The True Heiress's Return novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72
Lago eagerly tilted the umbrella towards the car door. But when he saw who got out, his expression changed. “Shakira, what are you doing here?”
Not just Lago, but everyone else was equally shocked.
Surprisingly, Shakira seemed… taken aback too. Her expression was calm as she glanced over them, and with their neat arrangement, she probably guessed why they
ere there.
Yvette covered her mouth in surprise
“Is
y sister coming to Veiled Vine? Does that mean…”
Jessie was the first to shout, her voice especially sharp in the old-fashioned Veiled Vine alley, “Well, well, you little brat! You’re here to cause trouble again!”
The two of them joined forces, practically pinning Shakira with their accusations. Cody and Finn frowned, their expressions darkening.
Shakira raised an eyebrow and laughed, her laughter cool and mocking. “I must say, you all really love to embellish your own image.”
Cody shot back angrily, “Shakira, don’t keep pushing our patience. You need to leave right now; there’s still time.”
“I had no idea Mr. Nelson was such a tyrant as the owner of Veiled Vine,” she retorted.
Cody’s face turned pale instantly.
Lago finally realized he had been bending over to hold the umbrella for Shakira while getting soaked himself. He glared angrily. “You little brat, you have no right to speak! Just get lost! Saying this, he yanked the car door handle and tried to slam it shut, not caring if Shakira got hurt, just wanting to shove her back inside.
A cold light flickered in Shakira’s eyes. She pushed against the car door and kicked Lago hard. He lost his balance and fell face-first to the wet ground, like a turtle on its back.
“Spit, spit, spit!”
“Honey!” Jessie quickly rushed over to help Lago up. He had fallen onto the wet floor, his fancy suit now a mess, his face smeared with dirt.
“You little brat, I’m gonna get you—” Jessie shouted, but just then, another car drove up.
Lago quickly said This time it’s Mr. Joyce! You go and welcome him; I’ll head to the restroom and clean up!” He shot a fierce glare at Shakira, who was still enjoying the drama. “You wait for me!”
Shakira smiled, and while they all bowed and nodded to welcome the person from the car, she calmly walked into Veiled
Vine.
Yvette wore a smile, but her eyes caught sight of Shakira walking in as if she owned the place, and her expression turned icy.
Kyle heard the commotion outside and was about to step out to greet Shakira when he opened the door and bumped right into her.
“Shakira, you…”
“Go inside first.” Shakira shoved him in and immediately asked, “Who else is being hosted at Veiled Vine today?”
Kyle was taken aback but quickly called for the butler.
08:20 Tue, Oct 22
Chapter 72
“Mr. White, we only have two reservations today. The other is for Mr. Smith from Shiheng Architecture. All the guests have arrived, and the meal has started.”
Shakira didn’t say anything, just kept smiling at Kyle.
Kyle knew what she was thinking. He sighed helplessly, “Just check who the guests are.”
The butler soon returned with the guest list, mentioning everyone, and there was only one person Shakira didn’t recognize.
Kyle pointed out, “Arturo is a secretary who was transferred from outside the province. I heard he’s responsible for the Southville development project.”
Shakira’s eyes lit up with realization. “So they’re trying to build connections, huh?”
Kyle gestured for the butler to leave and noticed Shakira holding a coffee cup, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief. He could easily tell, “You’re planning to get involved?”
“With such a huge project, there’s no way I can interfere, but causing a little trouble shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Shakira tilted her head and flashed a sly smile.
“Mr. Joyce! Mr. Joyce! I apologize for not welcoming you properly; I’ll drink three cups as punishment?
Veiled Vine’s service was efficient; Lago got cleaned up quickly and re-entered the private room with a face full of flattery. Arturo was a middle-aged man who, unlike the rigid official types, was in great shape with thick hair, even at nearly fifty. “Mr. Smith? Mrs. Smith just introduced me to you; you can just call me Arturo.”
Arturo smiled warmly, “I didn’t expect to see a fellow local here in Crescentville.”
“I didn’t expect Mr. Joyce to have such ties with my father-in-law either! Come, let me toast you!” Lago immediately got friendly with Arturo, downing several drinks together.
Cody and Finn sat stiffly, their expressions somewhat displeased.
Clearly, the Nelson family was leading this collaboration, holding the majority share, yet Lago was stealing the spotlight, currying favor with the big shot.
“Haha, it’s fate! Mr. Joyce has helped me in the past, and thanks to your advice, I’ve come this far. I’ve always remembered this kindness! By the way, how is Mr. Joyce doing?”
Speaking of his father-in-law, Lago sighed. “To be honest, my father-in-law has been living in the countryside for a long time. It’s too remote there, so we seldom get to contact him.”
Arturo noticed Yvette “I heard about that. I understand Mr. Joyce has been praying for his lost granddaughter, moving to the mountains to cultivate. I’ve always wanted to return the favor, but I never got the chance to see him.” As he spoke next to Jessie and his eyes lit up. “Is this Mr. Joyce’s granddaughter?”
Yvette shyly nodded. “Mr. Joyce, hello! I’m Yvette.”
“Oh, what a lovely child! You’ve grown so much; you’re adorable!”
Yvette sweetly flattered Arturo, and he beamed with joy, constantly praising her as a good child.
Lago and Jessie chimed in, embellishing Yvette’s complicated background and how her grandfather cherished her, making Arturo sigh repeatedly. “I never expected that; no wonder Mr. Joyce…”
Lago wiped his face, seamlessly steering the conversation back on track. “Thankfully, life has improved for everyone. With Yvette as our bridge, we thought we’d collaborate on the Southville project.”
5
08:20 Tue, Oct 22
Chapter 72
+5
Arturo was sharp as a tack. Before he arrived, he had already prepared himself, knowing what requests they would make. He didn’t beat around the bush, saying, “I’m here to return a favor for Mr. Joyce. But I won’t take sides; we’ll follow the proper process.”
Lago’s face lit up with a huge smile. “Mr. Joyce, you’re being too modest! With your help, we’re sure to win this bid!”
The room buzzed with excitement as everyone finished eating and drinking. When Arturo suggested leaving, the group walked him to the door. But just then, someone unexpected showed up.
“Mr. Joyce, what a coincidence! Long time no see!” Enrique Sullivan got out of his car from across the street, looking like he had been waiting forever.
Lago’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he got angry. “Enrique, what are you doing here?”
Yvette frowned. Enrique was Xanthe’s father, and the Sullivan family had a lot of business overlap with the Smith family.
Enrique chuckled, “Just finished eating and taking a stroll. Didn’t expect to bump into an old friend. Mr. Joyce, how about we play some ball to work off the meal?”
Arturo, feeling the effects of the alcohol, was half-pushed, half-dragged away by Enrique.
As the car drove off, the exhaust fumes cleared Lago and the others’ heads a bit. “Damn it, does Enrique want to get in the Southville project? But how did he know Mr. Joyce was here?”
Yvette suddenly whispered, “Could it be that my sister is behind this?”
involved
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