The Regretful Housewife: Divorce and Rise Again novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222 Dropping the Pretense

Chapter 222 Dropping the Pretense

“Thanks a lot.”

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Nina pushed open the car door and stepped out without an ounce of the haughty attitude typical of wealthy young ladies. This easy-going side of her made Julian view her in a much better light.

“I’ve always heard Halmont is such a prosperous city,” Nina said softly. “This is my first time here, and even the dining spots are this exquisite.”

“Where did you attend school in your younger years? Overseas?”

Nina nodded in reply.

“I finished high school back in Linholt, then went abroad to study. I spent several years there and only came back home just recently.”

“I’ve heard word that you’re engaged to the heir of the Rhodes family. Is that true?”

“We’re nothing more than close friends, not lovers.”

“You’ve They took their seats inside the restaurant, and Nina spoke playfully on purpose, asked me so many questions about my romantic life. Could it be that you’ve taken a fancy to me?”

Standing nearby, Jacob nearly choked on his own saliva upon hearing such confident words.

He had never met any noble young lady who was this self-assured.

A man of Julian’s status could have any woman he wanted with ease; there was no way he would grow fond of Nina.

“I’m simply curious about you,” Julian said calmly. “If all those love-related rumors are false, then it means you hold no affection for Jensen, and bear no ill will toward Audrey either, right?”

“That’s exactly the truth.”

Nina had spent plenty of time laying groundwork earlier just to clear up all misunderstandings between them.

Now that the awkward barriers were gone, she wasted no time getting down to business.

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Chapter 222 Dropping the Pretense

“You seem to be in the business circle as well. What line of work is your family in?”

“Nothing grand, we just earn a modest income to get by.”

Julian still kept his real identity as Audrey’s elder brother well hidden.

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“Have you never thought about expanding your business and making bigger profits?”

“Oh? Are you trying to pitch some kind of deal to me?”

“I just feel like we share quite a bit of fate.”

Nina held out her hand toward him.

“I’d love to talk over a business cooperation opportunity with you.”

“Is that so?” Julian barely even lifted his gaze. “I’m not fond of discussing business matters, especially over a meal.”

“Then when do you feel like talking business?”

Julian finally looked up and fixed his eyes on her, uttering his reply slowly.

“Only in my dreams.”

Nina let out an awkward chuckle.

“You’re just joking around, aren’t you?”

“I’m perfectly serious.”

He stared straight at her with a sincere look, then set down the menu in his hands and turned toward the waiter.

“One serving of red wine braised foie gras, and one filet mignon. Let this lady pick the rest.”

His eyes settled steadily on Nina, and she spoke to the waiter without a second glance.

“I’ll have the exact same dishes as him.”

“Very well, ma’am.”

After the waiter left, Julian kept watching her for a moment before speaking again.

“Did you really come to Halmont just for sightseeing?”

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Chapter 222 Dropping the Pretense

“That’s right.”

“Not to seek me out for business talks instead?”

His straightforward remark instantly made the atmosphere turn stiff and quiet.

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Nina had figured he might sense her real intentions sooner or later, yet she never expected him to see right through her plans so quickly.

“What makes you say that?” she asked.

“I was almost fooled by your act at first. I’ve always preferred staying calm and waiting for others to reveal their true motives. You stayed away from business topics earlier, but the moment you brought them up, your real purpose became obvious.”

“Can’t I simply bring up a cooperation chance naturally while chatting?”

“You spent all that time explaining your relationship with Jensen just to leave a good impression on me. Wasn’t that your plan?”

“Mr. Belmont…”

“I’d much rather you address me as Mr. Beaumont,” Julian spoke in a steady tone. “It will also make things smoother if we talk purely about work.”

Now that he had laid all his cards on the table, Nina dropped her casual, innocent act without hesitation and got straight to the point.

“Fine. I flew all the way to Halmont purely to discuss a business partnership with you, Mr. Beaumont.”

She cast aside her gentle disguise completely and looked at him earnestly. “The T Company has a promising project in progress, and we sincerely hope you can join forces with us. Would you be interested in taking part?”

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