He gave a dramatic pause, lips curling just slightly. "Your car is one of a kind. Sleek, custom license plate, polished every week like a prized trophy... Of course, I knew it was yours. So the mont I saw it, I knew—ah, this is the place Oliver ca for his little... get-together."
He glanced casually at Cora, giving a short nod of acknowledgnt as if her presence had just registered. "Dinner with a friend," he added lightly, before his eyes slid back to Oliver with quiet satisfaction. "So I decided to be generous and handle the bill in advance."
Oliver’s brows twitched, but he didn’t say a word.
William wasn’t finished.
"But just so you know, I didn’t co here because of you," he said, voice hardening just slightly. "I actually had a business deal scheduled to close this evening. Real business. You wouldn’t know anything about that, though, because you don’t want to get yourself involved in the family business"
At that mont he couldn’t help but smile as he continued
"The thing is," William said, "you’ve distanced yourself so much from the family enterprise that you don’t even know where or when deals are being made anymore. You’re too busy building your... private company. That’s fine. But don’t make assumptions about why I’m anywhere. You wouldn’t know because you’re not involved."
Cora’s gaze shifted carefully from one brother to the other, reading the rising tension in Oliver’s clenched jaw and William’s deliberate composure.
William’s smirk returned like clockwork.
"I didn’t co here to fight. I just saw an opportunity to handle a few things at once. That’s what businessn do. We multitask, you’re not a business man so you wouldn’t understand?"
Deep down in his mind, William couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction—so powerful that a quiet smile ford at the corner of his lips. This was exactly what he had planned, exactly the scenario he wanted. He had always seen Oliver as soone too laid-back, too casual, and most of all, too indifferent when it ca to family affairs. Oliver had built his own business, yes, but it was nothing spectacular—certainly not impressive enough for a woman as business-savvy and sophisticated as Cora.
If William could manage to subtly highlight Oliver’s shortcomings, painting him as lazy or indifferent to their family enterprise, surely Cora would lose interest. A driven, ambitious woman like her wouldn’t tolerate laziness—especially not from soone she’d consider settling down with. Oliver’s casual attitude would surely be a turn-off.
In that instant, William knew he was succeeding. He could feel it from the slight tension in Oliver’s shoulders and the uncertain glance in Cora’s eyes. He just needed one final touch—a perfect contrast between himself and his brother. So William shifted his gaze to Cora, flashing his most charming, polished smile.
"Well," William said smoothly, softening his tone as if Oliver wasn’t even in the room, "little brother aside—I have to say sothing important." He paused, taking a half-step closer to Cora, genuine appreciation lighting his face. "You look truly astonishing in that dress. Honestly... I’m speechless. It suits you perfectly."
Cora blinked, caught slightly off guard by his direct complint. She smiled politely, but with a hint of surprise. "Thank you, William. That’s very kind."
William nodded warmly. "You’re welco." He paused thoughtfully, then glanced around as if suddenly noticing the room again. "Look, I genuinely hope I’m not disturbing your dinner plans with Oliver. But, since fate brought us all together tonight, perhaps we could... extend the evening a bit?"
He turned fully toward her, ignoring Oliver’s quiet but visibly rising annoyance, and continued confidently. "Maybe grab a drink sowhere quieter? Or even better, so dessert? The restaurant has exceptional desserts—so of the best in the city, actually." His voice dipped slightly lower, almost conspiratorially. "I know you’d love it. We’ve never even had the chance to dine together before."
At that mont, Cora turned gracefully toward Williams, maintaining a polite smile as she gently shook her head. Her eyes were calm yet resolute, showing clearly that her mind was already made up.
"I’m really sorry, Williams," she began softly, choosing her words carefully, "but I’ll have to decline your invitation this evening. I’ve had a wonderful dinner already—and Oliver and I have enjoyed our evening thoroughly. Perhaps we can arrange sothing another ti."
Williams quickly masked any disappointnt, nodding graciously with a well-practiced smile. "Of course, Cora. Completely understandable. I hope you enjoyed yourself?"
She offered a genuine smile in return. "Yes, actually. It was lovely. Thanks again for covering the bill."
He waved his hand lightly, feigning modesty. "Oh, that’s nothing. My pleasure."
With a quiet glance toward Oliver, Cora subtly signaled that they should get going. Oliver responded silently, already stepping toward the exit.
But just as Cora began moving toward the door, Williams raised his hand gently—halting her again. "Sorry—one last thing, Cora," he interjected smoothly, his voice taking on a tone of careful urgency. "I just rembered sothing important, and it simply can’t wait."
Cora paused mid-step, turning back to face him, her eyebrows rising slightly in curiosity. "Yes?"
Williams took a step closer, maintaining a thoughtful and professional expression. "It’s about the contract we initially intended to hand over to Jas. As you know, it’s been put on hold for nearly a month now. Given... everything that has happened," he hesitated deliberately, glancing briefly at Oliver before refocusing his attention entirely on Cora, "what do you suggest we do next?"
He allowed a brief pause, careful to keep his voice controlled and neutral, despite the eagerness building inside him. "Should we reconsider giving it back to Jas, or... do you have soone else in mind? Soone you trust—soone who truly deserves this opportunity?"
He leaned forward ever so slightly, his tone growing more personal, softer yet still professional. "I want you to know, Cora, that my family—and especially myself—has decided that the final decision is entirely yours. We’re prepared to fully support whoever you choose to grant this significant contract to. Your judgnt will be the deciding factor."
Williams paused, letting his words sink in carefully. He knew the weight of this decision for Cora, and he was betting heavily on winning her favor through this strategic gesture.
He was determined to get into her good books—and he intended to do whatever it took to achieve that goal.
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