Chapter 932 Scheme
Donovan walked in with confidence, the fast-paced world of finance bringing together a mix of familiar and new faces at the party.
He had done his homework, gathering intel on all the guests attending tonight. He knew them all by name, even if they had no clue who he was.
As he moved through the crowd, he exchanged a few words with everyone, keeping an air of mystery.
When he finally stood in front of Brian and his group, Brian was stunned. Donovan's chiseled features were familiar yet distant.
"Mr. Vanderbilt, long time no see," Donovan said, meeting Brian's shocked gaze with a wild, carefree smile. "You haven't forgotten me, have you?"
Brian quickly composed himself, patting Donovan on the shoulder. "Donovan, it's you. I thought I was seeing things. It's great to see you're alive."
Donovan's smile was enigmatic. "Yeah, being alive is great. It lets you see truths you couldn't before, right, Mr. Vanderbilt?"
Brian gave him a hearty slap on the back. "What are you talking about? Have you seen Phoebe and Evelyn? You wouldn't believe how tough things have been for them these past three years."
"I've seen them. Phoebe's doing well, running her own company. Meanwhile, I'm still working for others. Quite the disappointment," Donovan said with a self-deprecating laugh.
Brian had already looked into Donovan's background upon hearing he was alive. Donovan was now the head of a foreign company's operations in the country, and his aggressive takeover of the Adams Group hinted at significant backing.
Brian knew Donovan was back for revenge, but chose to play ignorant, engaging in small talk.
Tate had heard a bit about Donovan, knowing he had once lived with the Vanderbilt family and grown up with Brian. Now, he was quite an impressive figure.
"Brian, this must be Mr. Ziegler. A young talent indeed," Tate said, eyeing Donovan's limited-edition Patek Philippe watch, his mind racing with possibilities.
Donovan was no longer the poor kid dependent on others. If he could marry Sandra to Donovan, the Ramirez family would gain powerful allies in both the Vanderbilt and Ziegler families, elevating their status in Kedora.
Donovan nodded slightly at Tate. "Mr. Ramirez, I've heard much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Tate was flattered. "Not at all. It's your generation's time now. We're on our way out."
Donovan smiled. "Not at all, Mr. Ramirez. With you at the helm, the Ramirez Group is thriving. Making the top fifty last year proves you're still going strong."
Tate laughed heartily, clearly pleased. He turned to Bianca. "Where's Sandra? Bring her over."
Bianca eyed Donovan warily. She wasn't as optimistic as Tate. She had heard from Delilah about Donovan's actions against the Adams family.
He was back for revenge.
Rumor had it that the Vanderbilt family had recently been targeted by financial investigators, thanks to Donovan. To her, he was a dangerous man.
But Tate seemed intent on matching Sandra with Donovan, a move she felt was risky.
"I don't know. She disappeared as soon as the party started."
Tatum, sensing Tate's intentions, said, "I'll go find her. You all chat."
Brian masked his displeasure, maintaining his charm. "Donovan, my mom's been talking about you non-stop since she found out you're alive. When can you come over for dinner? She'd be thrilled."
Donovan smiled. "I appreciate Mrs. Vanderbilt's invitation. I'll come by when I have time."
His words were a polite refusal. Brian's smile was strained. He had hoped Donovan's desire for revenge was a misunderstanding, but now it seemed all too real.
After some small talk, Tatum returned with Sandra, who looked annoyed. "Mom, I was talking with my friends."
Tatum said, "Your dad wants to introduce you to a promising young man. He's handsome and wealthy. Just listen for a bit."
"Mom!"
Sandra barely had time to protest before Tatum dragged her to Donovan. "Mr. Ziegler, this is my daughter, Sandra."
Sandra scrutinized Donovan with a critical eye. She had returned to the country after Donovan's supposed death, so she didn't recognize him.
He looked vaguely familiar, but she remained aloof. "Mr. Ziegler, a pleasure."
Donovan nodded indifferently. "Where were we?"
Tate, noticing Donovan's lack of interest in Sandra, quickly picked up the conversation. "We were discussing the global economy and wealth disparity."
"Right," Donovan continued, ignoring Sandra. Tatum and Tate exchanged glances, each with their thoughts.
Sandra, feeling snubbed, was fuming. She had always disliked the Ziegler name, and this encounter only reinforced her feelings.
As she stewed, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the message, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.
Theodore, no matter how cautious, had slipped up.
She quickly replied: [Keep a close watch.]
Bianca, standing nearby, noticed Sandra's sudden confidence. She scanned the room, spotting Theodore being helped out by a waiter, clearly inebriated.
Seeing Sandra's smug expression, Bianca felt uneasy.
She whispered, "Sandra, come with me to the restroom."
Sandra frowned. "Bianca, it's right outside. Go by yourself. I need to stay with Dad and Mr. Ziegler."
Bianca linked arms with her, feigning closeness. "Don't make me spill your secrets. Come with me."
Sandra, fearing Bianca might ruin her plans, reluctantly followed her out to a quiet garden.
She yanked her arm free. "Bianca, what do you want?"
Bianca looked serious. "Sandra, Theodore is not someone to mess with. If you scheme against him, you'll drag the entire Ramirez family down with you."
Sandra dismissed her concerns. "Once I have his child, he won't touch me."
Bianca stared at her in shock. "You're delusional."
"We'll see after tonight. Instead of worrying about the Ramirez family, pray I get pregnant. Then we'll all rise together."
Bianca wanted to slap some sense into her. "Sandra, I've warned you. If you insist on this path, the Ramirez family won't save you."
With that, Bianca turned and left.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
