Chapter 96
Percy instantly recognized the man standing beside Stellar–it was the same guy he had seen with her at the private dining
restaurant that night.
So, they did know each other.
Was she here with him?
That thought alone sent a deep sense of unease surging through him, an almost suffocating sense of urgency.
His fists clenched tightly at his sides.
Not long ago, she was always the one by his side, helping him secure project after project.
But now?
Now, she stood beside someone else, acting as if he were a stranger.
They were once so close, yet at this moment, they had never felt farther apart.
A desperate urge clawed at Percy, compelling him to reach for something–anything–before it slipped away completely.
He stepped forward, about to say something to Stellar-
But before he could, the host of the event, Mark Seaton, made his way toward the crowd.
Percy swallowed back his impulse and forced himself to stay put.
“Welcome, esteemed guests. I know you’ve all gathered here for the same reason–the prime piece of land behind me.
“This land has belonged to my family for generations, and if I’m going to sell it, I want it to go to someone who will use it wisely,
someone who will bring out its full potential.
“So, I won’t be holding an auction. Instead, I ask each of you to submit a proposal–your offer price and your intended use for the
land.
“I’ll personally review each submission and make my decision.”
As soon as he finished speaking, murmurs broke out among the guests, quiet discussions unfolding as they began to gauge each other’s strategies.
With no bidding war and no price cap, the highest offer could secure the win, but the proposed project would hold
weight.
as much
Stellar and Stephen had already discussed their strategy in the car, so while others deliberated, she confidently stepped forward, documents in hand, ready to submit their proposal.
But just as she was about to turn it in, a figure suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
Chapter 00
Stellar looked up and met Percy’s weary gaze.
She frowned slightly
“Step aside.”
Her cold tone stung, but this time, Percy didn’t lash out or throw out some sarcastic remark.
For once, he lowered his pride.
That lingering sense of crisis had ignited a sudden, desperate urge to fix things between them.
+20 Bonus
“Stellar, I can give you an advantage. I’ll tell you Moore Enterprises‘ bid in advance. This way, you’ll have a better chance of
securing the land.”
He was willing to let her win, hoping she would see that he could be good to her–that they didn’t have to keep standing on
opposite sides like enemies.
After all, it was just a piece of land.
Losing it wouldn’t be a devastating blow.
But to Stellar, his words were nothing short of ridiculous.
She let out a soft, incredulous laugh, a glint of wariness flashing in her eyes.
“Percy, what scheme are you trying to pull this time? Do you really think I’d fall for your tricks again? Do you really think I’d ever
hand this opportunity over to you?”
The ice in her voice cut deep.
Meeting her gaze–so full of distrust–Percy felt something inside him twist painfully.
“So, in your eyes, I’m nothing but a manipulative schemer?”
His voice rose, frustration slipping through.
“Isn’t that exactly what you are?” Stellar shot back.
“Over the years, how much profit have you made off of me? Did you ever show a shred of gratitude? Did you ever offer anything in return? You couldn’t even bring yourself to pay me properly.”
She scoffed, her words laced with contempt
“Men like you–greedy, ruthless, and blind to their own arrogance–sooner or later, your company is going to collapse under its own weight.”
Percy’s face darkened, his jaw tightening as Stellar’s words hit like a slap.
“I did offer you money. You’re the one who refused it…”
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Chapter 05
There was frustration in his tone, even a trace of grievance as if he were the one being wronged.
“And this time, I actually mean it. I’m trying to make things right.
“Why do you insist on thinking the worst of me? Do you really see me as less than that pretty boy you were just with?”
Stellar froze for a second, then blinked, finally realizing who he meant.
Pretty boy?
Was he talking about Stephen?
Her lips twitched.
This had to be the first time she’d ever heard someone describe him that way.
“You don’t have to do this, Mr. Moore. You and I have nothing to do with each other anymore.
“Besides, sharing confidential bid prices? That could cause all sorts of misunderstandings.”
She raised an eyebrow, her tone casual but laced with sharpness.
“After all, it wasn’t too long ago that you accused me of stealing from your company. I’d rather not make the same mistake
twice.”
With that, she moved to step past him.
But Percy’s frustration boiled over, and he immediately blocked her path again.
“Stellar, come on. You can’t seriously think I’m worse than that pretty boy, right? You don’t have to be so damn ungrateful.”
He had already swallowed his pride–wasn’t that enough for her?
