The Rose He Showed Off Is Putting Down Roots in a Garden of Her Own novel Chapter 93

The mountain resort was sprawling and luxurious. Elara had invited project executives from both companies, scheduling the retreat for the following weekend.

The morning of the trip, Zane stood in front of his mirror, painstakingly styling his hair and smoothing down a brand-new outfit before heading out the door.

Jasper took one look at his boss's preening and scoffed, muttering something about a peacock strutting for a mate.

"I'm going to assign Seraphina some busywork today so she can't make it," Zane threatened casually.

Jasper instantly fell in line.

Zane continued, his tone dripping with false virtue, "You're young. You need to focus on your career, study hard, and prepare to inherit your family's empire."

Jasper rolled his eyes secretly, grumbling under his breath. "Study what? Study how to ignore the board of directors and willfully jump into a burning fire pit?"

"How about you go back and learn from your sister?" Zane countered.

Jasper didn't dare complain anymore. "Without me dragging them down, my family might actually enjoy a few more glorious years."

"Glad you're self-aware."

-

Jasper drove, while Zane and Seraphina sat in the back.

Watching Jasper try desperately to strike up a conversation with Seraphina, Zane mentally mocked him for being so utterly pathetic.

The three of them arrived at the resort just before noon.

Aaron didn't tag along. She had a middle-schooler at home and her husband, an engineer at the Federal Construction Bureau, was constantly traveling. Unless absolutely necessary, Elara let her skip these weekend retreats.

She led her team of project managers to welcome Zane's arrival.

Naturally reserved, Elara offered a polite, measured smile. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Mr. Whitaker."

Zane hadn't seen her in days, and his features softened entirely. "You're too kind, Elara. The honor is mine. I should be the one thanking you for your generous hospitality."

Standing nearby, Jasper rolled his eyes inwardly. She gave you a standard corporate greeting, and you wrote her a love letter.

-

Lunch was provided by the resort, featuring an array of wild mountain delicacies.

Since no one was driving and business talk was banned for the afternoon, the atmosphere around the table was light, and the wine flowed freely.

During their last dinner outing, Zane had been the host, and Elara had been relegated to the lowest seat near the serving door.

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