hapter 232
In the shadoweder of the <b>bar</b><b>, </b>Sean sat ins silence, his lips pressed into a fight line. His darkeyes were as deep and unreadable as an endless abyss
Charlotte’s voice trembled with heartbreak. “Sean Jasper, you enwand. If you’re really here, why don’t you have the guts to face me?
No one noticed the figure in the emer holding up a phone, quietly recording the scene.
Lena’s heartached seeing Charlotte like this.
“<b>You’re </b>drunk, sweetheart. Let’s get you home,” she said gently, guiding Charlotte through the crowd. Two bodyguards from the zeller family followed closely
behind
When John received the video<b>, </b>Joseph was busy flirting with a new woman he had just picked <b>up</b>.
The private suite was thick with flirtation, the airced with alcohol, cigarettes, and a hint of something more Indulgent.
Joseph had one am wrapped around the woman’s waist as he kissed her deeply<b>, </b>her breath growing more ragged by the second.
John, trying to disappear into the background, stood in theer pretending to be <b>deaf</b><b>, </b>blind, and mute.
When Joseph yed, he yed hand.
Two hourster, the womany breathless and disheveled on the couch. Joseph, in contrast, was already dressed and lighting <b>a </b>cigarette, his sharp features softened by the drifting smoke. He looked like <b>a </b>man made of indulgence and danger.
John waited until the woman left before stepping g forward. “Mr. Ford, we’ve secured that shipment from Callia, Antis.”
<b>Joseph </b>gave a distracted hum. “And what <b>about </b>Cadasa?”
“There was a problem with Fasha’s handoff. The cops showed up mid–deal. They had to ball. The goods were seized, but no one was anested<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Joseph’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint shing in them. <b>“</b>Useless. They lost the goods and had the nerve toe back?”
John said nothing
Joseph leaned back, voice cold. “What’s the update on the Merxa project over in Antic?
john swallowed hard. “After the project fell through, both we and Merxa suffered <b>major </b>losses. Jasper Corporation <b>took </b>advantage of the situation and moved in to acquire Media Corporation. The paperwork’s already in progress.”
<b>With </b>a loud crash<b>, </b>Joseph kicked over the
e table in front of him.
“Sean Jasper. One day, I’ll make you pay–twice over!!
John stood motionless, waiting until Joseph’s fury ebbed be
before speaking again.
“We’ve put new footage of Charlotte.”
John handed over his phone. She went to a bar. One of our guys followed and caught this. Looks like she and Jasper really broke <b>up</b><b>.</b>”
Joseph watched the video, then scoffed. His eyes glinted with disdain.
“A <b>fool </b>who still believes in love.”
“What do we <b>do </b>with her?”
“Don’t bother. She’s nothing now—just <b>a </b>cast–off Jasper got bored of I’ve got better things to focus on.”
“Oh, Zac (abson called. He waINIAI
Joseph’s lips curled into a stret. “Nevend of
John exined, “Back then, Vivian Xander traded intelion Sean’s whereabouts and side <b>info </b>on the Jasper family for <b>our </b>investiment. That money eventually went
is the Gibson Corporation They’ve been growing fast and are now a major yer in the country <b>The </b>Gibsons could still be <b>useful </b><b>to </b>us
A flicker of contempt crossed Joseph’s <b>dare</b>.
“A duent dog picked by an even dumber woman What use could be possibly be?”
“Should I set up a meeting?”
“If he’s that desperate to kiss up, maybe <b>I’ll </b>throw him a bone–If I’m in the mood.”