She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24
The dim light obscured Matthew’s face, revealing only the sharp yet elegant lines of his silhouette. Isaac could see him reclining on the sofa, his long legs stretched out, idly petting the green-eyed cat in his lap. He exuded an aura of both laziness and aloofness.
“Sic” Matthew said, his gaze fixed on Isaac, his voice calm and commanding Under Matthew’s scrutinizing gaze, Isaac felt like a lamb being watched by a well-fed leopard-safe for the moment, but aware that the leopard could pounce at any time. Instinctively, Isaac wiped his forehead, though there was no swe. “Thank you, Mr. Graham”
He sat down on the sofa opposite Matthew. A spotlight above illuminated Isaac, not too brightly, but enough for Matthew to see him clearly.
Matthew spoke again. I have a few questions for you. If you answer truthfully and in detail, without hiding anything. I might grant you a reasonable request”
Isaac was taken aback. Wasn’t Mr. Graham supposed to discuss a collaboration with him? Despite his thoughts, he cautiously replied. “Go ahead”
Matthew’s eyes were sharp enough to pierce the darkness. “Six years ago, did Vission Group approach the Kennedy family for a partnership, or was it the other way around”
The Kennedy family claimed that Vission Group had approached them, but Matthew had his doubts.
Isaac hesitated, “My wife and I tried to reach out to Vission Group’s manager to express our interest in a partnership. We didn’t have high hopes, but after talking with Harry Freeman, he agreed to give us the exclusive agency rights.”
“What did you discuss?” Mathew asked.
“Just some ordinary questions, nothing special…”
Matthew’s tone turned cold. “Be specific. The more information you provide, the more I’ll reward you
Isaac obediently answered, “Well…
Six years ago, the Kennedy family was merely moderately wealthy, far from their current status. During the meeting with Harry, Isaac was extremely nervous, feeling as if each question was like a major exam question that could determine his future.
Matthew listened intently, though he was disappointed. The meeting seemed perfunctory, with Harry lecturing like a professor, not even glancing at Isaac, who took notes like a struggling student.
Matthew smirked, cutting to the chase. “Did you ever ask Vission Group why they really chose you?”
Although the Kennedy family profited greatly from representing Vission Group’s products, it was widely acknowledged that they hadn’t performed well. A more capable agent could have increased the profits several times over.
There had to be an undisclosed reason for Vission Group’s choice.
The room’s temperature was comfortable, yet Isaac still felt a bit warm, wiping cold sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. “I asked Harry about it, and he jokingly said I was lucky, like I had saved the world in a past life.
Harry’s response did seem like a joke. Matthew, however, wasn’t amused. “What do you think?”
Under the dim spotlight, Isaac’s well-maintained face looked pitable, like a student called out by a teacher, unable to answer.
“I-I honestly don’t understand, he stammered. “I thought it was because of my good character.”
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Chapter 21
Matthew gave a mocking smile. “Why did Vission Group suddenly terminate their contract with the Kennedy family this
Isaac remained silent, unwilling to answer, at least not truthfully
Matthew said casually, “That plot of land in the east looks promising. I’m considering buying it.”
Isaac’s expression changed drastically. Til tell you.”
The Kennedy Group had already signed a letter of intent to purchase the land and pair a deposit. Normally, anyone trying to outbid them would have to pay a hefty compensation to the Kennedy Group.
But for the Graham Group, money was never an issue. Having lost Vission Group, Isaac couldn’t afford to lose this land too, He hoped to use it to turn things around.
So, he covered his eyes with his hand, embarrassed, and confessed, “Harry said he’d had enough of the Kennedy family. He said we were incompetent and didn’t deserve the exclusive rights. They wanted to drop us for a while, but we were just lucky”
In truth, the F
Freeman brothers’ words were harsher, but Isaac chose not to repeat them all.
Matthew continued petting the green-eyed cat in his lap and, after a few seconds, asked, “What do you really think? Be honest, or you’ll get nothing.
Isaac felt paralyzed under Matthew’s gaze, unable to think of a tactful way to respond. He had no choice but to speak
“Yesterday, when I went to see Harry, I saw my former foster daughter getting along well with him. I suspect she used her charm to persuade Harry to take revenge on the Kennedy family”
He thought he might have heard a faint scoff from Mr. Graham in the darkness, though he couldn’t tell if it was directed at him, Athena, or Harry,
In the dim light, Matthew asked with a probing tone, “Did you do something to wrong your foster daughter?”
-Isaac nearly jumped out of his seat. “No! Absolutely not! My wife and I treated Athena very well and never mistreated her. If there’s any blame to be had, it would be on her side.”
Matthew seemed amused. “How do you plan to win back Vission Group?”
A truly vexing question…
Isaac had enjoyed smooth sailing for so many years that he hadn’t had to think critically in a long time.
After pondering for a while, he finally said, “I thought about approaching my foster daughter to see if she could help persuade Harry. I’m willing to accept any conditions to make that happen.”
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