Filed to story: The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion >>
Danika gazed at Max, unperturbed, and Max clenched his teeth in frustration. “My family can offer a fifty percent rent reduction only for the high-end shopping malls in Parrington, not in other parts of the country, *he grumbled. Being in charge of the Pearson family, Max knew that such a decision could be used against him.
“Just Parrington?” Danika sounded disappointed.
Max snapped back, “Parrington is good enough. Do you have any idea how much rent in the best spot of a high-end shopping mall costs per year? Besides, my family owns more than one mall in Parrington.” He believed it was premature to ask for nationwide shopping malls at this stage, as it was unclear whether Danika’s brand could expand beyond Parrington.
“Okay.” Danika rose from her seat, content. “Let’s go eat, and Max, you’re treating.”
“You’ve been with Eustace for so long, and all you’ve learned from him is his ugly capitalist habits,” Max snickered.
Danika was unbothered by his comment. Getting tangible benefits was what mattered most.
Max led the way, with Jade and Danika following behind. “You’re so clever,” Jade whispered. “Max has been to our company so many times, and I never thought to speak to him about renting a spot in his mall for our brand.”
Danika glanced at her and said, “It’s alright, Jade. You didn’t know that the Pearsons owned malls.”
However, Danika knew that the only reason she didn’t know was because she never went looking for that information.
Danika wasn’t certain what Max and Jade always discussed when they met, but it was clear they weren’t talking about work. She didn’t mind if Jade and Max got together, but she couldn’t help feeling a little worried about Jade’s past and afraid that Max might end up hurting her. When they arrived at the restaurant and Jade went to the restroom, Danika asked Max about his intentions toward Jade.
Max lightly laughed in response. “I thought you already knew.”
Danika smiled when Max confirmed his intentions. She leaned back in her chair and said, “You’re so fickle. The last time I heard from you, you said you wanted to pursue me.”
Max didn’t take her words seriously. “You have Eustace around you, so I don’t have a chance.”
“Speaking of Eustace,” Danika said, “you seem to be on good terms with him recently, and I haven’t seen you bother him.”
Max felt a bit embarrassed that Danika had noticed that. “What do you mean on good terms?” he retorted.” I’m just looking for the perfect opportunity to take his family down.”
“Is that so?” a familiar voice asked from behind Max, making him freeze as if he were a criminal caught in the act. Eustace sat next to Danika and looked at Max, “I didn’t expect you to still harbor evil intentions. Do you not want the Pearson family anymore?”
Max awkwardly laughed it off. “I’m just joking.”
“What do you mean?” Danika asked, turning to Eustace as she noticed something amiss in what he had just said.
Eustace was about to speak when Max cut him off, “You promised not to tell anyone until the matter is successful.”
Eustace nodded and whispered to Danika, “I’ll tell you when he’s not around.” Danika giggled and covered her mouth.
Annoyed by their whispering, Max said, “Don’t think I didn’t hear you!”
Danika found his reaction amusing. As Jade approached them from afar, Danika said, “I don’t care about your past, Max, but if you want to pursue Jade, you have to give up your old ways. She’s not like those other women outside.”
Max glared at her. “Why do you always lecture people?”
His question annoyed her. “I just want to make sure Jade is treated right.”
Finally, Max relented and whispered, “I’m not fooling around.” He had no shortage of women around him. If he were just fooling around, he wouldn’t have continued wasting his time after Jade repeatedly refused him.
Just then, Jade arrived at the table, surprised to see Eustace there. “Mr. Quincey, you’re here too?” she asked. “Just call me Eustace,” he said with a smile. “Calling me Mr. Quincey sounds too formal.” He was polite to Jade since she was someone important to Danika.
Jade nodded, saying, “Okay.”
Eustace took care of Danika attentively the entire meal, and Jade was pleased with his behavior. Max tried to help Jade, but she declined his offer. “There’s no need, Mr. Pearson. I can manage it myself.”
“Since you’re already calling Mr. Quincey, Eustace, why don’t you call me Max? We’ve met so many times, and I’m closer to you than he is,” Max pointed out.
Jade felt embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m just not used to it.”
