At that thought, Alex nced toward Luke


    Jordan let out a heartyugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Drinding with a cold really isn''t a good idea."


    He gave a subtle nod to his secretary, who was still holding the wine bottle, signalling her to step back.


    Dominic obviously wasn''t here to entertain anyone''s power ys.


    Samuel would eventually retire, and when that day came, Dominic would hold the reins at Tavian Group. Offending him now wouldn''t be wise.


    Agreeing to help Austin today served two purposes for Jordan; one, to do the Sowle family a favor, and two, to get a read on Dominic''s approach to business


    "If you were bringing guests, Mr. Aldridge, It would''ve been better to let me know in advance." Dominic smiled politely, but the frost in his eyes sald otherwise


    Jordan pretended not to notice, still wearing a friendly expression. “I meant to, but I was afraid you wouldn''te. Mr. Sowle''s been so worried about the project hur''s lost weight over it.!!


    With the cur handed to him, bustin quieldy chimed in. "Mr. Reid, about the loan for the project-Inhaping you''ll give us another chance.


    "I understand there were some incidents before that raised concerns, I


    , but I assure you, none of that will attect the progress of the project. Mr. Munoz and I will make sure everything stays untrack"


    Dominic Intensed quietly, his expression teadable. He picked up his cup of tea, took a slow sip, and looked down at the clear liquid.


    Histone was castial as he quipped, "Mr. Manor, nothing to say?"


    As le spoke, lits eyes lifted cool, shaq, and focused right on Luke


    A subtle bur palpable tension filled the att


    Like met Dominic''s pazelinad on


    The coldness between them seemed to ignite lito something nose vtile -like sparks crackling in the air.


    Everyone around the table grew uneasy.


    Austin, in particr, was on edge, tenfled Luke might lose it and flip the talde. He reached over and pressed a firm hand to Luke''s shoulder, saying, “Luke, just rudh it through."


    He squeezed Luke''s shoulder with a hint of force, eg Lake that has paject was important, and he couldn''t blow it.


    Luke finally looked away from Dominic. He shitted his gaze to Vespera and stated deeply into her eyes. Their seemed to be a trace of hurt in his


    It felt like Lake was being used and tile he was demanding an exnation. It was an it Vespera had scammed him for both love and money, then abandoned him heartlessly and ran off into Dominic''s arms without looking back


    Vespera was rendered speechless. She looked at him calmly, as if she were staring at a slow-witted child


    Atst, Luke dragged his gaze away from her and tumed to Dominic "What Mr. Sowle said... is also what I want to say,"


    His face remained cold and proud, but the strain in his voice revealed just how hard he was trying to hold himself together.


    Dominic''s eyes gleamed with faint amosement. "And what exactly did Mr. Sowle say? Sorry, I have a terrible memory, Mind repeating it for me, Mr. Munoz


    Luke stayed silent but clenched his fists. Beg Dominic? Not a chance. He shot to his feet, ready to walk out.


    Austin quickly stood and grabbed his am, signaling him to calm down with a look.


    fest then, Alex stepped into mediate. "Mr. Reid, the project''s been re-evaluated and there''s no problem with it.


    "I''m sure Mr. Reld Senior wouldn''t disagree with your decision. Look, both Mr. Sowle and Mr. Munoz came today with sincerity. Why not give them a chance??!


    "Sincerity?" Dominic echoed, his gaze falling on Luke, who was still being held back by Austin..


    He shank his head. "I don''t see any."


    Luke was furious. It looked like he might actually flip the table, so Austin had no choice but to drag him out of the private room for now.


    Inside, Jordan had seen through the whole thing-Dominic was clearly toying with Luke, probably because of Vespera. So, even he couldn''t resist a beautiful face.


    However, Jordan didn''t mind. A tricky man was fine. What mattered was that he wasn''t undefeatable.


    Vespern was undeniably stunning, but beautiful women weren''t exactly in short supply. If Dominic were the type who enjoyed pretty women, it would make things easier for jordan. He had no shortage of stunning women to offer.


    "Mr. Munoz really doesn''t know how to read the room," Jordan said, feigning annoyance.


    Then, he gave Serena a subtle look and said, “Mr. Reid''s teacup is empty. Why hasn''t it been refilled? Haven''t you been paying attention either?"


    Serena got the message. As she stood up, she licked her hair and added a seductive sway to her steps


    she picked up the teapot and started walking over.


    Dominic liftedshand. "No need. We came here to eat, not to drown in tea


    Jordan looked a little disappointed. So, not his type.


    Everyone picked up their cutlery