Chapter 145
Chapter 145:
At the charity gala, dozens of guests whispered and craned their necks, all hoping for a glimpse of the elusive figure behind Star Wish Investments.
Just moments after stepping into the banquet hall, Chadwick and Rylan began asking questions, eager to meet the enigmatic CEO.
One of the servers eventually guided them toward a quiet section, tucked away from the main crowd. Standing alone near the tall windows, a broad-shouldered man held a glass of red wine, his back turned, absorbed in the view beyond the glass.
“Excuse me—are you the CEO of Star Wish Investments?” Rylan asked politely, his tone carrying a hint of flattery.
But the man didn’t react. He neither replied nor turned, as if Rylan’s words had vanished into thin air.
Confused by the cold silence, Chadwick shot his son a glance before stepping forward to handle things himself. “Your company’s reputation in the investment world is unmatched. It’s a name respected by all, and we’re honestly honored to hear you’re even considering stepping in to support our struggling projects. It would mean a lot to us if we could raise a glass with you tonight—to show our appreciation p>
With all the humility he could muster, he spoke—and finally, the mysterious man turned. A faint, unreadable smile played on his lips. Recognition hit instantly, leaving both father and son frozen in shock.
“Dorian?” Rylan blurted the name before he could think twice.
Though Chadwick’s brow creased slightly, he kept his reaction in check far better than Rylan. Studying Dorian, he asked, “Mr. Morrison, you’re the one behind Star Wish Investments p>
“Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?” Dorian retorted smoothly, his tone faintly mocking.
With narrowed eyes, Chadwick silently revisited his understanding of Dorian’s place within his own family. Being the youngest Morrison, Dorian had always enjoyed affection, yet his family had never truly taken him seriously.
Likely, Star Wish Investments was a venture Dorian had privately developed abroad, using discretion as his shield, positioning himself strategically until he was ready to take control of the Morrison empire.
It seemed that behind Dorian’s carefree mask lurked someone much more clever and deliberate.
𝕍𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕖: gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧿ⅽ𝗈𝗺
“No, of course not,” Chadwick responded with exaggerated admiration. “Your achievements at such a young age are impressive. There’s no reason I’d question your capability p>
He subtly shifted his glance, intentionally steering the conversation toward Alden. “I recall hearing that you’re quite close with Alden. So, why isn’t he attending such an important event p>
Chadwick began digging, hoping to uncover any ties between Alden and Star Wish Investments.
With a sharp laugh and a look of contempt, Dorian replied, “Just as you said, this event matters. Alden’s already the Wilson family’s embarrassment, ignored and unwanted. What reason would I possibly have to invite someone like him p>
Chadwick and Rylan exchanged startled looks.
However, realization quickly dawned.
Alden had become the laughingstock of Cheson’s elite circles. It was clear now—Dorian only pretended to be close to him as a cover, to lower his rivals’ guards and keep them blind to what he was really after.
“Dad, it’s okay to accept Star Wish’s investment now, right? Dorian has proven himself capable, and obviously, this has nothing to do with Alden,” Rylan whispered, eager to rid himself of the troublesome Simpson family’s projects.
Finally relaxing, Chadwick smiled broadly at Dorian. “Since we’re already acquainted, working together down the line should be easy. About those projects under the Wilson Group p>
“Not exactly,” Dorian smoothly interrupted, his smile deceptively polite. “Even among friends, business remains business. Every one of Wilson Group’s current projects has stalled. If I take them over, I’ll only offer seventy percent of their value p>
“Seventy percent?” Chadwick immediately protested. “That’s absurd p>
With calculated precision, Dorian added, “I’ll pay in cash p>
The truth weighed heavily on Chadwick—his company was in dire need of funds.
But the more he thought about it, the more Dorian’s terms seemed like pure exploitation.
Chadwick tried bargaining, but Dorian refused to budge an inch. Cornered, Chadwick murmured that he’d need more time to consider the proposal.
Dorian, unbothered, gave them the space to deliberate.
Meanwhile, in the lounge, even though the melody of the waltz had faded, the mysterious CEO still refused to release Helena’s fingers. Without the music to distract her, anxiety crept back, leaving Helena visibly uneasy.
Noticing how tense she’d become, Alden realized he couldn’t prolong the charade.
He was on the verge of removing his mask, intending to ease her fears, when her phone abruptly broke the silence.
Seizing the opportunity, Helena swiftly withdrew her hand and stepped aside to answer the call.
Alden’s expression darkened immediately when he saw the name flashing across her phone—Dario. Again, Dario!