“Just call me Max,” he insisted.
Feeling even more embarrassed, Jade complied, “Okay, Max.”
Pleased with her response, Max nodded. “That’s more like it.”
After the meal, Max suggested going shopping, and Danika didn’t object. After all, he had agreed to halve the rent, so leaving right away wouldn’t be fair to him. However, she sensed Max’s intentions and gave the two some space while shopping, trailing behind them with Eustace.
“Do you think Max stands a chance with Jade?” Danika asked Eustace, curious about his opinion.
Eustace observed the way Max and Jade interacted and shook his head. “It’s unlikely.”
“I agree.” Danika knew that Jade had been through a lot and found it difficult to trust men, especially someone like Max, who had a history of constantly being in the news for his romantic affairs. Anyone in Jade’s position would have a hard time accepting him.
She then asked Eustace about Max’s request for his help with the Pearson family. Eustace was surprised. “How did you find out?”
“It’s not that difficult,” Danika said nonchalantly. “The situation within the Pearsons is pretty bad, but Max seems unfazed, which makes me think he has everything under control. You guys don’t seem to be that hostile to each other anymore, so I’m not that surprised you helped him. But I can’t figure out how he convinced you.” Given their strained relationship, Danika had thought that Eustace would never help Max.
Eustace wouldn’t admit to Danika that he only agreed because Max promised to stop harassing her. It was absurd, but Eustace went along with it anyway.
“It seems his acting skills aren’t very convincing. If anyone from the Pearson family catches wind of this, they will start speculating.” Eustace changed the subject, ignoring Danika’s previous comment.
Danika shot him a quick glance, but she didn’t press further when he remained quiet.
“You don’t need my help with the Blooms anymore?” Eustace asked, concerned that Danika might not be able to handle it alone. He wanted to assist her but didn’t want to interfere with her plans either.
Danika pulled out her phone, opened her photo album, and handed it to Eustace. “No, I found a lead.” She had been keeping an eye on the Blooms’ home and finally discovered some useful information.
Eustace studied the photo and furrowed his brow. “Who is this?”
“Sam’s older sister,” Danika replied, beaming. “She’s the Blooms’ oldest daughter, but few people know about her. She receives no preferential treatment despite working for them.”
“Are you planning to instigate her?” Eustace deduced Danika’s plan.
Danika nodded before shaking her head. “Not exactly. The Blooms don’t seem to have a great relationship with her, so I don’t need to provoke her.”
“What if she’s content with how things are?” Eustace asked, aware that not everyone was as ambitious as Yvonne.
Danika was silent for a moment before saying, “It’s possible, but I think the chances are very small. Even if she didn’t complain at the beginning, after a long time of not being recognized for her efforts, who wouldn’t start resenting their family?” Danika believed that if she were in Sam’s sister’s position, she wouldn’t be able to tolerate it for long.
Eustace was silent then said, “Since you have a plan, let’s go ahead and do it. Regardless of success or failure, I’ll support you.” The Blooms may be difficult to take down, but there was still a chance.
“Thank you,” Danika said gratefully. It was great to have someone who always had her back.
While Danika and Eustace chatted behind them, Max and Jade had an uncomfortable conversation in front.
Jade hadn’t thought much about it before, but now she couldn’t help but listen to what Max and Danika had said earlier. She could guess what Max meant if she thought about it enough. She walked in silence, her heart heavy.
No idea what was on her mind, Max asked casually, “There’s a movie theater upstairs. Do you want to go watch a movie together?”
“No!” Jade refused without hesitation. Feeling her reaction was too exaggerated, she quickly explained, Sorry, I don’t really like watching movies.”
Max laughed and asked, “Do you not like movies, or do you not like watching movies with me?” He wasn’t stupid. On the contrary, he was quite perceptive.
“Max…”
“Jade, I think you already know how I feel about you. Why don’t we talk about it?” Max said, glancing at Danika and Eustace behind them before turning back to her.
Jade chewed on her lips, neither agreeing nor refusing. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Well, nothing much. Why don’t we start with what kind of man you like?” Max answered with a grin, his eyes filled with dominance as he stared straight at Jade, making her afraid to meet his gaze.