Chapter 13
However, Myra was nothing like Estelle.
Even though she felt deeply disappointed, a small part of her still held on to the faintest hope for that man.
She was well aware that her situation seemed hopeless, but she couldn’t help but cling to the idea that her sacrifices over the years would mean something. After all, if she let go now, what would be the value of her love? Was it all in vain?
When Myra watched Estelle feign losing her balance and accidentally fall into the arms of a man nearby, she sighed, half-amused, and stood to leave.
In the main hall of Zion Club, Leo handed the car keys to the waiter so he could park the car. As soon as he entered, he spotted Myra leaving, her expression dazed. Surprised, he quickly entered the club, following her from a distance.
The VIP room in Zion Club was not like any other. It was Elliot Samson’s private sanctuary—luxurious yet understated. The air was thick with cigarette smoke, the sounds of cards being shuffled, songs being sung, and people wailing loudly in the background.
For anyone who knew Bradfort City’s power structure, it was clear that the influential figures of the city gathered here. Offending any one of them meant a lifetime of consequences.
Leo entered the room with a sense of familiarity, walking toward a dim corner. In that shadowed space, a tall, well-built man sat. A red spark flickered at the corner of his mouth before smoke slowly rose into the air. When he noticed Leo, he bent forward slightly, and the light revealed his muscular frame under a crisp white shirt and black suit. His cold eyes glinted as the shadows danced across his features, making Leo’s demeanor grow more serious.
“Director Hart, we’ve confirmed three design companies competing for the Sunny Bay Project—Chase Group, Hay Group, and Reid Group,” Leo reported.
Tony remained stoic, loosening his tie as he nodded in response.
From the other side of the room, Elliot, who had replaced Tony in the ongoing card game, wasn’t happy about the interruption. “Tony, can we not discuss work during a party that we threw for you?” he complained.
Tony had agreed to attend this impromptu gathering only after the interview he did in the morning had drawn attention, prompting the party to be held in his honor.
Tony calmly extinguished his cigarette in a nearby bowl, his gaze remaining unfazed as he turned to Elliot. “Your grandmother called me this morning and asked me to introduce suitable women to you.”
Elliot choked, looking like he had swallowed something unpleasant.
The others in the room knew how influential Elliot’s grandmother was. When she politely asked Tony to introduce a woman to him, what she truly meant was for him to find someone who could seduce her grandson into settling down.
Phillip Renaud, sitting beside them, laid down his winning hand—an ace—and tapped Elliot on the shoulder with a mischievous grin. “Looks like I won this round, mate. Money, please?”
Elliot pouted and tossed his chips to Lucas before pushing the cards aside. “Count me out of this game. You guys always win. It’s never fun sitting with you.”
Lucas Windrow grinned. “Well, if you don’t want to play, bring a woman next time.”
Elliot pouted again. He wasn’t vain, but he knew that many women were eager to be with him. He could easily choose one of them to be his girlfriend. However, in his circle, no woman would entertain them unless she had the potential to become someone they’d want to spend their life with.
As he glanced at Tony’s composed demeanor, Elliot refused to back down. He scooted closer to him. “Tony, you should bring your girl along next time. We’ll definitely treat her well.”
Tony didn’t respond. Instead, Elliot summoned his courage and turned to Leo. “Tell me, which girl has caught Tony’s interest?”
Leo discreetly touched his nose. She’s not a girl anymore. More like a married woman. But he didn’t dare say it aloud. Instead, he cleared his throat and reported dutifully, “Director Hart, I saw Miss Stark at the entrance earlier. She didn’t look well.”
Tony, who had been about to light another cigarette, froze. Seeing this, Elliot quickly lit it for him, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Tony, who’s this Miss Stark? Your secret crush?”
Tony didn’t answer. Instead, he narrowed his eyes at Elliot, giving him a look so profound it could cut through stone, but still said nothing.
Elliot, feeling the weight of Tony’s stare, mused, If it were before, Tony would have killed me with his glare by now. Something’s going on!
Elliot was about to ask more questions when Tony abruptly finished the vodka shot that had been sitting untouched for a while.