Chapter 146 The Confrontation of Two Men
Marigold stood rooted to the spot, unable to believe the response she had just received. Did he already have someone he liked? Being an accomplished and proud individual, Marigold was accustomed to rejecting others and had never faced rejection herself. She quickly composed herself, playfully slapped Mitchell on the shoulder, and teased with a smile, "You really should have told me you had someone in mind. Letting me get ahead of myself like that—pretty embarrassing, huh?"
Mitchell walked leisurely ahead towards the parking lot, casually responding, "Embarrassed? I didn't notice."
Unperturbed, Marigold didn't seem angry but instead inquired with a gossip-like curiosity, "Are you sure it's not your sharp tongue that's kept you single? Who's this girl you fancy? What does she look like? Bring her out sometime. Let's meet her."
"I have nothing to say on that," replied Mitchell curtly, opening his car door and getting inside.
Even after they both got into the car, Marigold's persistent nature shone through, and she seemed intent on meeting this mystery girl. Of course, Mitchell divulged nothing, and eventually giving up, Marigold left him with a parting shot as she stepped out of the car: "You're truly the most uncompromising man I've ever met. Whoever decides to work with you won't be able to get an inch."
Mitchell smiled faintly, "Alright, you should head back and get some rest. Take care."
Waving at his car, Marigold watched as Mitchell drove away. Her smile faded, and with a self-deprecating shake of her head, she mused on the fact that she had faced rejection for the first time and in such a blunt manner at that.
Their initial encounter had Mitchell being frank about not wanting to marry or be in a relationship. So when she suggested they pretend to be interested in each other to appease their parents, her intentions were purely platonic. Having returned home primarily because of her aging parents, Marigold found herself unexpectedly under pressure to settle down the moment she started her new job. She was determined to prove herself at work and hadn't planned on any romantic distractions. However, after a few interactions, she found Mitchell to be a remarkable man—quick-witted, knowledgeable, and able to hold a conversation on any topic. Not to mention, he was rather attractive. Slowly, she began to develop feelings, thinking that since he wasn't interested in romance or marriage, he must be single.
Having spent a lot of time abroad, Marigold was straightforward and fiercely independent. One night, after a few drinks at a party, the alcohol made her bold, which led to the earlier scene by the lake.
Never did she expect to be turned down. Now, curiosity piqued, she wondered what kind of woman could captivate a man like that, and it even seemed like a secret crush.
Marigold was undaunted by rejection; she had no intention of giving up. As long as they weren't together, it meant there was still a chance for fair competition. Maybe one day Mitchell would realize how great she was. There's an old saying: "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." Curiosity about the girl who had captured Mitchell's attention was eating away at her...
*
Matthew was in his office when Brian walked in with a document in hand. "Matthew, the partnership proposal from Dorian has been delivered."
Matthew took the folder and began to review its contents.
Brian stood by and continued, "Dorian also mentioned that he wants to discuss some details in person and has suggested a meeting tomorrow night at the Imperial Hotel."
Matthew looked up, raised an eyebrow, and after a moment's thought, replied, "Alright, set up the appointment with Dorian and send me the details."
Once Brian had left, Matthew stared at the folder and pondered for a long time. Dorian had indeed made an interesting move by sending over a proposal with very favorable terms. If they partnered, it was a no-lose scenario for both sides.
This made Matthew all the more suspicious. Why was Dorian so intent on working with JK Group, and why offer such a generous proposal?
Matthew couldn't figure it out.
The next day, following the address provided by Brian, Matthew entered the top-floor revolving restaurant of the Imperial Hotel and found a private luxury booth waiting for him.
As he pushed the door open, he saw that Dorian had already arrived.
"Matthew, welcome! Have a seat."
The two men sat facing each other. The table between them felt excessively large, particularly since such a luxury booth seemed wasteful for just two.
"Matthew, you're too kind. Today's meal should have been on me as a gesture of hospitality, especially since you have come from afar," Dorian said, making himself comfortable.
"It's all the same. We haven't paid yet, so you can settle the bill later if you wish," Dorian said nonchalantly.
Matthew's lips twitched at Dorian's unabashed manner.
"Fair enough. After all, with the terms Dorian is offering, JK Group stands to profit well beyond this meal."
"It looks like you've read the proposal, Matthew. I made it myself. What do you think? Maybe I'm not professional enough, so I didn't get the profits quite right—I guess you think it's too generous," Dorian said with a hint of bravado.
Matthew couldn't help admitting that Dorian, dubbed 'Eagle Eye,' was indeed impressive. "You're too modest, Dorian. To create such a proposal, you must have put in a great deal of effort."
Dorian raised his glass, "It seems we have no issues regarding our collaboration. Here's to a successful partnership, Matthew."
Matthew raised an eyebrow and picked up the wine glass on the table. The two men lifted their glasses across the space between them, and then both drained the contents in one gulp.
Setting down his wine glass, Dorian casually brought up, "I didn't see Madison coming along with you, Matthew?"
Matthew's brow furrowed slightly. What was this guy getting at?
Dorian, it seems you have quite the interest in my Madison," Matthew responded with a chill that bordered on anger.
Dorian was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Matthew, you're overthinking it. I feel there's a connection between us, after all... The first time we met, she encountered such an unpleasant incident, so I asked out of concern."
Matthew certainly did not trust Dorian's hollow words.
"Thanks for your concern, Dorian. Madison was a bit shaken up, but she's fine now."
Matthew emphasized the word "Madison" heavily, making it clear to the man opposite him that Madison was a married woman. He definitely felt Dorian's concern for Madison wasn't as casual as one would expect from a first encounter.
"Oh, well, that's great to hear."
Dorian didn't seem to care, casually enjoying his steak and sipping his wine.
"I heard you also have business interests in the Middle East. Matthew, you really are a prodigy."
Matthew watched the man across from him impassively, unable to discern his true intentions. This guy was too opaque.
"Just a small venture, not worth mentioning."
"Haha, Matthew, you're such a modest man."
"Compared to Dorian's business, it certainly isn't worth mentioning."
Dorian paused slightly, then set down his wine glass and suddenly spoke seriously, "So, is it about investigating the K Corporation?"
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