Mr. Labbe had never met anyone who insisted he wait for a scheduled appointment. Whether they were interested in partnering or not, nobody had ever treated him so dismissively.


    The only real challenge he faced was from the female head of the Ormond family.


    He began to suspect that the Ormonds were not keen on cooperating with the Labbe Group.


    "Since you''ve already booked an appointment for next summer, Mr. Labbe, I suggest you return then," Tinsley said. "With the holiday season approaching, it''s unlikely we could reach an agreement now. Plus, my sister''s schedule is packed, and she really can''t make any extra time." She added apologetically, "I''m truly sorry, Mr. Labbe, but there''s nothing more I can do to help with this."


    Mr. Labbe forced a smile. "I was hoping to take a shortcut and jump the line, but if your sister''s schedule is that tight, I understand."


    "When is yourpany''s annual break? I''ve prepared some gifts for you and your team. Just let me know when you''re free, and I''ll arrange to have them delivered," he said smoothly.


    The gifts he prepared were only for Elora and Tinsley-exclusive items that were quite expensive, including designer bags, jewelry, and skincare products he knew they would like.


    He had done his homework, discovering which skincare products Elora preferred, so he bought her several sets along with some jewelry. For Tinsley, he focused on designer bags and skincare items since he knew Elora wasn''t much of a bag person.


    He believed in giving gifts that were thoughtful and practical, things they could use every day. Otherwise, the gesture would be meaningless, and his effort would go to waste.


    Mr. Labbe, who had plenty of experience charming women, knew well how to give just the right gifts to get the results he wanted.


    He had used this strategy sessfully to keep his mistresses happy and loyal to him. "Our break starts on the 24th of the lunar year. You''re very generous, Mr. Labbe. Thank you in advance. Just have the New Year gifts sent to the front desk," Tinsley replied politely. "I''ve been really busytely and might not be around the office much."


    "Understood," Mr. Labbe said with a smile. "I won''t trouble you any further, Second Miss Ormond."


    He ended the call with a seemingly polite farewell.


    As soon as he hung up, his expression turned dark and his eyes cold, filled with frustration and resentment.


    But when he thought about the Ormond sisters, his anger faded, reced by a sly smile. "The harder they are to get, the more satisfying it''ll be when I do," he muttered to himself. "If I can win her over one day, it''ll be a real victory." He didn''t see Elora as just another woman to be won over with charm and ttery.


    She was different, someone who couldn''t be easily swayed, and that only made her more desirable in his eyes.


    "Let''s go. Head back," he told his driver.


    As the engine started, the driver asked, "Sir, should I take you to the hotel or home?"


    "Take me home," Mr. Labbe replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He knew that lingering around would get him nowhere.


    The Ormond sisters were not like the other women he''d dealt with before. They couldn''t be won over with persistence alone, and to push too hard would only make him look desperate.


    After all, as the acting head of the Labbe family, a man with considerable power, he could have any woman he desired.


    He had been with other women who, like Elora, were initially distant and cold. With time and effort, he had melted their defenses.


    Once they got what they wanted from him, they became affectionate, treating him like the center of their universe.


    And when he left them, they clung to him, begging and refusing to let go.