?Chapter 1655:


    Stories about Gracie weren’t hard to find. She had once been head over heels for Ethan, helped start the Mitchell Group, and then found herself abandoned by him.


    Those shares she held in thepany could have secured her future. Still, Gracie had made the surprising choice to sell them off, walking away from the financial safety they promised.


    Most people couldn’t understand why.


    The truth behind her decision remained a mystery.


    Jordy, for his part, assumed Ethan’s indifference had driven Gracie to let go of everything. That was the only exnation that fit the rumors of her heartbreak.


    Afterward, she had quickly married Waldo, only for that marriage to end almost as fast as it had started.


    Knowing this, Jordy couldn’t shake the thought that Gracie’s interest in him might be more personal. Was she interested in him?


    “What’s this meeting about?” Jordy asked politely, though he barely nced at the steak, foie gras, and red wine in front of him, his appetite gone.


    Without wasting time, Gracie offered a courteous smile and spoke directly. “Thanks for agreeing to meet me, Mr. Barton. I’m interested in investing, and I know you have an eye for opportunity. I’ve got funds to work with and would like to join forces with you.”


    She got straight to the point, confident Jordy would be eager for the partnership.


    Instead, Jordy just brushed off her words with a shrug. “I appreciate it, but honestly, Ethan is the one with the real vision around here. He turned the Mitchell Group into a global leader in no time. That level of foresight and daring isn’t something I’d im for myself.”


    At his words, Gracie’s demeanor cooled, her smile faltering just a bit. She wondered if he was hinting at her past with Ethan and was being sarcastic.


    “Mr. Barton, I’ve heard about a few projects that slipped away from you, especially that cybersecurity deal. It’s got major promise, and word is you’re still looking for a way in. Isn’t that so?” she said.


    Jordy studied Gracie across the table, noting how much she already seemed to know about his recent dealings. A small, amused smile yed on his lips. “That’s true. Sounds like you’ve got the scoop. Are you about to tell me you’ve got a back door into that project? Last I checked, Brenna and Gerardo are running the project, and I doubt Brenna will wee your involvement.”


    A hint of disdain crept in as he considered her proposal. He believed Ethan’s reasons for keeping Gracie at arm’s length made sense. From where he sat, her approach to business seemed clumsy. She had to know Brenna wanted nothing to do with her—yet here she was, looking to get involved. Was she naive, or was there some old score she wanted to settle by doing this?


    Gracie responded with a nod. “I’m well aware Brenna would prefer to keep me out of it. But all I’m offering is money, nothing more. You can handle the negotiations. With my backing, you’d have the leverage, and I can give you a method to join the project. Trust me, Brenna won’t turn you away.”


    Jordy could barely hide his skepticism, shaking his head at the idea. “You’re dreaming. She’s not the type to budge, and once her mind’s set, that’s the end of it. Besides, I doubt you know my past with Brenna.”


    Gracie’s confusion was obvious; she indeed had no idea.


    Jordy started to rise, ready to end the meeting.


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