"What could be more important than me?" Monte was pleased with Eliza''s reply, but still, he asked sourly.


    "I''m not telling you."


    Charity responded with a quick retort.


    Upon detecting a hint of forced arrogance in her voice, Monte''s heart melted.


    He found Eliza too mild-mannered back then, so he was delighted that she now showed her arrogant side.


    Indeed, a short separation between a couple could refresh a rtionship.


    "Fine, don''t tell me. However, don''t get too close with other men behind my back," he warned sternly. "I think the man who sent you home that night may be interested in


    you."


    "That was Ryan''s friend." Charity got in her car while putting on an act for him over the phone. "He was the blind date that Ryan introduced to me a while ago."


    Monte was taken aback by that unexpected reply, and he immediately felt upset, Lizzie, are you doing this on purpose? I''ll admit that you''ve made me jealous, terribly jealous."


    Charity was speechless.


    Coming across that way was not her intention.


    "Lizzie, although I''m not sure who that man is, a friend of Ryan''s is definitely far from a simple person. People who are involved in politics are stricter with their other half. I have seen several politicians whose careers practically ended after marrying


    female celebrities. Businessmen like us would have it easier as long as we have the ability to earn and provide. Apart from the pressure from our parents, it wouldn''t affect your career at all," he said gently. "I don''t want you to get hurt again. Do you understand?"


    "You don''t have to tell me that. I don''t like him." Charity fastened her seat belt. "1 think he''s too tanned. I like the gentierlooking types."


    Monte was over the moon.


    He had that gentlemen''s look.


    "I agree. Gentlemen are more considerate." He giggled softly.


    "I have to drive. We''ll talk again soon." Charity was not in the mood to deal with him.


    Once Monte hung up, he walked happily to the presidential suite to meet Hugo. After the doorbell rang, Hugo opened the door, yawning.


    "L


    "Young Master Jeffs, where did you gost night? I wanted to invite you to the pub yesterday."


    Monte entered the suite with a huge grin on his face.


    "I had dinner with a few of my former ssmates." He smiled and cast Monte a knowing nce, asking, "Why does your face look swollen, Young Master Patterson?"


    "Don''t even get me started. My dad punched me in the face." He rubbed his face lightly and sulked. "I wanted to call off the wedding."


    "Does your dad want Lillian as his daughter-inw so badly?" Hugo could not have disapproved more. "She spends so carelessly, yet the Tanner family does nothing to stop her. They''re obviously taking advantage of your wealth."


    "My dad doesn''t quite like the way she spends money either." Monte sighed." However, businesses have not been doing as welltely. Young Master Jeffs, regarding the coboration we discussed earlier..."


    "I''ve mentioned it to my dad. He said the Pattersons'' hotels are ranked highly in Australia, so coborating with your family shouldn''t be a huge issue." Then, Hugo added pensively, "But, Young Master Patterson, this isn''t Newcastle. What if anything happens?"


    "I''m just the middleman trying to earn somemission," Monte forced a smile.'' Don''t worry. There won''t be any problem.


    I''ve even set up apany to provide clients with international payment services when the timees. Besides, we won''t have to do this for long. Once I get all the big ounts tied up with our hotels, they''ll have to work with us in the future."


    "Not bad, Young Master Patterson." Hugo gave him a thumbs up. "With the courage you possess, I''m certain the Patterson Corporation will develop well under your lead."


    "Thank you for your words. I hope so too."