Chapter 98: This Is the Watson Way

Energy runs the world.

And Watson Group sat on the taps.

After the jabs and the posturing, Liam cooled fast. He hadn’t gotten where he was by sulking. He adjusted to the terrain—and right now, the terrain was Julian Watson with home-field advantage.

Watson Group wasn’t rooted here. If the domestic game got ugly, Julian could fold the tent and go make half the planet sneeze from abroad. Meanwhile, Mayer influence didn’t reach Lindon City or N City the way it did back home. Pick a fight on Watson turf and the local officials would happily let Julian keep score.

Which meant that even swallowing a loss, Liam had to do it smiling.

Julian read the shift in a blink. He flicked the extortionate draft off the table and laid down a new set of papers with a clean, surgical thud.

“That one was…indelicate,” he said, the slightest curve at his mouth. “My assistant’s been properly flayed. This is today’s contract. So, Mr. Mayer—are you ready to work with me?”

What else could Liam say? Julian had mapped every exit and bricked them over. Cooperation wasn’t a choice; it was the only road left.

Liam exhaled once. “People love to call us twin kings—equals splitting the field.” His gaze held steady. “Today I see how wrong they are. But I do have other cards, Julian. Play within reason.”

Or I’ll start cutting back. The threat didn’t need more words.

Julian’s eyes warmed with amusement. He’d already sliced one of Liam’s “arms” last night, and this morning he’d lopped off a “tail” for emphasis—buying out a Mayer subsidiary back in Liam’s hometown just to prove a point. Watson money moves.

Liam opened the real contract and read line by line. Better. Still sharp. Too sharp.

“Since we’re being candid,” he said, frowning, “the split needs another look.”

“Nothing to look at,” Julian said, flat. “You know the domestic shortfall. Myopic thinking isn’t your brand.”

Liam’s teeth ticked. From childhood to now, no one had shoved him this hard.

Julian’s tone turned casual. “I hear the Northwest is very enthusiastic about energy these days…”

He left it there. The implication landed like a hammer. Liam’s expression flickered—he understood exactly which lever Julian could pull next.

Julian stretched, as if bored of winning. “Weather’s cooling nicely. Your hometown—eternal spring, isn’t it?”

Liam tamped the temper down. “This deal is too important for a snap answer. I’ll need a shareholders’ vote.”

Julian gestured: By all means.

Liam clenched his jaw. Born the same era, why does it felt like Salieri watching Mozart?

And just like that, the two men “happily” agreed to cooperate.

—

Cora finished unlocking the private facilities in Area One. Who made this rule again? Personal authorization for everything—what a pain.

Riley lounged, unbothered. “Don’t get comfy. I doubt we’re staying long.”

Huh? With the way Julian’s opening offer had sucked the air from the room, Cora half-expected a brawl. If they scratch those pretty faces… focus, Cora.

“I’m heading back,” she said. “I didn’t cram all those negotiation case studies to miss the actual show.”

She sprinted off before Riley could reply.

The atmosphere in the conference room was… almost cordial. Which made no sense with that earlier contract. Liam was smiling. Is he really from the Mayer family? Why isn’t he flipping the table?

Julian looked up as Cora slipped in—flushed from the rush, breath a little quick. His mind flashed, unhelpfully, to the night she’d breathed like that against his skin. He stepped in close, fingers combing her stray hair down, broad shoulders blocking Liam’s view.

What are you doing? Cora stiffened. I finally shut down those thoughts about you, and now you’re—

Julian saw the flicker of impatience in her eyes and felt the spark catch. She smiles at Liam too easily. Because of that face? Because he looks like her ghost? Heat rose; his hand tugged too hard.

“Ow—what is wrong with you?” she hissed. “Why are you pulling my hair?”

He blinked, caught himself, then bent his head. “My mistake. Here—pull mine.”

Every single single person in the room died a little.

Cora met his wicked, teasing gaze and lost the thread entirely. Is he… seducing me? In a meeting?

Liam cleared his throat at last. Even knowing Cora wasn’t Qara, the resemblance scraped raw. Julian didn’t miss that flinch. Good. Not done teaching you yet.

Cora slapped Julian’s hand away, whispering, “That contract—”

“Not your concern,” he shot back, low. “And those thoughts you shouldn’t be having? Kill them. I won’t mind reminding you of your… responsibilities.”

Her cheeks burned. Jerk.

Business concluded—at least on paper—Liam stood to leave. At the door he paused, eyes on Cora.

“I heard Miss Gu enjoys flowers,” he said lightly. “I’ve just bought a villa—wild blooms across the hills. I’m hosting a small gathering in a few days. If you don’t mind, I’d like you to come.”

Cora glanced—reflexively—at Julian.

“I’ll send invitations to both of you,” Liam added.

Julian smiled, all teeth. “Mr. Mayer’s invitation is hard to refuse.”

Cora nodded for form. “Of course.”

And the next battleground bloomed—among flowers.