The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 183

Nora packed away her extraneous thoughts, gripped her briefcase, and strode into the Pierce Group lobby.

The receptionist at the front desk saw Nora approaching and instantly flashed a perfect, professional smile.

"Are you Ms. Xavier? Mr. Pierce has already informed us. You may take the exclusive elevator straight to the top floor."

The receptionist respectfully handed her a temporary VIP elevator key card.

Nora thanked her, took the card, and turned toward the CEO's private elevator deep within the lobby.

The elevator rose smoothly, stopping at the executive suites on the top floor.

An assistant pushed open a set of heavy wooden double doors.

"Ms. Xavier, Mr. Pierce is waiting for you inside."

The assistant bowed slightly, then retreated, pulling the door shut behind her.

The office was incredibly spacious, decorated in a sleek, modern style. Sunlight poured unreservedly through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Julian was seated behind a sprawling executive desk. He wore a custom navy-blue suit today, his signature gold-rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose, exuding the steady, refined aura of a business elite.

Seeing Nora walk in, Julian set down his fountain pen and stood up from his leather chair.

"Nora, you're here. Have a seat."

He gestured to the chair across the desk, that warm, familiar smile still clinging to his face. His eyes held just the right amount of concern. "Did you not sleep well last night? You look exhausted."

Nora was in no mood for pleasantries. She walked over, pulled out the chair, and sat down. She placed the Lawrence Atelier asset evaluation report and the core project contracts she had brought onto the coffee table.

"You don't need to worry about the funds. I've already had the legal team draft the shadow guarantee agreement, and it will be formally sent to the Sterling Group and our partner banks this afternoon."

"The funds are already going through the approval process. Before two o'clock this afternoon, the first installment of two hundred million will hit the manufacturing plant's account."

Julian swiftly signed his name across the documents.

The heavy knot in Nora's chest finally loosened a fraction. Arthur's life's work and the livelihoods of the dozen people at the atelier were finally secured.

"Julian, exchanging interests is standard in the business world. Since you're willing to invest such massive capital, beyond seeing the commercial value of the atelier, you must have another requirement."

Nora straightened her spine, voicing the question that had been weighing on her. "What is your investment ratio? How much of a cut are you expecting from the Lawrence project's dividends?"

The smile on Julian's face deepened a fraction.