The Rose He Showed Off Is Putting Down Roots in a Garden of Her Own novel Chapter 99

Elara decided that returning strictly to business was the only way to shatter the unbearable awkwardness. Conveniently, her primary goal for this trip was to discuss the high-end apartment project anyway.

"Zane, are you close with Dominic Gardner?"

"Yes," Zane replied. "We've partnered up before. When I first launched my restaurants and private clubs, Dominic's team handled the operations. He had just taken over his family's empire back then and had an absolute genius for hospitality. Sebastian only took over those businesses from him after he graduated."

What Zane left unsaid was that his core philosophy clashed entirely with Dominic's.

Dominic was a strictly legitimate businessman. He refused to touch the gray areas. Zane, however, had initially launched his hospitality ventures specifically to pave the way and build networks for the Whitaker Group's darker dealings.

The Whitakers weren't like the Grants, who had deep military and political roots. They weren't like the Nevilles, a centuries-old political dynasty, nor did they possess the Sterling family's historical influence.

The Whitaker family had risen to power in the capital simply by catching the economic tailwind and aggressively dominating the real estate boom.

Two decades of explosive growth had secured their place among the city's elite families.

His father had built the wealth, and his generation was experiencing its peak, but true, lasting supremacy had to be secured for the next generation.

A strategic marriage was about securing a ruthless ally, which was why he had married Jocelyn Yale without hesitation.

He hadn't wanted the divorce, but he couldn't control Jocelyn's iron will.

Yet, when it came to the woman sitting across from him now, all his calculating ambition dissolved into a foolish, desperate romanticism.

Zane smiled in the dark. "Dominic and I hit it off well. I have a lot of respect for him. If you can get him to take on your serviced apartments, you're halfway to the finish line."

"And the other half?" Elara pressed.

Zane waited until his body had entirely calmed down before uncrossing his legs. He chuckled softly. "Fate."

Elara thought for a moment. "You don't strike me as a man who leaves things up to fate, Zane."

Zane let out a genuine, rumbling laugh. "You're right. I prefer ignoring destiny and fighting for exactly what I want."

He paused. "Do you mind if I lie down, Elara?"

"Make yourself comfortable, Zane."

The summer night was tranquil, filled only with the rhythmic chirp of crickets.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify