The Rose He Showed Off Is Putting Down Roots in a Garden of Her Own novel Chapter 160

"It's just that I really enjoy your company. We click," he added quickly.

Elara just smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Zane had no idea if she bought his desperate lie, and the awkwardness was suffocating. He immediately pivoted the conversation.

"How is that serviced apartment project with Dominic going?"

"Very well. Thanks to your maneuvering, the approval process has been completely seamless."

From navigating the red tape in the capital to dealing with Eastford's Metropolitan Investment Group, Elara had witnessed firsthand the terrifying scale of his network and the deep, unshakeable roots of his power.

It seemed like no matter the industry or the political faction, he had the leverage to dictate terms.

And that was just what she could see. The reality was likely vastly more expansive.

"You don't operate like a traditional businessman, Mr. Whitaker."

Zane smiled. "The entire future of the Whitaker Group rests on my shoulders, so generally speaking, my will becomes reality."

He was talking about the capital injection. Even if the old guard protested, they had no choice but to bend to his authority.

After his younger brother went missing, he was the only child left.

He had been groomed for the throne since childhood. The clean money, the dirty money, the triumphs, and the ruthless executions—it was all handed to him.

His current standing in the Whitaker Group made him the absolute heir apparent.

Whether the board wanted to serve him or not, they couldn't stop his inevitable rise to power.

Plus, none of them were capable of taking him down anyway.

-

The moment they sat down at the restaurant, Zane's phone rang.

It was Elena Whitaker.

They were alone in a private dining room, so Elara could hear every word.

"Are you coming home for dinner tonight?" Elena asked.

"Mom, you need to call earlier. I'm already eating."

Elara glanced at the completely empty table. Right. Eating air.

Hearing that, Elena cut straight to the chase. "Where are you getting drunk tonight?"

"I'm not drinking tonight."

Elena scoffed. "Are you out cleaning up your ex-wife's messes again?"

"The incident happened at my property. It would look bad if I didn't step in to manage it."

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