Chapter 165
Chapter 165:
A scoff slipped from Alden, short and scornful, as if the comparison barely deserved his attention.
He locked eyes with Rylan and replied slowly, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it your brother who completely botched the redevelopment project? And now you’re comparing me to him? That’s bold. And frankly, insulting p>
The retort hit Rylan hard, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Apparently, Covey’s hearing was working just fine.
And judging by his tone, the scorn in his voice toward Alden wasn’t for show.
Their exchange was still heating up when a soft knock came at the door. Antonio stepped in and said, “Mr. Russell, Helena Ellis and Betsey Avila from Nexus TV have arrived. Should I show them in p>
Rylan jumped in before Alden could get a word out. “I invited them here for an interview. Thought it was a good opportunity to give the media a story worth covering. After all, a collaboration between Star Wish Investments and Wilson Group is headline material p>
A quick glance at his watch, and Rylan added cheerfully, “It’s just about lunchtime anyway. How about I treat you and Mr. Morrison to a meal, Mr. Russell? The anchors can tag along. Let’s talk things over while we eat p>
Alden didn’t see a reason to refuse.
Soon after, the group headed out to a high-end restaurant.
Dining with such high-profile figures wasn’t something Betsey had seen coming, and she could barely hide her excitement.
All through the meal, she laid on the charm—flirty lines and bright smiles—but only Rylan paid her any mind.
Leaning close, Rylan accepted the drink she handed him and murmured under his breath, “Slip off Covey’s mask somehow, and I’ll transfer two hundred grand to your account p>
Rylan was offering two hundred thousand dollars just for taking off a mask!
Betsey’s eyes sparkled at the offer. She nodded without hesitation.
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Though Helena and Dorian sat between her and Covey, that didn’t slow her down. She grabbed her drink and made her move, swaying her hips as she headed over.
“Skipping past me, Ms. Avila? Should I be offended? Do I not even exist at this table?” Dorian gave her a teasing wink and raised his arm to block her path.
That playful gesture sent a flutter through Betsey’s chest. For a moment, she wondered if he was flirting. The mask removal scheme slipped right out of her mind.
Sure, Covey had the title of Star Wish Investments’ CEO. But that mask he wore all the time? It was probably hiding a face not even a mother could love.
But Dorian? He had money, looks, and a way of making women fall for him. Covey didn’t stand a chance next to that.
Rylan, watching her melt under Dorian’s attention, gritted his teeth in frustration. His eyes turned to Helena. Unlike Betsey, Helena had zero interest in cozying up to any of them. The whole time, she kept her mic on and her pen poised. Her notepad lay beside her plate, untouched by food—she hadn’t stopped being a journalist for a second.
“Ms. Ellis,” said Rylan, his voice taking on a sharper note, “didn’t you cover the development area shutdown? With Mr. Russell now handling the project instead of my brother and things finally picking up again, I’m guessing you’re pretty pleased, right p>
Helena turned her head slowly, her eyes calm but cutting. She knew exactly what he was doing.
With a light smile that didn’t reach her eyes, she turned the tension back on him. “Is there a reason you’re bringing this up, Mr. Wilson? You sound a little bitter that your brother’s no longer in charge of the project p>
She raised her voice just enough to be heard clearly, not bothering to hide the edge in her tone. “You called this meeting to highlight the alliance between two major companies. From the way you’re talking, it doesn’t seem like you’re after cooperation—it sounds more like you’re itching for a fight p>
With a sharp look at Covey, Helena spoke with layered meaning. “If that’s the case, maybe I should tweak the headline to something like A Rift between Two Giants. What do you think p>
That single statement threatened to rip apart everything Rylan had been trying to build.
Rylan’s face tightened all of a sudden, and his voice dropped into something sharp. “Watch what you’re saying, Ms. Ellis!” He smacked the table with his palm, loud and fast.
A wine glass toppled, its contents about to spill onto Helena’s dress. “Watch out p>
Helena barely had time to react before Covey stepped in. His arm slipped around her waist without hesitation. He gave a soft tug, steering her away from the table just as the wine spilled.