Chapter 397 Negotiation
Charles reached out and grabbed Diana by the waist, almost forcefully trying to lead her away, instantly closing the distance between them.
Diana, embarrassed and annoyed, pulled his mischievous hand away, then wrapped both her hands around his arm, whispering softly, "Like this, I won't run away."
But her actions seemed less like she was holding on and more like she was afraid Charles would run away.
Noticing his gentle nod, Diana slowly loosened her grip and changed to a more proper holding position.
The handsome couple standing together was quite a sight, but no one present seemed to appreciate it.
Once they entered the living room, Diana glanced around but didn't see any signs of a party. There was only one servant serving tea and water.
She and Charles felt like guests who had been invited to a costume party, only to find out upon arrival that no one else had dressed up, making their formal attire seem out of place.
But looking at Stella, it didn't seem like they had been tricked.
"Mr. White, is this the party you mentioned?" Nolan was the first to speak. If this was it, they might as well have signed the papers at the door.
Oliver quickly put on a smile and explained, "The event is in the backyard. It'll be ready soon. Let's have some water first, and then we'll head back there for dinner."
"Just get to the point. I'm not in the mood for dinner," Charles said, tapping the table with an undeniable tone.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
For a moment, the only sound in the living room was Nolan flipping through documents.
He laid the documents out on the table one by one and then said, "These are some of Mr. Percy's properties in Evergreen City, all gifted to Ms. White. And these are the contracts for the shows Ms. White wants to participate in. If there are any other projects she wants to do in the future, she can contact me anytime. This is already written in the contract."
Nolan paused for a moment, letting them digest the information, then continued, "Next, the White Group and the Percy Group will renew their cooperation. As for the Percy Group, we will offer a 30% discount."
The terms were so favorable that even Diana was tempted. She had gone through so much trouble to reclaim the Spencer Group, while Stella seemed to effortlessly bring her entire family to new heights.
But the faces of the White family members didn't soften with these benefits; instead, their brows furrowed even more.
Diana was puzzled until Nolan continued, "All these conditions will take effect after Ms. White and Mr. Percy break off their engagement. Our PR team will create the most suitable breakup reason for Ms. White to protect her reputation."
With that, he flipped to the last page, pulled out a pen from his pocket, and pointed to the blank space, "Please sign here."
Now, not only did the White family members look displeased, but even Diana pursed her lips.
She glanced at Charles, only to find him coldly staring at the contract, seemingly indifferent to the tearful Stella.
Noticing Diana turning her head, he finally looked over, raising an eyebrow as if to ask, "What's wrong?"
Diana avoided his gaze and withdrew her hand that had been holding his arm.
She couldn't understand why Charles and Stella, who were about to get married, suddenly wanted to break up.
"Why, Mr. Percy? Haven't you and Stella always been good together? What did we do wrong to make you unhappy?"
Oliver's face was wrinkled with confusion, not understanding why the engagement had to be called off suddenly.
His gaze fell on the blue figure, hesitating.
Could it be that he preferred the woman beside him?
But Stella had been with him for so many years and wouldn't be able to control him after marriage. Couldn't he just keep this woman as a mistress outside?
Everyone tried to ignore Diana, but she was likely the direct cause of the broken engagement.
"We've always had a business relationship. As the client, I don't need a reason to terminate it," Charles said, pushing up his glasses with a cold and distant tone, not wanting to explain further.
He felt that coming here today was already a sign of respect for the White family, and he didn't want to be too blunt.
Calista nudged Stella, signaling her to say something to keep Charles, but Stella's resentful gaze was fixed on Diana.
"Charles, is it because of this woman who looks like me that you..."
Before she could finish, Calista covered her mouth, exclaiming, "Are you crazy?"
The atmosphere became awkward.
At least Diana felt like she was dying of embarrassment.
After scolding Stella, Calista forced a smile and explained, "I'm really sorry. Stella is impulsive and didn't mean it."
She then pinched Stella's arm, urging her to apologize.
Stella, still angry, stared at Diana with tears in her eyes.
Seeing this, Calista had no choice but to smile apologetically, "Miss, I'm really sorry."
How could she have such a foolish daughter? The competitor was right in front of her, and all she could do was throw a tantrum?
Just as Calista was about to break down, Diana stood up, showing an awkward but polite smile, "This is Mr. Percy's personal matter. I won't get involved. You all talk, I'll go for a walk."
With that, she ignored everyone's reactions and lifted her dress, running out.
Charles frowned, about to speak, but Oliver timely changed the subject, "Since Mr. Percy insists on breaking off the engagement, I hope our cooperation can continue."
"Mr. White, the contract clearly states that as long as you sign it, cooperation won't be an issue," Nolan said, glancing at Charles and deciding to wrap things up quickly so he could go after Diana.
Oliver sighed, then took the contract, seemingly compromising, "Let me take a look."
Outside, Diana felt her actions were a bit excessive after running out. She rubbed her forehead in frustration, muttering, "I shouldn't have come. Why did he bring me if he was going to break off the engagement? People might think I'm the other woman."
She kicked a flower bed, thinking about what to do next.
Diana had rushed out without her phone, and the White family's villa was in a remote location. If she wanted to leave, she'd have to walk to the main road to catch a ride.
"Miss? Miss?"
A soft voice called from behind. Diana was too focused to hear it the first time, only turning around when the person called again.
She saw a young maid with a polite smile and dimples, looking very friendly and cute.
For a moment, she was reminded of Evelyn, and her tense emotions relaxed.
"Miss, are you lost? Let me show you the way," the maid said warmly, gesturing for Diana to follow.
"Do you know where I'm going?" Diana asked, puzzled.
The maid confidently replied, "Of course, you're our honored guest."
She looked at Diana expectantly, waiting for her to follow.
Diana lifted her dress, still confused but decided to follow her.
Could this be something the White family arranged for Charles?
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