<b>Chapter </b><b>1404 </b><b>Smelling </b><b>the </b>Schemes <b>from </b>Miles <b>Away </b>


    Alejandro’s subordinate, who was sitting beside him, understood the underlying message of Kenton’s words.


    “Mr. Calico, that sly fox clearly intends to keep us under his thumb. Even if we seed this time, he’ll probably use this to threaten us again in the future!”


    Alejandro flicked the ash from his cigarette. “We’ll see it through since we’ve already agreed to help him with this matter. Leave the rest to me.”


    Soon, Alejandro and his team headed to the restaurant they had agreed upon.


    Cyrus and Wynter arrived first and reserved a private room, making sure all the signature dishes and delicacies were prepared in advance.


    A knock was heard before the waiter escorted Alejandro and his men inside.


    Cyrus immediately stood up to show his respect. He nced toward Wynter only to realize that she had no intention to stand. Wynter remained seated despite a few nudges from Cyrus urging her to do the same given that they were key to their n.


    Alejandro noticed Wynter’s demeanor and immediately dismissed the recent rumors about her. He thought shecked manners and didn’t have a proper upbringing. With that impression in mind, he took the seat at the head of the table.


    Cyrus felt helpless dealing with Wynter. She was the one who insisted on having him arrange this meeting yet was acting indifferent now that the guests had arrived. However, he chose not to press the issue


    further.


    Cyrus took the bottle of Glenfiddich from the center of the table and poured a ss for each of the officials from the nning Institute.


    ?


    Once everyone had their drink, he returned to his seat and raised his ss. “Thank you all foring. Let me offer this toast to express my gratitude.”


    In all honesty, the Montirs had done a pretty good job training Cyrus in handling high–level officials, even when they led him astray in other aspects.


    GAC


    Alejandro took a sip of the liquor, acknowledging Cyrus‘ toast. After all, the Whitmans were still an influential family in Hawford.


    “Cyrus, although I haven’t had much interaction with the Whitman family, I have heard much about the family’s impressive achievements.”


    Cyrus responded promptly, “It’s an honor that our small endeavors are noticed by you. Here, let me offer you another toast.”


    Hearing Cyrus‘ words, Wynter turned her gaze toward him but did not interrupt. After all, it was her intention to create this oue. She also took back whatever appreciation she had for the Montir family’s approach.


    In business and negotiations<b>, </b>one must never lower their status too much, even when seeking favors, Maintaining one’s dignity and standing firm was essential. After all, everyone was born equal regardless of status <b>or </b>wealth.


    After some casual conversation, Cyrus steered the discussion back to the main topic. “Mr. <b>Calico</b>, <b>we’re </b><b>not </b>seeking <b>you </b>out for anything too major.


    Chapter 1404 Smelling the Schemes from Miles Away


    “It’s just that my cousin and I have recently taken an interest in a piece ofnd, but we need your approval. However, the Wray family is also interested in thisnd, so we need your assistance<b>.</b>” Alejandro gave his assistant a nce, which the assistant quickly understood. “That’s not an impossible task, but…”


    Cyrus then presented the gifts he had prepared for Alejandro before offering them to the assistant with both hands.


    The assistant looked at the boxes of gifts. He randomly chose one to open before immediately closing them after a nce. “Are you testing the officials with these? Which official can withstand such a test?” The lightheartedment eased the tension in Cyrus.


    Alejandro waved his hand. “Cyrus, the Wray family is indeed interested in this piece ofnd. However, considering your family’s standing, I’ll give you this opportunity.


    “The approval process for thend can be initiated, but an initial investment of 500 million is required to avoid unnecessary steps. The Wray family is also required to <i>do </i>so. Of course, if you don’t end up with thend, we’ll refund the 500 million in full.”


    Wynter pinched her nose as if smelling the underlying scheme, but she chose not to expose it. “Thank you, Mr. Calico. The Quinnell and Whitman families may not have much, but we do have money, Of course, we also appreciate your help. N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    “Regardless of whether things work out or not, we’ll prepare a ‘generous gift‘ for you as a token of our gratitude!”