I heaved a long sigh of relief, feeling grateful that the ball was no longer in my court.
Ashton was unmoved by the flattery and replied flatly, “I prefer not to discuss business during meals.”
I stifled a laugh at his outright rejection.
From the moment Marshall had arranged for Elliot to sit next to me, he was destined to fall on the wrong side of Ashton. It seemed that he would never get his hands on pie for the real estate and properties industry.
Marshall was caught by surprise as his hand was still hanging in mid-air; his smile froze awkwardly on his face.
Coming from a prestigious background himself, he was usually on the receiving end of adulation. It was no wonder that he looked as though he had just swallowed a hard pill.
The air in the room once again turned frosty.
Thora furrowed her brows. She didn’t want to offend Marshall, but she couldn’t go against Ashton too. At last, she decided to just keep her mouth shut.
Just as Marshall seemed like he was about to blow a fuse, Elliot intercepted, “Mr. Tiedemann, I think Mr. Fuller is tipsy. It would be wiser to continue the discussion about the land another time. Why don’t we talk about the financing plan for your company?”
Upon Elliot’s timely rescue, a broad grin crept across Marshall’s face as he turned around and said, “Mr. Jacobson, I appreciate you getting straight to the point. I’m willing to absorb another extra five percent on the prior agreed amount.”
“That’s fine by me, as long as it’s a win-win solution.”
Before long, Elliot seemed to have the situation under control while he cultivated the image of a reliable business partner.
Nonetheless, just as the two men were about to drink to a deal successfully struck, Ashton intervened, “If I may, Fuller Corporation might not be the best in the city, but we have a team of top analysts. Those companies they deem as having no potential to grow may not submit their proposals in the president’s office.”
Marshall’s body stiffened at his sudden snide remark. His expression was now as dark as thunderclouds.
Even though Ashton did not spell out any names, his intention was clear. Despite being a reputable company, the Tiedemanns thought too highly of themselves to think that they could have the resources to collaborate with Fuller Corporation. One might consider his words to be a warning for Elliot to be cautious when choosing a business partner.
It looked like Ashton was determined to interfere with Marshall’s business plan.
A clever man like Elliot understood Ashton’s subtle hint for him to cut ties with Marshall. However, he was completely unfazed as he raised his wineglass and clinked gently with Marshall’s. “Mr. Tiedemann, you heard the man. It’s time to pull up your socks and show your real capabilities to the public.”
Upon hearing his business partner’s reassurance, the tension on Marshall’s face eased up instantly. “Thanks so much for your confidence in me. You won’t regret this.”
Ashton’s attempt to sabotage the business deal fell flat. It allowed Elliot to gain an upper hand over the situation without engaging him head on.
Clink!
Following the toast, Ashton stood up nonchalantly and announced while buttoning up his coat. “Excuse me. It’s pointless to stay for the meal since we don’t share a common view.”
Before Thora and Joe could respond, he left the room without another word.
The remaining guests in the private room exchanged puzzled looks with one another, wondering what was wrong.
I shrugged and teased playfully, “He’s still that same eccentric man. I suppose I just couldn’t help myself from falling for my ex-husband’s charm again and again.”
Emery shook her head in exasperation to show her disdain at my very public declaration.
Her disapproval didn’t concern me since I was no longer having depression. I now had a newfound understanding of exerting my sovereignty over things. And in this case, a person who belonged to me.
