Chapter 96
Alright. He probably thought I was bullying Jocelyn again. But why didn’t he acknowledge Jocelyn as his partner just now?
I must have still been slow–witted. Otherwise, why couldn’t I figure out these men’s intentions? After failing to get a reaction from me, Jocelyn shifted her focus to Logan.
Her voice remained soft and sweet, the kind that would evoke sympathy from any normal man. This was Jocelyn’s skill–being shameless and always playing the damsel in distress.
I overheard her say to Logan, “Mr. Wood, I’ve admired you for a long time. I never expected that in person, you’re even more handsome and charismatic than the rumors suggest.”
Logan gave a faint, indifferent “hmm“.
Jocelyn continued, “Mr. Wood, you’ve achieved so much at such a young age. I really envy Ms. York. Every man she chooses seems to be like this.”
When I heard that, I nearly spat out the tea I was drinking. I hid the disgust in my eyes. Here we go again!
What Jocelyn meant was that not only was I a gold–digger, but I had also been with more than one man.
To the average person, these subtle insults would be hard to catch. At 18, I probably wouldn’t have understood either, but after getting used to Jocelyn’s habit of slinging dirt, I got her meaning loud and
clear.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
However, this little tactic clearly wasn’t going to work today.
Logan responded, “Oh? Ms. Cornell seems to know Ari very well. Are you perhaps her close friend or
bestie?”
Jocelyn hurriedly shook her head, “No, no, I’m not. I just know about Ms. York’s taste in men.”
Logan cut her off coldly, saying, “Since Ms. Cornell isn’t Ari’s close friend, how would you know what kind of men she likes?”
The smile on Jocelyn’s face began to falter. Awkwardly, she tried to explain herself.
“I–I’ve just been observing. I mean, she was obsessed with Elijah before, and now she’s found someone like Mr. Wood, another outstanding young talent.”
Logan let out a quiet “Oh” and said, “I see. Then, does Ms. Cornell not admire Mr. Linden? After all, Mr. Linden is also a young talent, rich and handsome.”
Jocelyn’s smile froze. Logan, unfazed, continued leisurely, “Or is it that Mr. Linden isn’t worth Ms. Cornell’s admiration?”
Jocelyn’s embarrassment became unbearable, and she fled the scene. After she left, I had to stifle my Jaughter.
Logan glanced at me with an amused expression, gently wiping the tea stain from the corner of my lips. His gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Elijah, who I saw gripping his napkin tightly.
The banquet continued, and from bits and pieces of conversation, I finally realized that this dinner was all about a major project in the east city, one involving a massive investment and many key stakeholders.
Mr. Maynard had organized this meeting to bring together the city’s most influential businessmen to discuss it.
Only now did I understand that this dinner was crucial for Logan and for Elijah as well. Logan had brought me along because he knew Elijah would be here.
Their relationship, whether competitive or cooperative, wasn’t clear yet, but the invisible tension in the room today had made it obvious to all the bigwigs present that Logan and Elijah could never collaborate.
If they couldn’t cooperate, then they would have to compete. Throughout the meal, Logan and Elijah had already begun their battle, both openly and covertly.
By the time we finished eating, everyone had their own thoughts in mind. Someone suggested having some tea to relax.
By the way, today’s venue seemed to be some kind of private club, so after the meal, there was a beautiful courtyard where guests could drink tea and listen to music.
Logan was called over by Mr. Maynard to discuss business with several other big names, while I was led to the ladies‘ lounge by one of the attendants.