?Chapter 458:


    If Neil hadn’t used something indispensable to force this meeting, Katelyn would have been more than happy never toy eyes on his detestable face again.


    Just recalling the disgusting things Neil had done was enough to make her feel sick.


    Neil, however, acted as if he didn’t notice the disgust and wariness in Katelyn’s eyes. He pointed to the seat opposite him. “Take a seat, and let’s talk.”


    He had anticipated that mentioning this matter would certainly make Katelyn show up.


    Katelyn scowled, but the striking resemnce of the person in the photographpelled her to reluctantly take a seat opposite Neil. “What have you learned? Who is this person in the picture?”


    Despite Katelyn’s urgency, Neil remained rxed. He reclined in his chair and casually crossed his legs. “Mind your tone. We’re here to negotiate a partnership. If I’m not pleased with your attitude, I could easily walk away from this deal.”


    Neil felt a surge of satisfaction, having regained some control in his dealings with Katelyn.


    Since their divorce, he had often felt outsmarted by her. Now, things were finally starting to change.


    It seemed that manipting Katelyn was easier than he had imagined, as long as he targeted her vulnerabilities. The disdain in Katelyn’s eyes deepened, and this time, she made no attempt to hide it.


    She clenched the cup beside her, fighting the urge to hurl it at him. “Cut the crap. I’m notmitted to any deal with you yet, and you still haven’t rified what this partnership involves.”


    Neil’s smug expression faltered, and he responded seriously, “I know you’re eyeing the international market and have already begun talks with Selina. I need ess to that market too. I propose that you represent me at the exhibition in two months and secure the final presentation slot.” Neil spoke calmly. His original n had been to entice Katelyn into joining his firm.


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    But after some reflection, he realized that was impossible. Katelyn would never consent, and Vincent would never allow it.


    This proposal, however, was the bestpromise he could offer.


    Katelyn’s expression turned sarcastic as she stared at Neil, clearly dismissing his proposal as a joke. “I’m under contract with the Adams Group. Why would I represent you and help you secure a project?”


    Neil pulled a document from his briefcase andid it on the table, tapping it meaningfully.<fnd541> Find the newest release on fin?novel</fnd541>


    “Here’s why you should consider it,” he said. “I have the information you’ve been desperately seeking. I’ve invested significant resources into uncovering your past. Isn’t it fair for me to expect something in return?”


    He paused, clearly enjoying his control over the situation. “Are you curious about who your biological parents are? From what I’ve gathered, they’ve been searching for you for years.”


    Katelyn’s gaze locked on the document.


    Neil’s words hit her where she was most vulnerable. Her greatest fear had always been that her parents, like Earl Poulos, had been searching for her all these years—always missing her, never finding her. The thought of it was possibly her deepest sorrow.


    Katelyn’s hands balled into fists, but she remained silent. Neil allowed her time to think, not pressing her for an immediate decision. He adopted a soothing tone, saying, “I assure you, the information here is real, and I’m the only one who has uncovered it. If you pass on this, you may never discover who your parents are.”


    A sharp glint appeared in Katelyn’s eyes. She fought to calm her racing heart, striving to remainposed and not fall into Neil’s maniption. His strategy was clear—he was tempting her, not with money, but with something far more personal.


    “You’ve misled me too many times. Why should I trust you now?” she asked.


    “Because this is the only information you can’t afford to overlook,” Neil said confidently.


    “There’s nothing inappropriate about my offer. You wouldn’t be betraying Vincent; you’d simply be creating a design for me and, in return, learn about your past. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t let such a chance slip by.”


    Neil’s words were carefully crafted to persuade Katelyn into agreeing.


    She took a deep breath.


    “First, I need to check if this document is real.”


    Neil slid the document closer to her. “By all means, take a look.”


    Katelyn picked up the document and began to read. As she absorbed the details, her expression shifted, and she was visibly shocked.


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