?Chapter 864:


    “I care about you, Miss Hond. Of course…”


    Before he could finish, chaos erupted at the door.


    Corrine turned just in time to see Saul walk in, nked by men in ck suits who quickly surrounded the restaurant, blocking every exit. The scene felt almost absurd, as if she had been caught in some scandal.


    “What’s going on here?” Corrine asked, her eyes locked on Saul.


    Saul hesitated, clearly ufortable about speaking ill of someone right in front of that person. But then he remembered his phone in his pocket—his boss was still on the other end of the line. After a moment of internal struggle, he finally spoke up. “Mr. Hopkins asked me to warn you, Miss Hond. He says Zeke has hidden motives. Be cautious. If he causes any trouble, we can deal with him.”


    “Mr. Hopkins seems very protective of you,” Zeke said with a mocking tone. “He’s even controlling your every move.”


    Corrine’s brows furrowed slightly. She noticed the deliberate challenge in his words.


    “I’m sorry, Mr. Cooper, but I have other things to do,” Corrine said, ready to stand and leave.


    “What if I offered this opportunity to the Ashton family instead?” Zeke’s voice stopped her in her tracks.


    Corrine locked eyes with him, her expression hard as stone.


    Zeke saw the coldness in her eyes and grinned. “If you don’t value my offer, I’m sure the Ashton family will.”


    Corrine sat back down, her voice like ice. “What is it that you want?” She knew there was always a catch, and she didn’t believe for a second that Zeke would offer such a chance without wanting something in return.


    “The Cooper family wants to join the equipment development team,” Zeke said.


    Corrine shed a bright smile, though her eyes wereced with sharp sarcasm. “So, you’re offering an opportunity in exchange for core technology? Quite the bold request, Mr. Cooper.”


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    “I’m giving you a chance while also protecting our interests. That seems fair,” Zeke said, his tone steady.


    Corrine chuckled lightly. “Alright, I agree. But Ford Group will handle the development team.” Her mistrust was clear.


    A brief smile shed across Zeke’s face. “Fair enough. When the timees, I’ll personally handle the negotiations with yourpany.” Corrine stood up, preparing to leave.


    But Zeke stopped her. “You agreed to have a meal with me. Leaving now wouldn’t be right.”


    Before she could respond, Saul cleared his throat loudly.


    Corrine shot a nce at Saul and then turned back to Zeke. “I didn’te here because I wanted to.”


    As she made her move to leave again, Zeke added, “If you are unwilling to cooperate, I’ll have to tell Mr. Carl Ford what happened earlier.”


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