My question seemed to enrage her. She red at me, her face flushed.


    "Chloe, I invited you here today with sincerity. Never mind where my confidencees from. I want to discuss Ardora with you because there''s some connection between Ardora and you." I took a sip of water, signaling her to continue.


    Seeing my silent approval, she rxed.


    "After all, it was your ex-husband''s. I understand the bond between husband and wife. He''s also your child''s father! Moreover, isn''t it a convenient way to settle the score if you take over Ardora?" As she spoke, a trace of disdain involuntarily appeared on her face.


    "It''s not easy being a woman from out of town struggling in a city like this, especially if you have a child. Opportunities like this aren''t always readily avable. Expand your influence while you can. After this opportunity passes, you may not get another one."


    Her words sounded a bit like tough love, all for my sake. But, at the same time, it hinted that I climbed up thedder through my association with As.


    "Is this a concern for me?" I replied with a distant tone. "Though if someone else said it, I might be moved."


    "Don''t deny it. Haven''t you relied on men? Otherwise, how could Bourdamun fall into your hands?" She didn''t bother hiding the disdain in her eyes, adopting a condescending demeanor.


    I remained unfazed, watching her with a calm expression. The more she acted this way, the more I understood the urgency in her heart.


    I spected why she and Melvern sought me out to take over Ardora.


    "Liora, it''s not your ce to question me. Let''s get back to the topic of Ardora." I was still calm. "Why are you trying to sell Ardora to me? What connection do you have with it?"


    Indeed, my wordspletely infuriated her. Liora mmed the table. "Chloe, what do you mean by that?"


    "I meant what I asked." I sat there calmly, not letting her stir up my emotions. "Is there anything wrong?"


    "Ardora is my investment, my operation, I-"


    "Can you say that with confidence?" I cut her off. "Informed people all know about your connection with Ardora. It''s only been a few months, and you''ve conveniently forgotten.


    "Do you think it''s yours just because its owner is in jail? Do you have such ambitions that you can just take over others'' things? Have you gotten so used to upying someone else''s belongings that it has be a habit of yours? Can you be so self-righteous about it?"


    "Chloe! Ardora is one of my major shareholders! They mismanaged it, delivered poor quality, and caused serious construction issues, so I have the right to take over!" Liora insisted, escting the argument.


    "A major shareholder? That needs the acknowledgment of Mnie or Matthew, doesn''t it? As far as I know, Ardora started as a sole proprietorship. Since when did it be a joint-stockpany?"


    Without allowing her to catch her


    breath, I continued, "Moreover,


    issues with the project-don''t you know them best? Do you think Mnie and Matthew are the only clever ones? Do you think they''re the only ones who can see through your tricks? This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    "Poor quality? I''m sure we''ll need a thorough investigation! Ardora''s loan was Matthew''s personal act, right? How did it be your investment? Your attempt to deceive is so crude." I pressed on, my tone assertive.