Dumped Then Claimed By A Billionaire (Nerissa and Owen) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 The Truth

From Luke’s perspective, Owen’s ex-wife, though sharing the same name as Nerissa, was completely different in fate.

Nerissa was elegant, beautiful, and possessed exceptional medical skills, a rare and remarkable wornan.

But Owen’s ex-wife was a totally different story.

Owen’s ex-wife was not only obsessed with a man to the point of desperation but also piled on heavy makeup every day, lacking any sense of taste or self-respect.

She couldn’t compare to Nerissa in the slightest; she didn’t even measure up to a single finger of hers.

Besides, if Owen’s ex-wife really had the skills to resurrect Calloway Group, Owen shouldn’t have the heart to divorce her.

Owen wasn’t stupid.

So, Luke believed the current success of Calloway Group wasn’t thanks to anyone else but Owen himself. Owen had the real ability.

When Lennox heard Nerissa’s name, the corners of his thin lips lifted into a barely noticeable smile. “No wonder.”

Lennox wondered, ‘No wonder Calloway Group managed to come back from the brink in such a short time. It’s because of her.

‘She knows business. She can write plans. She has medical expertise. She can fight, too. How many more hidden sides does she have?’

Nerissa was probably the most extraordinary girl Lennox had ever encountered.

She was like a raw top-grade ruby, possessing a deadly allure that even Lennox found himself unconsciously drawn to, unable to resist wanting to get closer and see her true face.

Luke looked at Lennox, confused. “Lennox, what are you talking about?”

He didn’t understand at all.

Lennox glanced back slightly, meeting Luke’s eyes. “I suggest you get your eyes checked.”

“For what? I’m not blind.” Luke was utterly baffled.

‘Mistaking a rare gem for a worthless stone, doesn’t that count as being blind?’ Lennox wondered.

Though Nerissa looked very different before and after makeup, a person’s eyes never lie. That was how Lennox recognized her during their second encounter in the elevator.

Lennox was naturally a man of few words and didn’t bother explaining further. His thin lips parted slightly. “That’s enough about Calloway Group. No need to dig any deeper.”

Luke took Lennox’s words as agreement and nodded. “Alright, Lennox. If that’s all, I’ll be heading back.”

“Go ahead.” Lennox raised his hand lightly.

Luke quickly left Stratford Group.

*****

Half an hour later, his car.stopped outside an exclusive membership bar in Aosthorne, Light Palace.

Only the most notorious and prestigious young heirs in Cilowesad could become members of Light Palace.

As soon as Luke entered the private room, he saw five or six beautiful women with perfect figures flirting and fawning over the men inside.

His good buddy Otto Ellery immediately came over, draping his arm around Luke’s shoulder. “Luke, want me to pick two for you?”

The beautiful women stepped forward, speaking in coquettish voices. “Luke, I’m Tiantian.”

“I’m Linda.”

Each of these beauties was more stunning than the last, with bodies to match, like a live Nerissa beauty pageant, keeping the men entranced.

But facing the fiery enthusiasm of these women, Luke immediately took two steps back. “No, no thanks.” Though he was a bit of a screw-up who loved one not judying one influence kept him in check.

Successfully unlocked!

No matter how wild he got, he never messed aside wan two tigh alkas drugs and women.

Especially when it came to women with shady backgrounds, Luke didn’t want to risk catching some unspeakable disease

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Chapter 26 The Truth

or ruining his reputation.

“Oh, so who are you staying clean for?” Otto teased.

Luke made a throat-cutting gesture. “I’m afraid Lennox will kill me.”

In truth, it wasn’t just Luke who feared Lennox; even Otto was just as wary.

Sure enough, once Lennox’s name came up, Otto immediately dropped the idea of having Luke pick two girls.

Though Otto’s family was a big shot in Kindowen, compared to the Stratford family, who practically ruled everything, he was no match.

In Kindowen, in Cilowesad, even internationally, Lennox was the kind of person whose words could decide life or death.

Otto glanced at Luke with a smile. “Even heroes stumble at the beauty’s gate. You should introduce Mr. Stratford to a stunning beauty.

“Let him drown in love every day, then he won’t have time to bother with you.”

‘With a girl to have a nice night, who’s got time to care about trivial matters?’ Otto wondered.

Though said jokingly, the private room instantly fell silent the moment Otto finished speaking.

Everyone was waiting for Luke’s response, especially those scantily dressed, beautiful women.

They all wanted to know Lennox’s current relationship status.

That was Lennox, undeniably a big shot.

Anyone who married him would gain an unimaginable honor.

Even if they couldn’t marry him and were just a mistress, it would still be a total social upgrade, a complete transformation.

Luke raised his glass. “What are you thinking? Lennox’s a bachelor by choice. Forget about a stunning beauty, even if she was an angel, he wouldn’t be interested.”

‘A bachelor by choice,’ everyone wondered.

Shock flickered across everyone’s eyes.

Most men liked beautiful women. Rich men especially preferred marrying women who were both attractive and educated to improve their lineage.

No one would’ve thought that Lennox, the guy whose reputation rocked all of Cilowesad, was a confirmed bachelor.

“Mr. Stratford is a bachelor by choice?” Even Otto looked incredulous.

“Yes.” Luke nodded.

Otto squinted and chuckled, “How could any man not like women? Mr. Stratford says he’s a bachelor by choice, probably because he hasn’t met someone who truly moves his heart.”

