Chapter 175: Attending the Banquet
I didn't mention to Atlas what had just happened in the restroom.
After what happened with Knox, I saw things clearly - what's mine can't be taken away by others, and what's not mine, I can't hold onto either.
If Atlas really couldn't resist Nancy's seduction, then I'd let her have him.
Seeing that I didn't ask more questions, Atlas looked at me a few times. Noticing my expression remained calm, he couldn't help but say, "Helena, you know that Nancy and I are just friends. There's never been any romance. Please don't misunderstand."
"I'm not misunderstanding."
I picked up my napkin and dabbed the corners of my mouth, looking at Atlas. "I trust my judgment, and I trust your character."
"Thank you, Helena. If Nancy comes to me, I'll definitely make things clear to her. I won't let you misunderstand, and I won't let any woman damage our relationship."
"Okay, I believe you."
After saying that, I looked at him. "Let's go back."
Atlas nodded. He knew I was busy with work, so he didn't ask me to stay longer and drove me back.
The next day after noon, Zane called again.
"Ms. Lockwood, are you ready? Should I come pick you up?"
Hearing his flippant voice, I couldn't help but frown. "No need. I'll go myself."
"Alright then, see you tonight."
Zane chuckled and hung up. I felt my skin crawl - Zane really disgusted me on a physical level.
But if I didn't go this time, he'd just pull the same trick again next time. Rather than having him constantly watching me, I might as well meet him and find out what he really wants.
I sent Quincy a message, closed my phone, and stopped thinking about it, throwing myself back into work.
Once I started working, I lost track of time. When I looked up again, it was completely dark outside.
I stretched and only then remembered my appointment with Zane. I grabbed my phone and headed out.
Looking down, I saw several missed calls - besides Zane's, there were some from Quincy. She must have sent a message when I didn't answer, saying she'd already left and telling me to go ahead with the meeting.
Seeing the message, I felt relieved and drove toward Twilight Lounge. Along the way, I kept wondering what Zane would do when he saw me.
If he was disrespectful, I'd just leave. But on the phone he kept saying he wanted to introduce me to business opportunities. I didn't know if he was telling the truth or lying.
But deep down, I didn't believe him at all. Regardless, I had to keep this appointment today and just respond flexibly to whatever happened.
Twilight Lounge was originally built for the Stewart family's use. Later, when the Stewart family all went abroad, they gave the club to one of their business partners.
To show gratitude, the Stewart family's partner opened the club to the public, but only the wealthy and powerful could enter - ordinary people couldn't get in at all.
Twilight Lounge was built halfway up a mountain, surrounded by forest, very secluded. When I arrived, a server was already waiting at the entrance to open my car door.
"Are you Ms. Lockwood?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Ms. Lockwood, this way please." The server swiped a card to open the door and went inside.
Once inside, I faced a huge artificial waterfall. The crystal chandelier overhead wasn't on, and light from recessed fixtures in the dome cast a soft glow over the entire open marble bar area.
The server leading the way stopped and pushed open a door on the right. I immediately saw that besides Zane, there was a short, chubby middle-aged man in the room.
The two sat side by side on a sofa, with several scantily-clad women swaying seductively in front of them, dancing.
Seeing me enter, Zane stood up first, looked me up and down, and said, "I thought Ms. Lockwood wasn't coming."
He waved his hand, and the dancing women quickly left.
"How could that be? I'm not someone who goes back on my word."
I put down my bag and quickly checked my messages while putting away my phone.
"I see you. I'm right next door."
It was from Quincy. Seeing the message, I finally relaxed.
I pulled out a chair and looked at the chubby man beside me. "Mr. Lancaster, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Zane grinned. "This is Thaddeus Guest. He specializes in mining exploration and happens to need a batch of equipment. You two can talk."
"Ms. Lockwood, I've heard about the Lockwood Group's capabilities for a long time. I didn't expect you to be so young and so beautiful!"
Thaddeus smiled and reached out his hand to me. I nodded and made a gesture. "Mr. Guest, please sit."
Thaddeus's hand froze in mid-air, and his expression instantly turned ugly. "What does Ms. Lockwood mean by this? Are you looking down on me?"
"Quite the opposite. I value Mr. Guest highly. The Lockwood Group needs cash flow right now, so every client is very precious to us. So please don't misunderstand, Mr. Guest."
Hearing this, Thaddeus lowered his hand. Anger appeared on his fat face, and his eyes became more fierce.
"Then what do you mean by refusing to shake my hand?"
"Mr. Guest is here to genuinely discuss cooperation, right?" I glanced at him and asked.
"Of course I'm genuine. Otherwise, why would I waste my time here!" Thaddeus's voice grew louder.
"Then please sit. Let's talk about the cooperation and products. I'm good at these things."
I pointed to the chair beside him again.
Hearing this, Thaddeus pulled out the chair forcefully and sat down huffily. "Ms. Lockwood, I see you may be young, but you're quite shrewd. So what if I'm not here to discuss cooperation today?"
I smiled lightly. "If you're not here for cooperation, then I'll cover your expenses here today, Mr. Guest. Consider it making a new acquaintance."
"Who are you looking down on? You think I'm a beggar who can be bought off with drinks!"
Thaddeus slammed his fist on the table and said harshly, "Ms. Lockwood, you still haven't answered my question. Are you refusing to shake my hand because you look down on me?"
I didn't answer his question. Instead, I looked at Zane, who was watching the show. "Mr. Lancaster, is this what you arranged for today?"
"Calm down, Mr. Guest. Why are you doing this? Ms. Lockwood is a beautiful woman. We can't treat beautiful women like this."
Zane looked at me with ill intent. "Ms. Lockwood, Mr. Guest came here sincerely to discuss cooperation with you, but you're being too arrogant."
"How about this—"
He picked up a bottle from the table and poured a full large glass. "You drink this glass, and that'll count as an apology to Mr. Guest. That should work, right?"
He pushed the glass in front of me.
"Drink it! As long as Ms. Lockwood drinks this glass, I'll sign the contract immediately. Worth a hundred million dollars. How about that? Generous enough, right?"
Thaddeus said, the fat on his face trembling constantly, with a wicked smile on his face, just waiting to see my reaction.
I looked down at the full glass of alcohol in front of me.
My eyes turned cold. So today, Zane never intended to let me leave easily!