Chapter 213 Are You Tired of Living?
Sean coughed, clearly annoyed, as he squinted at the ball boy picking up balls nearby.
Eudora gracefully stood and approached Katniss. Her voice was soft, almost saccharine, as she attempted to mediate. "It's just a friendly game, Katniss, don't be so harsh. How can someone as important as Miss Owens go pick up balls?"
"Miss Owens suggested the match, and I had to join in. Now that she lost, I'm the one being called harsh? Why didn't you say this before the match?" Katniss shot Eudora a look, finding her fake kindness really irritating.
After that, Katniss smiled at Sean and Anna, but let a thinly veiled sarcasm creep in. "Of course, Miss Owens is indeed important. Since there are no outsiders here, if she really doesn't want to pick up the balls, I can't force her. Let's just pretend this match never happened."
She let her long hair down, gathered it up, and quickly tied it into a big ponytail.
Even though she acted like she didn't care, her words made Sean feel a bit embarrassed.
Katniss wasn't clueless. From the moment she arrived today, she could tell that Daniel, Nicholas, and Tristan were all fed up with Sean and Anna.
Anna's intentions were clear, and Sean's indulgence made them look ridiculous.
Not to mention that Tristan already had a girlfriend. Even if he were single, he wouldn't sacrifice himself for a project.
"It's not that I'm being difficult; you were the one who broke the rules and had Mr. Forbes help you first." Anna took the chance to avoid picking up the balls.
The group stopped playing golf and chatted for a bit before heading out.
It was just around noon, and normally, Tristan and the others would have politely invited Sean and Anna for lunch.
But no one said anything. They just said goodbye as they left the court, watching Sean get into his car.
Sean's face didn't look good as he left with Anna.
"Mr. Forbes, let's find a place to eat." Daniel walked to the car and talked it over with Tristan.
Nicholas opened the car door without hesitation and waved, "Let's go. We don't absolutely need his investment. Why make such a big deal out of one day?"
"See you at the usual spot." Tristan opened the car door for Katniss, then walked around to the driver's seat and drove off.
The usual spot was a well-known restaurant in Nightfall City. Since deciding on this project, Daniel and Tristan often met there.
The car slowly merged into traffic, and the rearview mirror showed Nicholas's and Daniel's cars following.
Katniss glanced back and then said softly, "Are you sure you don't want to marry Miss Owens to secure this project?"
"Katniss, are you asking for trouble?" Tristan's face darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly.
A dangerous vibe filled the car, but Katniss wasn't fazed. She smiled, her eyes twinkling, "Just a heads-up. If you really decide not to marry, we can find another investor. I might be able to help you out."
At a red light, Tristan hit the brakes, leaned one hand on the car door, and looked at her sideways, "I'm listening."
"Because of my job, I know quite a few wealthy folks in Nightfall City. I can introduce them to you, though we might need to find several," she said.
Fewer investors meant fewer people, and fewer people meant less hassle. But now wasn't the time to be picky. Since the project was a go, they couldn't worry about the number of investors.
Katniss figured Tristan's prolonged interactions with Sean was probably tied to the Forbes family. Cutting ties with Travis would definitely have some impact on him.
Last year's project, involving Synergy Global Corporation, had easily attracted investors. This new venture, however, was a personal endeavor of Tristan's, making the search for investors far more challenging.
However, Tristan never mentioned it, and Katniss didn't pry. She could only find ways to help.
The group settled into a private room at the restaurant. Daniel, a Nightfall City native, ordered a few local dishes.
Talking about the project, Daniel and Nicholas both agreed to find new investors and not waste time on the Owens family.
"Katniss has already come up with a plan. She knows quite a few influential people in Nightfall City, so gathering investors shouldn't be a problem." Tristan openly let Katniss help.
Daniel clapped his hands, "Actually, I thought about Ms. Grey's extensive network in this field. You might be able to help us, but I was too embarrassed to say it."
As he spoke, he took out a cigarette and handed it to Tristan. Tristan took it but didn't light it immediately; he just held it between his fingers.
"No need to be embarrassed. She's with me, and we're both in on this project," Tristan said.
With that, Nicholas and Daniel chuckled and teased, the former admiring how Katniss managed to keep Tristan so obedient.
Daniel sighed, "Ah, youth. You always remind me of when I was head over heels for my wife."
"How many years have you and Mrs. Wilson been married?" Katniss asked casually.
In fact, she envied Daniel and Wren. Daniel was responsible for earning money and also took care of Donna. While Wren only cared about eating, drinking, and having fun every day, pampered by Daniel like a child.
