Chapter 71

Chapter 71

After getting Scarlett's message, Mike immediately forwarded it to Alexander.

He casually suggested, "Based on the schedule we set, tomorrow afternoon should work."

Alexander didn't respond, instead opening the chat window with Scarlett.

Seeing there were no missed messages, he squinted, his tone sour. "Just tell her I don't have time."

Mike was caught off guard. "What?"

Alexander shot him a look, and Mike quickly understood. "Sorry, I'll reply right away."

Alexander felt an inexplicable irritation.

He stopped what he was doing and moved back to the floor-to-ceiling window.

It was already evening.

Not long ago, he had stood here, watching Scarlett drive away.

He admitted his current tactics were despicable, using the "Prosperous Age" project funds to control Scarlett.

But this woman only wanted to escape from him. If they didn't have even this minimal connection, would Scarlett run even further away under the same circumstances?

Alexander wasn't confident about this.

He decided to wait a bit longer.

He told himself that the longer the time, the more possibilities there would be between them.

—

Scarlett didn't go back to the office; she drove straight home.

Tracy was making cookies with Patty and ran over excitedly with her creation when she heard the door. "Mommy! Look what I made!"

Scarlett's heavy mood lightened a bit. She pinched Tracy's cheek and praised her, "Tracy, you're amazing!"

Tracy beamed and promised, "I'll bake them and give some to you, Mommy!"

Watching Tracy run back happily, Scarlett smiled and sat down on the couch.

Her mind kept replaying Mike's earlier reply.

She suddenly didn't understand what Alexander meant now.

Was he really too busy with work to handle this matter?

Or did this seemingly secure project encounter some new complications on his end?

Unable to find an answer, she decided to call Sebastian.

The phone rang twice before Sebastian answered, "What's up?"

"I can't get an appointment with Mr. King." 

Scarlett was clear-headed. This matter was their deal, and it made no sense for her to be anxiously running around while Sebastian acted indifferent.

Sebastian was intrigued. "What do you mean you can't get an appointment?"

"I went to see him this afternoon, but Mr. King was unavailable. I just asked Mike, and he said Mr. King's schedule is packed for the next couple of days." 

Scarlett took a deep breath. "Mr. Black, I need your help."

Sebastian chuckled ambiguously. "Are you sure you didn't upset Uncle Alexander?"

From what he knew, the Black Group hadn't been that busy lately.

Alexander was clearly avoiding her.

"I haven't had the chance to upset Mr. King," Scarlett said, annoyed. "You need to give me a result on this, Mr. Black."

Her tone was quite firm.

The contract was signed, and she had been playing the fake fiancée role for a while. There was no reason for Sebastian not to deliver some results.

Sebastian knew this too.

But as a cautious businessman, he weighed the pros and cons and didn't give a definite answer. 

"I'll help you, but I can't guarantee the outcome. However, if Ms. Collins can secure new investments, the Black Group can withdraw."

This sounded like a suggestion but was essentially a threat.

Sebastian knew how tough it was to find investment for this project; otherwise, he wouldn't have proposed the fake fiancée arrangement to Scarlett.

Calling Sebastian seemed to have achieved nothing.

Scarlett was extremely frustrated.

If she had less professional ethics, she would have immediately exposed the fake engagement to the Black family!

Moira came back just in time to see Scarlett's angry expression.

She hugged Tracy, who ran to her, and asked, "What's wrong? You look upset."

Scarlett sighed, knowing she couldn't hide this. She decided to explain everything.

After listening, Moira frowned and asked, "What are you going to do now?"

"I'm not giving up," Scarlett said firmly. "I'll keep pushing Sebastian, but I also think I need a backup plan."

The problem with "Prosperous Age" was the lack of funds.

Even if they didn't get investment from the Black Group, finding money elsewhere would solve the issue.

But the hardest part was that this project was incredibly difficult to attract investment for.

Seeing Scarlett's pretty face scrunched up in worry, Moira gently tapped her nose. "Do you have confidence in this project?"

Scarlett looked at her, puzzled.

Moira explained, "If you're confident, I think the entire SM could take a gamble with you. We could liquidate all our assets and invest them..."

Before she could finish, Scarlett covered her mouth. "Don't talk nonsense."

Then Scarlett hugged her waist. "You're so good to me, Moira."

Moira let her hug her. "You should consider it. If you're still worried about the funds, I can ask my family for money. If they don't agree, I have some properties and cars I can sell."

Scarlett shook her head firmly. "Investment is investment, gambling is gambling. Don't mix them up."

They both sat on the couch.

Moira asked again, "So what's your plan?"

"Find another potential investor." Scarlett frowned. "I think if Sebastian is willing to invest, there must be others who see the potential. Maybe I just haven't met enough people? I can take 'Prosperous Age' and keep looking."

Moira's eyes were full of concern.

She knew exactly how much effort Scarlett had put into "Prosperous Age" since its inception.

She lowered her head slightly and advised, "Don't push yourself too hard."

Suddenly, she remembered something. "By the way, Evan is having a yacht party in a few days. Will you come with me?"

Scarlett was about to refuse, but Moira saw through her and raised an eyebrow. "You know, Evan's parties attract a lot of influential people. Maybe someone will be interested in 'Prosperous Age.'"

Scarlett smiled.

She understood Moira's intention, hoping she could relax a bit and not push herself too hard. That's why she brought it up.

She really couldn't refuse.

Seeing her expression change, Moira put an arm around her shoulders. "Besides, I think you should start fresh."

Scarlett couldn't help but twitch her lips.

Moira spoke earnestly. "Scarlett, the best way to get over a relationship is to start a new one."

"Alexander has moved on. I hope you can start a new life too."