?Chapter 122:


    “What sort of coboration are you proposing?” Wesley asked.


    Elena responded, “Mr. Spencer, you’re after the cinnabar. I have a way to procure it. But I’ve made amitment to the collector not to reveal his possession of the cinnabar, so I’ll handle the purchase myself.”


    Her unexpected turn toward honesty and coboration took Wesley by surprise. He resettled himself on the couch, tilting his head up slightly. “And what might you need from me?”


    Wesley, ever the shrewd businessman, always looked for the underlying value.


    Elena raised her hand. “Before we proceed, you should know the cinnabares at a significant price. It will be your responsibility to fund it.” She made it clear her role was to facilitate the acquisition, not to absorb any financial impact.


    “Understood,” Wesley responded smoothly, unfazed by the cost.


    Elena acknowledged this with a nod before making her own demand. “I need you to answer a question for me.”


    Wesley’s brow furrowed slightly. “Is that all?”


    “Yes, that’s all,” Elena replied.


    With a contemtive look, Wesley gestured for her to continue.


    Elena eyed the distinctive ring on Wesley’s finger. “Where does your ringe from?”


    Wesley idly twisted the ring. Her curiosity about the ring was evident. Watching Elena carefully, Wesley murmured, “It’s a family heirloom, a symbol of leadership within the Spencer Group.”


    Elena raised an eyebrow, intrigued that it was an heirloom. It seemed likely Wesley himself was unaware of the ring’s full history.


    After a brief pause, Elena inquired, “Was this ring originally your grandfather’s?”


    Gerald, the venerated founder of the Spencer Group, had a well-known past. Elena recalled Gerald’s military retirement. There seemed a potential link between her mentor’s mysterious past and the military. Gerald had been a prominent young military leader, poised for high rank before his abrupt departure from service. Contemting her mentor’s possible connections, she resolved to delve deeper.


    She nned to leverage her proximity to Wesley to learn more about the ring’s origins. Settling on her strategy, a subtle smile yed on Elena’s lips.


    Stay connected gα?ησv????s


    Wesley was momentarily taken aback by her smile. Elena’s usual demeanor was reserved, her aloofness entuating her beauty. Yet, her smile transformed her, softening her sharp edges and making her seem more approachable. Even he, typically indifferent to women, found himself unexpectedly captivated. He swallowed subtly and then looked away.


    “That’s correct,” Wesley said.


    This meeting had brought Elena unexpected insights, lifting her spirits and visibly improving her demeanor. She reached out her hand. “I look forward to our sessful coboration.”


    Elena anticipated future interactions with Wesley, given the nature of their dealings.


    Wesley observed her sudden warmth but remained puzzled by the quick shift in her demeanor. He reached out and grasped her hand.


    Her hand was unexpectedly soft.


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