Seven Years a Fool One Day a Queen (Kristine and Colton) novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175

liza gave Hector’s proposal serious thought, but in the end, she still declined.

lot for any particular reason–she simply no longer had the heart for relationships.

she were already thirty, she might have considered it, since age would press her.

r, if Hector were only twenty–six or twenty–seven, she might have given it a try.

ut he was thirty–one–right at the peak of family pressure to marry.

nd she had just ended a seven–year relationship; her heart was numb, incapable of starting anything new.

she agreed, she’d only waste his time.

he couldn’t find any reason to say yes.

ector remained the gentleman he always was. Even when rejected, he carried himself with grace.

fter dinner, as he saw her off, he crossed the line just slightly, saying,

Miss Grant, you ought to try giving yourself a chance.”

fter parting with Eliza, Hector received a call from Xander, asking him out for drinks.

ector thought for a moment and said, “I feel like drinking tonight.”

ander was puzzled. “Something on your mind?”

1 his impression, Hector was always steady, rational–the very reason his family had chosen politics for him.

his was the first time he’d ever taken the initiative to drink.

Then they met, Hector downed several glasses before finally admitting, under Xander’s repeated prodding:

I was just turned down by the girl I like. So, not in the best mood.”

Who could be so blind?” Xander was genuinely curious.

lector had the looks, the background, the impeccable manners. Girls had chased him since childhood.

le really wanted to know who could possibly have turned him down.

Hut no matter how he pressed, Hector refused to say.

ander knew that if Hector chose silence, no one could pry the answer out of him

Alright, that’s enough. Don’t drink too much I actually asked you out for business.”

de stopped Hector after his sixth glass.

What is it?” Hector brushed his hand aside and poured himself another. He knew his limits he wouldn’t get drunk.

“You’ve been in Washington for about a year now, right? Ever heard of Byron, the former GM of Everup?”

“I’ve heard of him, but I don’t know him well.”

“Can you get in touch?”

10:21

Chapter 175

Hector frowned, thought it over. “I can try. Why? Got an idea?”

Cander didn’t hide it.

I went to Harbor City a couple days ago to talk to Mrs. Vega about the BroadTech acquisition. She wouldn’t give me the chance–probably thinks Watts Group

as no track record in tech. Doesn’t rate me highly.

So I thought of teaming up with Byron. He’s got the experience and the technical chops, I’ve got the capital. Together, I’d have leverage with Mrs. Vega.”

lector agreed it was a viable approach and promised to try connecting him.

hen another thought struck him.

Have you considered bringing Apex into the project? Eliza is sharp, with real foresight. She’s holding the ASKHEART project–that’s a trump card. Plus, she’s got ies through the Washington Chamber of Commerce. Partnering with her would be win–win.”

ut Xander frowned at the suggestion. “Forget Eliza.”

le had no interest in a woman who, in his view, relied on underhanded means and flirted her way up the ladder.

uch people weren’t fit to be his partners.

ven though Mrs. Vega had cleared Eliza’s name with video evidence, Xander’s prejudice remained.

ure, Vega hadn’t taken Eliza’s bait.

ut what about Calvin?

e’d seen it himself.

ector knew how stubborn Xander could be. Persuasion was pointless, so he let it drop.

fter the drinks, Xander went to visit Matt.

he man was busy drafting problems for the upcoming computer Olympiad. On seeing Xander, he casually tossed him a problem to solve.

took Xander fifteen minutes to work it out.

ega was unimpressed. “Such a simple problem, and you took fifteen minutes?”

ander dared not argue and took the scolding quietly.

Do you know someone solved this in three minutes back then?”

is tone softened into regret. “She was only fourteen at the time. Such a talent… what a pity.”

ander asked softly, “Master, are you talking about Senior Sister?”

s usual, the moment she was mentioned, Malt snapped. He rapped Xander’s head with a ruler

Did I say you could speak?”

hat was answer enough for Xander.

fis suspicion was confirmed–his brilliant Senior Sister could only be Medea.

le just didn’t know when they would finally acknowledge each other.

But he looked forward to it. The sooner, the better.

After parting with Hector, Eliza deliberately detoured to a well known dessert shop.

Chapter 175

She had to.

With the blind date ruined, she knew her mother would nag endlessly.

Bringing home sweets would at least help shut her up–people go soft when their mouths are full.

The shop was popular, always packed. She took a number and found a quiet corner to wait, handling some work while she sat.

She was so focused she didn’t notice the women at the next table mention her name.

Regina had invited Mrs. Wade for afternoon tea there. With no reservation, they’d settled for a spot in the main hall.

Mrs. Wade didn’t mind–in fact, she was pleased. From there she could observe how the shop was run.

Regina asked and learned Mrs. Wade had invested in the place.

she gushed, “You really have a good eye for investments, Madam Wade.”

Mrs. Wade chuckled. “It was luck more than skill. I’ve invested in spas and gyms before–lost money every time. Only this dessert shop did well. My husband ven praised me for once.”

he liked dabbling in small ventures, more as a hobby than a livelihood.

Luckily, their family wealth was deep, and Rhett supported her.

legina wasn’t interested in business talk. After a sip of juice, she got to the point.

By the way, Madam Wade, I heard Young Master Wade’s been close with a certain woman lately. Have you heard?”

Him? He changes women like he changes shirts. I can’t even be bothered to keep track.” Mrs. Wade’s tone was dripping with disdain.

Then perhaps you don’t know who she is this time?”

No.

She doesn’t have the best reputation. I think Madam Wade ought to warn him: it’s fine to fool around, but don’t take her seriously.”

Ars. Wade brushed it off. “If only he would take someone seriously! He’s old enough now. At his age, I already had him.”

legina pressed on. “But it depends on the woman’s character, doesn’t it? With your family’s status, you can easily find someone properly matched. This one, hough, her reputation is poor.”

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