Chapter 152 Admiration Does Not Necessarily Mean Possession
Elysia went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Caroline walked over to the window and asked Leopold, "Who was that on the phone?"
Actually, she had seen the number. She just wanted to see how Leopold would answer.
Leopold gripped his phone, looking into Caroline's eyes. Her hair was a bit longer than when they first met.
He took Caroline's hand. "Honey, I need to discuss something with you."
Caroline said, "Who was that on the phone?"
"Allegra."
Caroline's gaze was steady. Even hearing it was Allegra's call didn't make her suspicious. "What did she want?"
"The overseas hotel needs me to manage things for a while. She's the representative from the overseas partner company."
Thinking she would get angry or upset, Leopold held both her hands, trying to calm her emotions before the storm hit.
Caroline asked, "When are you leaving?"
"The day after tomorrow."
So soon!
They hadn't even enjoyed much of their newlywed sweetness and already had to face separation. She felt reluctant, but still chose to support him.
Caroline smiled. "How long will you be gone?"
Leopold frowned. "Hard to say right now. This project involves a lot of work, maybe several months."
Caroline fell silent.
Several months were way too long.
Seeing her furrowed brow, Leopold hugged her, gently patting her back. "I'm sorry, this business trip is really too long, but I promised Mr. Preston Wipere, and I have to follow through. I promise I'll come back as soon as possible."
No matter how optimistic she tried to be, she still had to face the reality of a months-long separation. And Leopold would be leaving with Allegra. They'd be together day and night. It would be hard for her not to overthink things.
Caroline couldn't bring herself to say "go ahead, I'll be fine."
Her silence was already giving Leopold his answer. Feeling her softness in his arms, Leopold responded to her unease with a firm embrace.
At that moment, at a private club in Seaside City.
Elegant wooden furniture complemented classical screens, creating a quiet and refined atmosphere.
Outside the window, a pool of clear water reflected against decorative rocks, with fountains gently spraying, adding to the tranquil elegance. The club's staff wore matching uniforms, moving gracefully as they provided attentive service to every guest. This place wasn't just a good spot for business meetings or gatherings with friends and family—it was a haven where people could temporarily forget the noise of the world and immerse themselves in peace and harmony.
Preston chose this place entirely for its privacy.
"Ms. Watson, simple food and tea—I hope it's to your liking."
The dishes were beautifully plated, and judging by their appearance, color, aroma, and presentation, they were definitely works of art.
"You're too modest, Mr. Wipere. This meal is quite a generous treat."
Preston smiled and gestured to the nearby server. "We don't need your service here. You can leave."
The server bowed and quietly left the private room, closing the door.
Preston said, "Ms. Watson, let's eat and talk. Try this crab—it's their signature dish."
Allegra picked up a piece of crab meat, slowly chewing it, and nodded. "The taste really is special."
Preston explained, "The owner of this club was one of the first gold-medal chefs at Celestial Waters Hotel. Later, when he got older, he retired and passed his skills to his son. It's a father-and-son operation."
Allegra said, "It's good of you to support your former staff, Mr. Wipere. Shows loyalty."
The corners of Preston's mouth lifted into a warm, approachable smile. The wisdom and kindness in his expression made people feel incredibly comfortable and respectful.
He said, "Notice something? The ingredients are very fresh. When you eat them, your taste buds really open up."
Allegra nodded in agreement. "Indeed."
Preston said, "Choosing fresh ingredients is a habit the chef developed at Celestial Waters Hotel. So, he helped make Celestial Waters Hotel what it was back then, and he also learned things from Celestial Waters Hotel."
Allegra seemed to catch the meaning behind his words, though the metaphor wasn't easy to detect without careful listening.
"Mr. Wipere, I'm someone who values efficiency. Feel free to speak plainly."
Preston picked up a poached spot prawn from in front of him, and only after chewing slowly said, "It's not easy for a company to cultivate talent. But tell me, what's more important—the company or the talented person?"
Allegra put down her chopsticks and took a sip of water. "Both are important. Talent is like water, the company like a great tree. Talent is a company's precious asset and the foundation of its development. Only with excellent talent can a company gain innovation and competitiveness, allowing it to thrive for a long time."
Preston said, "But you're forgetting—without the company, even the most talented person has nowhere to use their abilities. So the company is the foundation for talent. Only with good soil do you have the chance to unleash a person's potential. What are we really doing when we run a business? I won't deny that fundamentally it's about making money, but running a business is about corporate culture, development direction, and future goals. After I die, who will remember me? The only thing that will remember me is the Celestial Waters Hotel brand—it will continue to live in this world in my place."
Allegra lowered her eyes. "Mr. Preston Wipere, Mr. Leopold Wipere thinks the same way. He has his own ideas about management, and his strategic vision is quite unique. He's a rare talent."
Preston smiled faintly, with a hint of mockery.
Of course, he wasn't mocking Allegra, but rather Leopold, whom she had just mentioned.
"If a company wants to develop and grow, it can't be defined by one person. If that person leaves someday, won't the whole company face a huge impact?"
Allegra understood now.
Because in recent years, Leopold's influence within the Celestial Waters Group had been growing. He was the one who handled external relations and public speaking. His handsome face had been etched into many people's minds, leaving a deep impression.
"Mr. Preston Wipere, if I may be frank, Mr. Leopold Wipere hasn't shown any individualistic behavior during our cooperation. Aren't you worrying too much?"
Preston dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "Ms. Watson, you must understand why I chose your company in the first place, don't you?"
Allegra frowned and shook her head.
"Since we've gotten this far in our conversation, I'll be direct. I didn't approve of the woman Leopold chose to marry. I brought you here hoping Leopold would drop the idea of getting married."
Allegra's expression didn't change. "Looks like I disappointed you."
"A bit."
Allegra said, "Leopold and I did date, but that's all in the past. In our interactions, we've both followed moral boundaries. Regarding our past choices, we've been mutually respectful."
"Besides, we don't mix personal feelings into work matters. He doesn't, and neither do I."
"If Mr. Leopold Wipere canceled his wedding plans because of me, I'd actually look down on him. If a man's character is poor, even in a partnership, he wouldn't be a good partner."
Not only was Preston not angry, he actually laughed. "Don't tell me you have no feelings for Leopold. After all, I've lived this long—I can still tell these things."
Allegra said, "He's an excellent man. It's natural for me to admire him, but admiration doesn't mean I have to possess him."