Chapter 72 Rose Manor

Chapter 72 Rose Manor

Victoria stared at the news article for what seemed like forever, a glint of determination in her eyes.

Their little crew was just getting started. Relying on the piano studio and Karen's underground connections wasn't cutting it in Seaglow City.

They needed a big break, a chance to show what they were made of.

And that chance had just landed in their laps.

Victoria looked up, her eyes sparkling.

"Karen, I need you to dig up every detail you can on Genesis Corporation and ApexForge Builders for this bid. The juicier, the better," she said, her voice brimming with excitement and resolve.

Karen and Olivia both fixed their gaze on her, waiting for her next move.

"What's the plan, Victoria?" Karen asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"We're gonna make everyone believe that Genesis Corporation, the underdog, can snag this project with our help," Victoria explained. "That's how we'll make a splash in Seaglow City and show 'em what we're made of."

Karen and Olivia were pumped by Victoria's words, nodding in agreement.

"Great!"

But Olivia couldn't help but voice her concern, "Victoria, isn't that easier said than done?"

Karen added, "Yeah, we don't exactly have the resources for something like that!"

"I don't have all the details yet, but where there's a will, there's a way," Victoria said confidently. 

She didn't have a solid plan yet, but she had a gut feeling that with enough effort, they could pull it off.

After sorting out the business talk, Victoria and the others kicked back and relaxed in the manor.

Munching on some snacks, Olivia, with a playful grin, piped up, "Hey, Victoria, shouldn't our place have a cool name?"

"What do you think we should name it?" Victoria threw the question back at them.

Karen jumped in, "How about Dark Manor? We're like shadowy agents in a covert intel operation."

Olivia winced, "Karen, that sounds too spooky. Let's go with Melody Manor instead, since music is our thing."

Both turned to Victoria, eager for her input.

After a moment of contemplation, Victoria spoke up, "Rose Manor."

"In a place so gloomy, overrun with weeds, where would roses fit in?" Olivia questioned.

Victoria gestured towards a group of vibrant and spirited girls outside the office, "We are the roses! Thorny but beautiful."

Olivia and Karen's faces lit up.

"Yes! Rose Manor!"

"Rose Manor it is!"

As night descended, Victoria left Rose Manor and headed back to the Cross Villa.

The grand hall was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls.

A maid approached, noticing the faint scent of alcohol on Victoria's breath. "Miss Chase, would you like me to prepare a hangover remedy for you?"

Victoria waved her off, "No, thanks."

Alone in her room, Nathaniel was nowhere to be found. His absence, the lack of his cigar aroma, left her feeling hollow.

She shrugged off her coat, revealing her elegant neckline, and walked to the window.

Moonlight bathed her in a silvery glow.

Picking up her phone, she hesitated before dialing Nathaniel's number.

After a few rings, he answered, his voice weary with background noise.

"Mr. Cross," Victoria greeted.

"Yeah," came Nathaniel's reply.

A pause lingered.

"Do you need something?"

"Nope," Victoria replied swiftly, "I just noticed you were MIA."

"Yeah, had some stuff to handle at the docks," Nathaniel explained matter-of-factly, lacking any emotion.

Victoria's tone softened involuntarily, "I know you're swamped... but you called me out last time for not reaching out."

"Haha," Nathaniel's voice lightened a bit, "You've got a good memory."

"Always."

They chatted for a bit.

Nathaniel's calls in the past were usually all business, so this casual conversation was a welcome change.

After about thirty minutes, they were ready to wrap up.

"Make sure to rest up after you're done," Victoria advised, "Mr. Cross, take care."

"Will do." Just before Victoria hung up, Nathaniel added, "You too. If you run into any trouble, reach out to Sam or Adrian."

Ending the call, Victoria held her phone, a strange feeling stirring within her.

This simple, almost domestic chat felt like a delicate yet strong vine wrapping around her heart, causing a flutter of unfamiliar emotions.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, her phone lit up with an encrypted email from Karen.

Victoria took a deep breath, refocusing her attention.

Opening the email, the light from the screen danced in her eyes.

The email contained detailed profiles of ApexForge Builders' top management, from their work history to personal interests, meticulously compiled by Karen.

Her eyes scanned the information swiftly, landing on Chairman Frank Beckett's profile.

Frank, fifty-three, a self-made businessman with refined tastes, well-known in Seaglow City's elite circles for his elegance.

His profile highlighted his love for classical music, particularly piano solos, in bold red font. He was a regular at the exclusive Gaya Music Hall, a top-tier private venue off-limits to the public.

Victoria's fingertip lightly traced the words "Gaya Music Hall," a subtle smile tugging at her lips.

She found Adrian's contact and dialed his number.

He picked up almost instantly. "Calling me this late, missing me?" Adrian's smooth voice teased.

Ignoring his flirtation, Victoria's tone was cool and direct. "Adrian, I need your help."

"Oh?" Adrian's voice held a hint of delight. "It's an honor to assist you."

"I don't have access to high-end resources," Victoria explained calmly. "You have a vast network in Seaglow City, so this should be a piece of cake for you, right?"

Adrian chuckled on the other end of the line.

Arranging a performance for a few newcomers was a task his assistant could handle with a snap. 

But since Victoria had rebuffed his advances before, now that she was seeking his help, he couldn't pass up this chance.

"Absolutely, no problem," he replied. "But discussing resource introductions over the phone isn't ideal." 

"How about this—I'll set up a meeting tomorrow. I'll invite some entertainment company owners and theater managers from our circle. You bring the girls, and we can chat in person, let them get acquainted beforehand."

"Sounds good," Victoria agreed promptly.

She knew Adrian was setting the stage for them to grow closer.

It was all a game, and she had no issues playing along. She would use his connections as a stepping stone to reach higher.