Chapter 397 Could It Be a Trap?
I was getting anxious and quickly said, "But Anne doesn't have any real skills. The interests behind this project are too complicated. Jeffrey and I are friends, and I'm worried he might get caught up in unnecessary trouble."
Harvey's expression turned serious as he slowly replied, "I'm not entirely sure about Jeffrey's thoughts. However, from what I know, he seems to be facing some pressure within his family business and needs to prove himself. This real estate project might be an opportunity he's eyeing."
My heart skipped a beat, and I asked, "Do you think he's genuinely interested in the project, or is there something else going on?"
Harvey frowned slightly and hesitated, "To be honest, I also find this situation a bit odd. Jeffrey's collaboration with Anne feels like there's something hidden behind it. But I can't pinpoint exactly what it is. I can give you some advice, though. Jeffrey values business reputation and the strength of his partners. Your friend should focus on showcasing the project's advantages and the team's capabilities to make Jeffrey reassess the pros and cons of the collaboration."
My eyes lit up, and I quickly said, "Harvey, that's incredibly valuable advice. Can you tell me more about their current progress? I want to help my friend prepare better."
Harvey pondered for a moment before saying, "I heard they've completed the initial funding plan. The next step should be discussing the specific project execution plan. Time is tight, your friend needs to act quickly."
Just then, a commotion came from outside the café. I instinctively turned to look and saw a black luxury car slowly pull up. The door opened, and two tall men stepped out.
They paused at the entrance, scanning the area before heading straight towards us.
My heart raced, and I glanced at Harvey. He also noticed the unusual situation, his expression changing slightly. Jeffrey was surrounded by the two tall men, who were clearly his bodyguards.
Jeffrey had a faint smile on his face as he walked steadily towards us, flanked by his bodyguards like two towering figures.
Harvey quickly composed himself, returning to his usual calm demeanor, while I felt my palms sweat and my heart pound, trying to figure out how to handle this unexpected situation.
"Harvey, what a coincidence to run into you here," Jeffrey started, his tone seemingly relaxed but with an underlying tension, his eyes subtly surveying everything around. Then he turned his gaze to me.
"Diana, long time no see. I didn't expect to find you here too."
I forced myself to stay calm and stood up, feeling a mix of emotions, "Jeffrey, it has been a while. What a coincidence."
Harvey pulled over a chair, gesturing for Jeffrey to sit down, "Jeffrey, what have you been up to lately? How come you have time to visit this café?"
Jeffrey chuckled lightly and said unhurriedly, "Just handling some trivial matters, passing by here. Thought I'd come in for a coffee and a break. I saw you and Diana chatting enthusiastically outside and couldn't resist coming over to say hello. What were you discussing? You seemed quite engrossed."
He pulled a chair over and sat down casually. The two bodyguards remained standing behind him, their imposing presence instantly making the café's relaxed atmosphere feel oppressive.
I inwardly groaned, unsure of how to respond.
Harvey smiled to ease the tension, "Nothing much, just some business chit-chat. Diana's been facing some issues and asked for my advice."
Jeffrey raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at me with a mix of distant concern, "Really? Diana, with your skills, there aren't many problems that can stump you. Tell me about it, maybe I can help too."
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
At that moment, I realized Jeffrey had both a gentle and considerate side, as well as a cold and formidable side—traits befitting a young, wealthy heir.
I decided to take a risk, "Jeffrey, since you brought it up, I'll be direct. I heard you're planning to team up with Anne on that real estate project. To be honest, my friend has a stake in it, and the interests behind it are deeply entangled. As for Anne..."
Before I could finish, Jeffrey raised his hand and decisively interrupted me, "I understand what you're trying to say. Anne's reputation isn't great, but that's just what you see. Business is like a battlefield, ever-changing. Sometimes, pursuing interests requires some compromises and adjustments."
I frowned deeply, my concern and anxiety evident, "But Jeffrey, Anne's sudden invitation for you to invest in her project—doesn't that strike you as odd? When things seem off, there's usually something wrong. Haven't you found this project suspicious?"
Jeffrey's expression changed slightly, a hint of evasion in his eyes. He turned his head, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as if trying to hide his inner turmoil.
But in an instant, he regained his composure, his expression calm and resolute, "I have my considerations. Besides, my professional team has conducted a thorough evaluation of this project and unanimously agreed it has great potential, worth taking a chance on."
I keenly noticed Jeffrey's change in expression and looked him straight in the eye, speaking earnestly, "I know you have your judgment. But I still hope you'll reconsider. You know Anne's relationship with Nicholas is ambiguous, and Nicholas is involved with Fiona. Their intentions might not be pure. This project could be a trap they're setting, waiting for investors to fall into."
Jeffrey fell silent for a moment, his gaze becoming complex and hard to read, "I've thought about what you said. But some situations aren't easy to abandon just because I want to."
His words made my heart skip a beat, hinting at something deeper.
Before I could ask further, Jeffrey's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, his expression turning serious.
"Sorry, I have an urgent matter to attend to," Jeffrey said, quickly standing up and heading towards the door.
Just as he and his bodyguards were about to step out of the café, a gentle breeze blew through, and I faintly heard Jeffrey mention "Anne" on the phone.
Jeffrey's figure gradually blurred at the café's entrance, but that name kept echoing in my ears.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
