," Winnie replied calmly.
Olivia's frustration peaked. "Oh my god. So you don't have the money to buy buildings 2 and 3. You just let him trample on our dignity."
Winnie didn't continue the conversation.
After countless arguments with Lawrence R.., she had learned to calm down quickly.
At that moment, if she hadn't handled it calmly and fell for his provocation, that would have been playing into his hands.
She remained as still as a dead pool, allowing him to test her limits and reactions, offering no response.
That's how she would have won.
At the luxurious business suite around the corner, Luke followed Mr. Rodriguez nervously. "Mr. Rodriguez, are you really going to buy buildings 2 and 3? Ms. Anderson will hate you even more."
Lawrence R.'s eyes were full of hostility. He thought back to how he had tried to provoke her earlier, but she had remained as calm as still water, showing no emotion.
He breathed heavily, his pupils turning crimson. "Buy them!" he exclaimed. "What does it matter if she hates me? Don't I hate her too?"
He picked up a glass of red wine and downed the crimson liquid.
Luke glanced at Mr. Rodriguez's attractive lips, the red wine giving them a chilling allure. He sighed and responded, "You can only be indifferent to Ms. Anderson on the surface, but you can't control your emotions behind her back. You haven't let go of her."
At eight o'clock, Patrick appeared in Suite 088.
In high spirits due to recent successes, he now held the position of Vice Chairman of the Blanchet family group, controlling 80% of the Blanchet family's actual power. Even sitting in a wheelchair, his androgynous appearance gave off a cold and intimidating aura, not to be underestimated.
The change in status made many savvy individuals in the business world approach him with flattery.
Many bosses at the table raised their glasses and walked up to Patrick one by one to toast.
After three rounds of drinks, Patrick's lips, usually silent, curved into a smile. His typically reserved demeanor gave way to a hint of amusement as he spoke up, "Tonight marks a banquet hosted by the Blanchet family for all the CEOs, and I'm eager to finalize a cooperation agreement with Horizon Tech for the second half of the year. Secretary, it's nearly time; please bring out the contract—"
Just then, the door of the suite was pushed open, and several people barged in.
The leader of the group rushed over angrily and yelled, "Patrick, you ambitious scoundrel!"
The people at the table were taken aback.
Patrick set down his glass, raised his gaze, and saw a group of familiar faces. His eyes narrowed as he scanned them; they were all lackeys of the big boss, Lysander... and Winnie?
Patrick's gaze suddenly caught sight of Winnie standing at the back with a calm expression.