Chapter 172
Kris had put an immense amount of thought into this meal. Everything was meticulously planned, yet Tony’s sour expression from the very start threw a wrench into her carefully laid plans. From the moment they entered the private room, her attempts at engaging him were constantly rebuffed.
“Director Hart, I heard you love playing golf. I’m quite fond of it myself. My father taught me. Perhaps we could play together sometime soon?” Kris tried to make a connection, subtly flaunting her status in the Stark family, hoping it would help her gain some favor.
She ate with an even more refined air than usual, hoping to impress Tony with her elegance.
Tony, however, lit a cigarette and glanced at her before responding flatly, “I’ve been busy lately.”
Kris stiffened for a moment but quickly regained her composure, flashing a smile. “Of course. I understand. We can talk about it another time when you’re free. By the way, Director Hart, what are the chances the Stark Group will collaborate with the Hart Group on the Elsinore Garden Project?”
Her words held weight, as she knew Tony’s visit to the Stark Group was a sign that he intended for them to handle the project. After all, he had specifically come to meet with her and had ignored everyone else, including her father. Kris was aware that some men preferred to remain mysterious with their intentions, keeping their emotions hidden until the right moment.
Tony exhaled a long puff of smoke, his body relaxed but his presence undeniably commanding. It was clear that his mere existence was enough to captivate anyone around him, and Kris wasn’t immune to this effect.
Just as she was about to continue discussing the Elsinore Garden Project, Tony’s phone vibrated. He glanced at it, and for a brief moment, his expression softened. But when his eyes met hers again, his demeanor was still cool and indifferent.
“Director Hart, I truly admire you,” Kris said, trying to get closer to him. But before she could say more, Tony interrupted her.
“Miss Stark, you look quite like your sister.”
Kris froze. The mention of her sister took her by surprise, but she quickly recovered and laughed lightly. “Everyone says we look alike.”
She then recalled that Tony and Myra were neighbors. The two must have known each other for some time, but when they were in the elevator together, it seemed as though they didn’t even recognize one another. This sparked a wave of suspicion in Kris’s heart.
Her voice became casual as she added, “My sister is two years older than me. She married Sean from the Chase Family two years ago, but I heard things didn’t go well, and they were forced to divorce. She’s always had some issues with me, but I still believe in her. She’s not the type to fool around.”
In mentioning Myra’s failed marriage and questioning her character, Kris tried to paint herself as the more stable, reliable choice. But she could see that Tony’s expression had darkened. His eyes had hardened, and Kris could tell that her words weren’t having the desired effect.
Kris pushed further, “I can’t help but feel like something has upset you. You seem… a little off today.”
Tony glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “You think so?”
Kris, sensing an opportunity, pressed on. “Everyone has their bad days. If you consider me a friend, why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you? Maybe talking about it will help.”
Her voice oozed with empathy, but inside, she was growing more frustrated. Just as she thought she might get through to him, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Kris frowned slightly but quickly masked it. “Come in.”
A waiter entered with a tray. Kris’ eyes narrowed when she saw the red velvet box on it.
“What’s this?” she asked, trying to maintain her composure.
The waiter approached Tony, offering him the box. “Mr. Hart, a young lady sent this to you. She said she’d just texted you and is returning this to its original owner.”
Kris’s heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly what was inside that box.
As the waiter left, Kris’s anger flared. Her mind raced, wondering which woman had dared to send him a gift while she was in the middle of their meeting. There was no way she would allow some other woman to ruin her chances with Tony.
Tony, however, accepted the box without hesitation, and Kris’s worst fears were confirmed.
“My lover,” Tony said nonchalantly, as he played with the box.
The word hit Kris like a slap. Her voice rose involuntarily. “Lover?”
Realizing she’d raised her voice too much, Kris tried to rein it in, but her face betrayed her disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”
Tony’s eyes met hers with an unreadable expression. “Do you think I’m kidding?”
Kris’s frustration grew. Her mind raced—hadn’t Tony been single all this time? Where had this woman come from?
“Miss Stark, have you eaten your fill?” Tony asked abruptly, standing up from the table.
Kris’s face flushed with embarrassment. It was clear now that Tony had no intention of eating with her. He had come simply out of obligation, not interest.
Staring at the red velvet box, she asked, “Director Hart, you came here to have lunch with someone else, didn’t you?”
Tony lit another cigarette, his expression as cold as ever. “I’ll hand the Elsinore Garden Project to the Stark Group.”
Kris stood frozen, her anger mixing with confusion. This was not how she’d imagined things going. She had been so sure she could win his favor, but now, it seemed her efforts had all been in vain.