"Almost twenty years," Daniel, who was pushing forty, was the oldest in the room.
The conversation was mostly small talk, revolving around Katniss and Tristan.
Eudora, who had been quiet, put down her knife and fork and said, "Let's get back to business. Having too many investors isn't as good as having fewer. Shouldn't we try harder with Mr. Owens?"
"Try what? Mr. Owens just wants to follow his daughter's wishes. We all know what Anna wants." Nicholas took a sip of his drink and put the glass down a bit harder than necessary, his tone showing some impatience, "There are all kinds of people in this world."
Daniel waved his hand, "Miss Savoy, you're not wrong, but we can't put Mr. Forbes in a tough spot if there's no room for negotiation. Besides, Katniss has already come up with a solution, hasn't she?"
The group quickly dismissed Eudora's suggestion. She could only smile and say, "You're right. I won't worry about this anymore. If you need me, just let me know."
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they each went their separate ways from the restaurant.
Katniss had Tristan drop her off at the educational institution, where she searched the computer for client contacts from the past year.
She remembered a few clients who specialized in investments. Maybe it was a habit she picked up from following Tristan; she always kept in touch with them, occasionally sending thoughtful gifts during holidays, so reconnecting wouldn't seem abrupt.
Just as she finished reviewing all the contacts, she suddenly noticed an appointment she had overlooked for the day after tomorrow.
Zaid Owens, an 8th-grade student, had repeatedly booked her sessions.
However, because she had previously instructed the front desk not to accept one-on-one tutoring appointments, the front desk ignored Zaid's bookings.
As she scrolled down, she found that Zaid's bookings had started right after the New Year, with frequent requests over the past two months.
The front desk initially clearly stated that Katniss had no available slots. Later, as Zaid kept booking, the front desk simply ignored it.
She pondered for a moment, then smiled and linked Zaid's appointment to her scheduling software.
Taking the contact information of other clients, she left the educational institution. Once in the car, she logged into the software on her phone and opened the chat window with Zaid. [Hello, this is Ms. Grey.]
Zaid quickly replied, indicating he had been waiting in the chat window.[Hello, Ms. Grey. I'm Zaid's mother. I really hope you can help Zaid with a one-and-a-half-month intensive tutoring. He fell ill recently, and his grades have dropped significantly. If he doesn't catch up quickly, he won't get into a good high school in Nightfall City!]
The urgency and sincerity in her words were clear, showing how much she regretted the possibility of Zaid not getting into a good high school.
[You've been booking for a long time. Why didn't you consider another tutor?] Katniss typed.
[His grades and state are poor. His school teacher recommended you, saying you've helped several students get into top high schools. No other tutor can achieve that in such a short time.] Zaid's mother replied.
With such high praise, Katniss exchanged a few polite words and, after careful consideration, scheduled a meeting with the Owens family.
Daisy Lynn was straightforward, inviting her to their home for a meeting at 4 PM.
After returning home, Katniss didn't rush to contact the investors. Exhausted, she pulled Tristan onto the bed and quickly nestled into his arms, her soft, slender body finding a comfortable position. Sleep overtook her almost immediately.
When the alarm rang at 3:30, she half-opened her eyes and got up, "I have to go out for a bit. I'll be back soon. Wait for me at home."
Tristan, still sleepy, opened his narrow eyes slightly, watching her rush out, his brows furrowing.
The Owens family lived not far from Whispering Pines Estate, just a ten-minute drive away.
Katniss rang the doorbell, and within seconds, the door opened.
"Mom, Ms. Grey is here!" A boy about fifteen or sixteen, around Aaron's age, opened the door.
Thin and quiet, he smiled at Katniss and ran off to call his mother.
Katniss politely stood at the entrance, waiting until a graceful figure hurried over. She then smiled again, "Mrs. Owens, hello."
"Hello, Ms. Grey, please come in!" Daisy Lynn, in her forties, dressed elegantly and with a full figure, exuded a decisive and capable demeanor.
Leading Katniss inside, she began to talk non-stop about Zaid.
During the conversation, Zaid sat quietly beside Daisy, listening. When the topic embarrassed him, he would blush.
Just as they finished discussing Zaid, the sound of a car horn came from outside.
With the sound of car doors opening and closing, voices soon echoed from the entrance.
Anna entered, casually kicking off her high heels, "Dad, I don't care. You have to help me get Tristan. Am I not better than that tutor, Katniss?"
"I'll find a way. Keep your voice down so your mom doesn't hear." Sean's voice was low, with a hint of indulgence.
But their voices were so loud that Daisy had already heard them.
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