Chapter 554
Chapter 554
The other patrons turned to look at Ally, who was sniffling
Jean approached Ally slowly before suddenly striking her cheek. “That was for Mrs. Ludwig. I didn’t mind when you slandered me, but your words hurt Ben and the Ludwig’s reputation. Guess what? I’ll relay your comments to Mrs. Ludwig if I meet her so that she’ll know how ‘highly educated’ you are! Hah, and you call yourself a lady too?!” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
People who met Jean would usually be in awe. She was dressed elegantly, and her aura spelled dignity and grace. However, Jean’s rage, coupled with her elegant response, made her much more formidable compared to Ally.
“You have no right…”
Ally’s complaint was cut off when she dodged Jean’s raised arm, but Jean surprised her with a backhanded slap.
“That was a gift from me. That slap would ensure that your face is symmetrical.”
Ally glared at her, secretly plotting her revenge. However, she was not willing to get into a catfight with Jean in public. Furthermore, her face was still stinging from the blows.
“Go away.” Jean spat coldly.
Ally felt the pain on her cheeks grow hot and prickly as it spread up to her temples and down her jaw. It would serve me wellto play the victim now.
“I just wanted to remind you not to play with Ben’s feelings. It’s not good to date around, you know.” Ally commented loudly when she saw that people were watching them.
Hearing Ally’s comment, the people around them, who were initially siding with Jean, felt less inclined to support her anymore.
Ally could not resist breaking a smile when she sensed the change of mood in the room. However, in a split second, Jean retorted.
“Are we suddenly friends? Why do you care if I am dating multiple people? Are you an auditor – why are you keeping me accountable? I warned you before – try not to get into a disagreement with me.” Ally felt her life drain out of her face after Jean’s verbal onslaught.
The customers stared at the ladies, astounded that they would start a fight in such an establishment.
Ally grumbled quietly, cursing her inability as she watched Jean walk away. Aren’t you here to meet the Ludwigs for a business agreement?
“You wench. Watch out for your company. It’ll not last long.” Ally whispered with a glint of danger.
Jean expected Myer to arrive after she had returned from the loo, but to her disappointment, empty seats greeted her.
“Did something happen?” Edgar asked as he pulled out a seat for her.
She shook her head. “Sorry for the delay in the loo,” she sighed as she observed the empty seats, “they might not come.”
She had a feeling that Myer would shelve them after receiving the Roydens’ silent treatment.
“I know. These are your favorite dishes, right? Let’s not waste them! Eat up – we’ll take the rest home.” Edgar offered her a spoon.
Jean exhaled slowly as Edgar’s voice reverberated through the room.
“Are you waiting for me to praise you for foreseeing this?”
“I would be greatly pleasured if you did, Miss Eyer.” Edgar grinned as he rolled his sleeves up to slice some meat up for Jean. Everything he did was consistent with the fact that he treasured Jean and wanted to take care of her.
Meanwhile, Jean was ravenous as well and did not waste any time digging in.
“Do you have any more tricks up your sleeve?”
“Not for now.” Edgar’s response was honest and calm. He had ideas floating around, but those ideas needed time to be formulated into concrete plans and further testing. Hence, they were now back at square one.
Despite chowing down on one of the best foods in town, she felt her appetite disappear when she heard his answer.
Wiping her mouth daintily, she sat back calmly and watched Edgar. “I may have a plan to solve the issue between Oprah Group and Royden Group. If you were restored to your previous position, would you make a trade offer with me?”
Edgar picked up a piece of tissue and dabbed her lips lightly to remove an invisible speck. “Give me the details.”
Edgar no longer set Jean aside so that he could ‘be a man’. Now, he treated her as an equal and wanted them to fight side by side!
With his blessing, Jean began to share her plans.
“We would have to iron out the details, but I think this would solve your dilemma with Oprah Group.
They’ve managed to figure out the model, which means that we would have to…”
She reached for her phone to peek at her notes.
Edgar watched her, initially with tenderness, but his expression matured into serious contemplation as she went on. After Jean shared her thoughts, Edgar piped up and offered his thoughts to make the plan work.
“The company is not dead yet. There is still a chance we can revive your company.” However, he would lose everything if the plan failed. Hence, banking everything on this plan was risky.
“Should we…?” Jean offered hesitantly but was intercepted by Edgar.
“Royden Group would eventually die in my hands if I don’t gamble once in a while.”
Jean felt her spirits lift as she watched Edgar return to his meal.
“We can try.” He whispered.
“If we fail, you’ll need to bear responsibility, okay? I’ll be your stay-at-home home-husband.”
A knock interrupted their banter. “Good day, Mr.
Royden. Mr. Ludwig called the receptionist to inform us that he would arrive in half an hour. He hopes that you will wait for him.”
Edgar scrunched his brows together.
“Noted, thank you.” Pursing his lips, he dropped more food into Jean’s plate before adding, “I think you should eat more.”
“I thought you would leave! His presence would not benefit anyone.” She knew that Myer would be here just to drop some sarcastic remarks.
“I’ve had my fair share of disparaging remarks when I was developing Royden Group.” Edgar’s simple response announced how little he cared about Myer and purposefully delayed their meeting.
He squinted back at Jean when he realized she was staring at him. “Why? Are you surprised? Was I brash and impatient in your mind?”
Jean shook her head. “You have something on your face. Let me help you with it.” She giggled as she caressed his face with her oily fingers.
“The food is delicious, I’d like more, please!”
Despite her teasing, Edgar did not lose his temper. Instead, he sighed playfully. “Okay, Your Highness.”
Meanwhile, Myer delayed his arrival even more, expecting Edgar to leave already. Hence, he was astounded to hear that Edgar was still waiting for him when he arrived at the restaurant.
“I guess they are at the end of their rope too. Hah! To think that they would come begging for my help!”