Chapter 5

Liverpool.

Alan had been having a rough month. He had been the dominant player in the environmental industry in Liverpool, enjoying unprecedented success over the past two years as he secured city contracts. But suddenly, a new company emerged to compete with him.

Projects he thought were in the bag fell through, and the Solar Group, with which he had been working seamlessly, abruptly changed their stance.

Tonight, Alan had specifically booked dinner at Röski, wanting to uncover the background of this company that dared to encroach on his territory.

"Matthew, we've been partners for years; we're friends," Alan sighed, taking a drag of his cigarette. "What's going on with Azure Group?"

Matthew, the VP of Solar Limited, a tall, thin man in his thirties with a bald head, downed the remaining red wine in his glass and said irritably, "Alan, it's not that I don't want to tell you. I genuinely don't know!"

Seeing Alan's expression darken, Matthew hurriedly added, "Drew did intend to sign a contract with you; I even saw his secretary print it out! But just before noon, he suddenly called a high-level meeting and announced the decision to partner with Azure. We were all stunned."

Drew Booze, the founder and current president of Solar Limited, had never directly contacted Alan; all communications had gone through Matthew. No one anticipated this turn of events!

Alan's voice turned icy. "Matthew, you're not just pocketing money and not doing your job, are you?"

Matthew's expression soured at the half-threat, half-warning in Alan's tone. He slammed his hand on the table and stood up, raising his voice. "What do you mean by that? Your company has grown significantly over the past two years, and I've contributed quite a bit! Don't forget, I was the one who connected you for your first deal! Without me, how would you have toppled ROB?!"

Alan shot up, his eyes filled with frost. Matthew was momentarily sobered by the intensity of his gaze.

Alan scoffed, "They're having the ribbon-cutting tomorrow. How could they decide to partner today at noon? You think I'm naïve enough to fall for that?"

He stood up, gripping Matthew by the collar, and coldly said, "Without me, do you think you could hold this position? We're in the same boat. If I pull out of my partnership with Solar, your career is over. Think carefully about what you should do."

Seeing Matthew's face turn pale, Alan finally released him, patting his shoulder lightly. "I'm just looking out for you. Your wife is pregnant, and I heard your oldest just started kindergarten. You've got a lot on your plate."

Matthew opened his mouth and managed a weak smile. "I REALLY DON'T KNOW. Everyone at the company knows our relationship and is already wary of me."

Noticing Alan's growing impatience, Matthew suddenly had a flash of inspiration. He grabbed Alan's sleeve and exclaimed, "But I heard that Azure has Elijah backing them. That's why the boss suddenly changed his mind."

"Elijah? Elijah Sinclair?" Alan paused, surprised. "Isn't he focused solely on real estate? Why would he get involved in the environmental sector? STOP LYING, Matthew!"

"It was just a rumor at first, but think about it. Drew is always profit-driven. Partnering with you would be a win-win for him, with even greater profits. Why would he suddenly go for such a small company?" Matthew insisted. "But if Elijah Sinclair is behind it, that changes everything."

As he spoke, he became more convinced of his theory. Only Elijah could exert such influence and turn Drew's decision around in a single morning.

Alan lit a cigarette and took a heavy drag. "I have no grudge against him. Why is he targeting me? Are you sure you didn't mishear?"

Matthew echoed his doubt, "Did you offend him somewhere? Knowing his nature, once this new company is established, he could easily secure city projects. Why would he choose such a small project with Solar?"

Alan shook his head, deep in thought.

Both men were at a loss. Alan felt increasingly frustrated.

Ding, ding, ding...

Alan pulled out his phone to see who was calling, his frown deepening. "Hello?"

"Alan, why aren't you home yet?" Kate's soft voice came through the phone.

Alan snapped impatiently, "I'm in a business meeting. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up."

Kate's voice took on a whiny tone. "Alan, Your mom is throwing another tantrum because Lisa doesn't call her 'grandma' yet. But she's only a year and a half old..."

Click—

Without hesitation, Alan hung up the phone, grabbed his suit from the chair, and stood up. "Matthew, regardless of who is backing Azure, I'll give you three days to find out and report back. Otherwise... you know what will happen."

He flashed a sinister smile, and only left the private room when Matthew nodded vigorously.

Röski had seven floors, each with a different decor style, and the cost increased with each higher floor.

Alan chose to meet Matthew on the third floor. As he walked toward the elevator, a waiter promptly pressed the button for him.

Ding—

The doors to two elevators on the third floor opened simultaneously. One went up, the other down!

Alan's slightly intoxicated eyes accidentally glanced at the adjacent elevator, and he instantly sobered up.

Marcia! She's not dead?!