Chapter 186 There's No Chance of Reconciliation in This Lifetime
Liam wasn't shocked when Stuart called. Ever since Josephine left, he knew this moment would come.
The first call was Stuart asking where Josephine was. The second was to meet up. Liam agreed.
Josephine had liked Stuart. Even though Liam didn't want to, he couldn't stop her from chasing happiness. He just didn't expect Stuart to treat her so badly. Thankfully, she realized it in time.
Liam had wanted to punch Stuart more than once, but he restrained himself because in the end, Josephine was moving on to a new life. Even if it didn't include him, it also didn't include Stuart.
As long as Josephine was happy, Liam could deal with it. When Stuart reached out again, Liam knew he was just looking for info on her. He doubted Stuart was heartbroken over her leaving.
Liam showed up at the meeting spot and saw Stuart already there, alone in a private room with a nearly empty glass of whiskey. Stuart looked rough—thinner, sunken cheeks, dark circles under his eyes.
Liam felt a mix of surprise and satisfaction. Seeing Stuart in pain and remembering how badly he treated Josephine, Liam felt no sympathy for him; he was even a bit pleased.
Stuart saw him, said nothing, and poured more whiskey. The ice clinked in the glass. Liam sat down without hesitation. Stuart pushed the whiskey towards him.
"Sorry, I drove," Liam said coldly. He just didn't want to drink with Stuart.
For once, Stuart didn't argue. They'd never gotten along, so sitting together was a rare event.
"You know why I called you," Stuart said, voice rough.
Liam never believed Stuart had deep feelings for Josephine. Stuart's business success came from being ruthless, not soft-hearted. He fit the mold of a cold, calculating businessman.
Realizing he loved Josephine only after she left? No one would buy that! A guy like Stuart probably only loved himself.
"What do you want?" Liam asked calmly. "You've already asked about Josephine."
"I'm asking again," Stuart replied. "I hope you'll be honest."
"I never lie," Liam said. "But if you think everyone is untrustworthy, that's on you."
Stuart didn't argue. "Say whatever you want. Just tell me where she is, and I won't fight back even if you hit me."
Liam crossed his legs. "Oh, Mr. Haustia, that's a first!"
Stuart said, "Be sarcastic, curse me, do whatever. I just want to know where she is."
Liam sneered. "No one dares to offend you. Even though I've disliked you since we were kids, I wouldn't risk the Clement family against you. If you can't find her, why would I know?"
"Just a hunch," Stuart said, staring deeply. "You must know where she is."
Liam replied, "Yes, I asked when she left."
Stuart's heart skipped a beat.
"But she didn't tell me," Liam continued. "Stuart, I'm not like you; I never force her. I respect her decisions. So, I really don't know where she went."
"Respect," Stuart muttered, chuckling softly. "She once said I didn't respect her."
"What did you say?" Liam asked, not hearing clearly.
Stuart looked up, eyes cold. "I said, I don't believe you."
Liam sneered. "I don't care if you believe me or not."
"Liam, you said you've disliked me since we were kids. Same here," Stuart said. "We're probably born to be at odds, and we'll never reconcile."
Liam nodded. "Exactly."
Stuart continued, "Now, I think I need to change my mind."
Liam raised his hand. "No. I never thought of reconciling with you."
"The land in the North District," Stuart offered. "I'll give it to you."
He had been working like crazy, finishing the company's plans for next year, including decisions about that land.
When Stuart wanted something, he usually got it. Even if there were occasional setbacks, they were due to unavoidable factors.
Since he wanted that land, it wasn't going to anyone else. Hustalia's entire development focus for the next year was on that land. The city government planned to invest fifty billion dollars to build a commercial city famous nationwide.
The Clement family was still a notch below the Haustia family. But if they got that land, the gap might close. In the future, Liam could be a major player in Hustalia.
For any man, this was an irresistible offer. Men were drawn to power and status; ambition was their most honest trait, and no one wanted to give it up.
Stuart thought Liam was no exception. Trading such an important piece of land for Josephine's whereabouts seemed like a huge win for Liam.
"That land?" Liam's eyes lit up. "Really?"
