I asked in bewilderment, "Who?"


    With a serious expression, Carol repeated, "Melvern is requesting a meeting."


    Hearing her repeat Melvern''s name, I was genuinely surprised. I had a premonition that he would appear before me sooner orter.


    While Liora was joyfully bustling about during this period, he remained unusually quiet, which didn''t make much sense.


    "Let him in," I calmly said.


    Carol walked out and soon brought Melvern in.


    He looked dashing in a well-fitted suit. His eyes, however, were something I couldn''t quite appreciate, almost repulsive.


    As he entered, I conducted myself professionally, stepping away from the desk and gesturing for him to sit.


    Seated at my desk, I asked, "Mr. Melvern, what brings you here?"


    I cut to the chase, as I had no intention of being polite with him.


    I did not know much about him, but based on his investment in Liora and his methods of seizing otherpanies, I could not form a favorable opinion of him. Moreover, the funds he invested were shady at best. His persistent interest in me and mypany made me wary, and his gaze was particrly disdainful.


    If he could manipte Liora and have influence over her family, it spoke volumes about his character.


    Melvern sat on the sofa next to me, earnestly smiling. "I hope my sudden visit didn''t disturb you, Ms. Chloe."


    I had to force a smile. "It''s not exactly a disturbance, but it is a bit strange. After all, you and I have no business dealings. So, your unexpected visit to my office caught me off guard." Melvern, taking my words in stride, smiled candidly. "I didn''t expect you to be such an upfront person, Ms. Chloe."


    "Enough niceties. We are both


    professionals, Mr. Melvern. If you''ve


    st be


    something on your mind." I had no time for a staring contest with him. en.swhovels


    "There is indeed something I''d like to discuss with you, Ms. Chloe," he said sincerely.


    "Mr. Melvern, please go on."


    Coincidentally, Carol knocked on the door and brought us coffee.


    I gestured, and Melvern didn''t hesitate to take a cup. After a sip, he looked at me and said, "Ms. Chloe, I''d like to talk to you about a potential coboration." I was puzzled. "Coboration?"


    I pondered what kind of coboration he could possibly be suggesting. Teaming up with Liora and wanting to coborate with me seemed like a joke.


    I didn''t believe that he was unaware of the animosity between Liora and me. Therefore, hising to discuss coboration with me now seemed illogical.


    My eyes remained fixed on him, unyielding. "Mr. Melvern, could you specify the nature of this coboration?"


    Seeing myck of enthusiasm, he seemed a bit disappointed. "It seems, Ms. Chloe, you''re not very interested in working with me."


    Iposed myself and spoke


    directly, "I''m in the construction business, which I''m sure you''re


    aware of. While I don''t know much aware of.


    about you, if I remember correctly, you''re involved in trade."Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "That''s right. But upon returning to Foswood, I''ve also invested in real estate development."


    "Even if you''ve returned to Foswood


    for real estate development, I believe, Mr. Melvern, you must know that I don''t get along with Ms. Liora. She''s also venturing into real estate development, and we will bepetitors. You and I have no


    reason to reach a cobo


    agreement."


    I was straightforward, holding nothing back.


    Normally, this tactic should have left him flustered, but his calm smile made me suddenly feel that he was the one not ying by the rules.