Chapter 178
In the afternoon, Cameron assigned Myra a new task: securing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Project, a major tender recently announced by the Bradfort City government. The Stark Group considered this project as significant as the Elsinore Garden Project for the second half of the year. When Myra successfully took charge of it, the company was astounded and appreciated her efforts.
Later that evening, before Tony could call her, Myra decided to reach out first. She informed him that she had to work late and would be heading home much later than usual.
By the time Tony received her call, he had already parked outside the Stark Tower. Leaning casually against his car, he smoked, dressed in a suit with his shirt slightly unbuttoned at the chest, exuding a mix of confidence and ease. The soft glow of the cigarette smoke framed his handsome features, adding an edge to his usually serious demeanor.
It was rush hour, and his presence didn’t go unnoticed. Many employees from the Stark Group paused to steal glances at him.
As Kris entered the building, some of her colleagues whispered behind her back. “Miss Kris, Director Hart came to pick you up personally. Is something good happening soon?”
Another employee chimed in, “Of course! Who else would Director Hart do that for, except you?”
Kris smiled at their remarks, clearly enjoying the attention. For the first time, she flashed a pleasant grin. “Nonsense. We haven’t planned anything yet!”
Their teasing made Kris feel a mix of pride and frustration. She quickly excused herself from the conversation. “You all go ahead. I have something to do.”
With that, she made her way to the underground parking lot, slipping into her red sports car. A sense of certainty filled her as she drove away from the Stark Tower. Deep down, she knew Myra wouldn’t be able to meet Tony tonight.
Meanwhile, Tony was still outside the building, having just hung up with Myra. He stubbed out his cigarette before he pocketed his phone, leaning into the moment of silence. He was determined to pick Myra up later, but he didn’t mention it to her. His hand slipped into his pocket, and he glanced up at the building, waiting for her to finish.
Inside the office, Myra sat amidst a pile of documents, the pressure of the approaching deadline making her anxious. “I’m not sure yet,” she responded when Tony asked what time she’d be leaving. “Probably around ten or eleven.”
Tony’s voice came low and steady. “I’ll come pick you up later.”
Despite the firmness in his tone, Myra could hear the tenderness behind it. She smiled softly. “You don’t need to. It’ll be late, and I don’t want you running around. I’ll drive myself back.”
Tony, as always, was unwavering. “Call me when you’re done.”
Her heart fluttered at his insistence. “Fine.” She nodded before ending the call.
Once the conversation ended, Tony slipped into his car, but after a brief moment of contemplation, he dialed Elliot’s number. Soon after, he made his way to the Zion Club.
Unbeknownst to him, a red sports car followed closely behind.
As Tony arrived at the club, the party was already in full swing. The usual crowd greeted him warmly, but Elliot couldn’t resist a dramatic entrance, rushing over with exaggerated flair. “Tony! Lonely, huh? Came here because Myra couldn’t make time for you?”
Tony flashed a knowing grin, holding a cigarette between his lips as he gave Elliot a playful stare. “I’m feeling lucky, so I thought I’d earn some money for baby formula.”
Elliot’s eyes widened. “Wait—are you and Myra… planning to have a kid?”
Philip chuckled from the side. “Why not? Tony’s no spring chicken. Besides, with a kid, Myra would be bound to him for good.”
Elliot, still stunned, tried to make sense of the situation. “That’s a… new perspective.”
The conversation shifted as Lucas checked his phone and frowned. “Tony, it looks like Sean is suddenly interested in the person who bought the land in Hilliville.”
Elliot, unimpressed, tossed a card onto the table. “So what? Is he going to buy it back?”
But Lucas and Philip exchanged uneasy glances, and even Tony’s eyes narrowed slightly. Elliot, sensing the tension, fell quiet, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Philip broke the silence, his voice low. “Tony, do you think he’s… suspecting us?”
The others fell silent, their eyes shifting to Tony’s unreadable expression. He flicked the cigarette ash, his face obscured by the smoke, his mind clearly elsewhere.
“Clown,” he muttered under his breath.
His words seemed to release the tension in the room, and the group sighed in relief. They all knew how much Myra meant to Tony, and they feared Sean would overstep. But looking at Tony now, so calm and unbothered, they knew he had it under control.
As the others exchanged glances, they noticed the ring on Tony’s left hand resting casually on the table. It was the same ring he had posted about earlier that day on his social media.
Before anyone could speak again, Lucas cleared his throat. “My driver mentioned seeing an unfamiliar Lamborghini near the Hart Residence last night. The person didn’t get out or turn on the headlights. Just sat there staring at the gate. Could it be Sean?”
The others immediately knew what he meant. Sean was possibly plotting something—something to do with Myra.
Tony tapped his fingers against the table rhythmically, the sound echoing ominously in the tense silence. He took another drag of his cigarette, his face unreadable as he stared into the smoke.
Finally, in a flat tone, he spoke. “Get the word out. The Hart Group will soon acquire the Hilliville project. All businessmen are welcome.”
He threw his cards aside, stood up, and grabbed his jacket. His calm demeanor was chilling, and the others exchanged looks, realizing Tony wasn’t just playing a game. He had already made his move.
After a beat, Tony added, “The Hart Group will sign a three-year contract with the first fifty percent who move in.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. The others knew they’d just set the stage for something bigger.
“Looks like someone’s going to regret their decision soon,” one of them muttered.