Luke shrugged. “Maybe. I’ve never seen him fall for anyone.”

Truth be told, Luke secretly hoped to see the day Lennox would bend for love.

But it looked unlikely.

After all, Lennox was nearly thirty.

Over the years, Lennox had met all kinds of beauties, full-figured, slender, tall, and petite. If he were going to give in, it probably would’ve happened long ago, not wait until now.

“Luke,” a man standing next to Otto got up and poured Luke a glass, flattering him with a smile. “I have a cousin who just returned from studying abroad. Not to brag, but she’s absolutely stunning.

“In Kindowen and even all of Cilowesad, she ranks second in beauty; nobody dares to claim first. Plus, she’s very well- behaved and has never been in a relationship.

“Coincidentally, Mr. Stratford has never dated, either. How about giving her a chance to meet Mr. Stratford?”

The man was named Finn Drexler, not very close to Luke, just a friend of Otto’s.

Finn wasn’t exaggerating.

His cousin’s full name was Skylar Blackwood. From elementary school all the way through her master’s degree, she’d been

a campus queen wherever she went. And every man who saw her had fallen at her feet.

That was why Finn had this idea in the first place.

No matter how powerful Lennox was, he was still just a man.

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Chapter 26 The Truth

And since he was a man, he couldn’t escape the allure of a beautiful woman

If Lennox became his cousin’s husband, the entire Drexler family would rise along with him. Even Otto would have to show Finn respect, and then no one could afford to offend him in Aosthorne.

The more Finn thought about it, the more excited he got. He could already see Skylar marrying into a blue blood farrity Otto’s expression shifted slightly. He hadn’t realized before just how ambitious Finn was

Even Otto wouldn’t dare introduce his own sister to Lennox.

Small family, small-time, they looked terrible when they plotted.

Before Luke could say anything, Otto cut off Finn’s fantasy. “Didn’t you hear Luke say Mr. Stratford is a bachelor by choice? “Forget your cousin being stunning, even if she were an angel, Mr. Stratford probably wouldn’t glance twice.

At those words, the others in the private room quickly chimed in to back Otto, leaving Finn with no dignity to save and feeling embarrassed.

Finn lowered his head in silence, but a cold, ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

‘Just wait. Once Skylar conquers Mr. Stratford, there will be a day when even Otto will regret underestimating us, Finn wondered.

Finn was confident Skylar had what it took to become the matriarch of the Stratford family.

*****

At 3 a.m., Luke, reeking of alcohol, arrived at the underground parking lot of the bar.

The driver had been waiting for a while and immediately stepped forward upon seeing Luke. “Mr. Merritt.”

The driver’s voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but it caught Owen’s attention.

Owen had come to discuss business. He loosened his tie and looked toward the sound.

He had assumed the other party was just a regular blue-blood family member in Aosthorne. Unexpectedly, he saw Luke.

Owen instantly perked up, excitement barely contained. Afraid he was mistaken, he rubbed his eyes, then opened them again to confirm he wasn’t hallucinating.

Without hesitation, he strode over and respectfully greeted, “Hi, Mr. Merritt.”

The lighting in the underground garage was dim, and Luke had been drinking, so he didn’t recognize who it was at first.

Owen noticed the confusion in Luke’s eyes and immediately introduced himself. “Hello, Mr. Merritt. I’m Owen from Calloway Group.”

At that, Luke quickly recognized him. He had always admired talented people, so he reached out his hand. “Mr. Calloway. pleasure to meet you.”

Owen hadn’t expected someone like Luke, a nobleman, to take the initiative to shake his hand. He felt honored and tried to steady his racing heart. “I’m grateful, Mr. Merritt, that you still remember me.”

Luke’s tone was calm. “Mr. Calloway, you’re too modest. Your bid proposal was even personally approved by my uncle, Lennox.”

In Aosthorne, there weren’t many proposals that earned Lennox’s nod of approval.

Owen was the first.

Hearing that, Owen knew his cooperation with Stratford Group was nearly guaranteed, but he still felt uneasy and asked. ” Mr. Merritt, to be honest, ever since the last bidding ended, I’ve been anxious.

“I don’t know if Mr. Stratford is willing to give Calloway Group a chance to prove itself.”

Luke smiled and patted Owen’s shoulder. “Calloway Group is currently the most promising gaming company in Aosthorne.

“Mr. Calloway, there’s no need to be anxious. You’re young, with a long road ahead. Keep it up, I have high hopes for you.”

Luke genuinely believed in Owen.

He had reviewed many of Calloway Group’s proposals.

Owen’s ideas were grand in scale, even showing traces of Lennox’s youthful style, catching people’s attention and drawing them in.

So, Luke thought there was an eighty to ninety percent chance Lennox would give Calloway Group a shot.

But the will of the powerful was unpredictable. He couldn’t guarantee anything and therefore gave Owen no definite answer.

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Chapter 26 The Truth

Yet Owen stood there stunned, unable to react for a long moment after hearing Luke’s words.

‘Luke said he believed in me. Luke is Lennox’s nephew. Luke’s faith in me meant Lennox has faith in him, too, Owen wondered.

After all, people as brilliant and dazzling as Owen were rare in Aosthorne.

He was a rare prodigy and a dark horse in the financial world, unmatched not just in Aosthorne but likely in all of Cilowesad.

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