Chapter 695
Chapter 695
Chapter 695 What A Woman Wants
For the rest of the dinner, everyone enjoyed the meal in silence, and Gwendolyn would occasionally help fill Patrick's plate with food.
“This is your favorite,” she uttered as she scooped him some pot roast.
Ha. This reminds me of the past. I remember how Patrick used to make me cook for him every day. Even if my food tasted terrible, he'd still polish off every morsel. I might not have been aware of it then, but that was his way of blatantly loving me, huh?
Upon hearing that, the others turned toward Gwendolyn.
Liam, however, kept his head down, not daring to look around or talk to Gwendolyn.
When he had tried to be helpful the last time, it almost cost Patrick his life.
Therefore, he continued working tirelessly for his boss, determined to do everything he could to atone for his sins.
“Mr. Lowen, Ms. Ashton, have you two known each other before?” Connor asked.
“Not at all,” Patrick replied flatly, making sure not to eat the pot roast Gwendolyn had scooped for him.
Of course, the latter was taken aback. What? Not only did we know each other, but we also dated. He even proposed to me! Alas, I returned the engagement ring to him on the day I left... Argh! I need to
stop getting him food and watch what I say. After all, what right do I have to care for him now? This is strictly business, and I can't drag my personal feelings into it. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Just like that, the group finished the dinner amid a tense atmosphere. There was no more business discussion, nor was there any friendly chit-chat.
Even Connor, a shark in the business world, couldn't figure out what was happening.
As much as I want to salvage this business meeting, I can't seem to find my confidence with Patrick around. His authoritative aura is too strong, and anyone who wants to talk business with him would need nerves of steel. That said, Ms. Ashton seems exceedingly calm today, which is weird because meetings usually make her anxious. The more I think about it, the more I'm sure they know each other...
After dinner, Gwendolyn looked at Patrick.
“Mr. Lowen, what do you think about our partnership?”
Patrick lazily lit a cigarette and took a puff, a glint in his cold, dark eyes.
“Well, Solstice Group isn't alone in this. Many other companies want to build malls in the new area. You guys can participate in the tender three days from now and showcase your capabilities.”
“Tender?” Gwendolyn muttered before glancing at Connor.
The latter nodded firmly.
After all, the tender process was a necessary step toward clinching any projects. Previously, they could rely on connections to finalize the contract first, and no matter what happened after, they'd be guaranteed to win the tender.
Now, however, Patrick wanted the competing companies to prove their mettle.
In other words, it was more crucial than ever for them to submit the perfect tender proposal.
“Sure, Mr. Lowen,” Gwendolyn said politely.
Patrick glanced at the time before turning to the woman.
“Thank you for the hospitality, Ms. Ashton. I shall take my leave first.”
Just then, his phone rang, and he promptly answered it.
“Rosalie.”
Upon hearing the name, Gwendolyn hastily followed behind Patrick, her eyes lighting up.
Connor, too, got up and followed the others out of the private room.
“All right. I'll make my way there right now. Don't be scared,” Patrick coaxed.
Naturally, that sent Gwendolyn down a negative thought spiral. Rosalie Chavez, huh? She and Patrick were said to be childhood sweethearts, and their grandmothers are bosom friends too. On top of that,
her brother, Kevin, is also one of his best buddies. With so much in Rosalie's favor, there's a good chance of them becoming a couple. After all, Patrick has already forgotten about me and is now single and carefree. So long as Rosalie puts in a little effort, she'd win Patrick's affection in no time.
Gwendolyn gritted her teeth and quickened her pace till she caught up to Patrick.
“Mr. Lowen, what's the matter with Ms. Chavez?”
“What has that got to do with you?” Patrick snapped as he shot her a look, a hint of mockery in his voice.
As it turned out, that was the last straw for Gwendolyn, and she no longer cared about the man's thoughts or gaze.
“I'm friends with Ms. Chavez, so I'm concerned about her. Let me go with you!” she lied.
Didn't he say he was going to look for Rosalie? The best way to ensure they aren't alone is to tag along!