"Did you want to speak to me about the partnership with Grant Corporation, Mr. Nibel?"
I took a seat and asked immediately, looking into Nibel's eyes that were filled with calmness.
Nibel looked back at me, the corners of his mouth slightly hooked. There was a deep meaning to his smile. "That's right. You're rather intelligent, Miss Wanda."
He stopped midway pouring the tea. I did not expect him to be so well-versed in Hatton's tea culture considering he was a foreigner.
I lowered my head and watched his movements, chuckling tactfully. "I don't understand why you'd still choose me if you knew my argument with Theo was fake."
"What if I told you I didn't know at first?" Nibel looked up lightly and looked into my eyes mysteriously.
Looking into his deep eyes, I narrowed mine. "Is that so?"
I did not believe that.
Nibel nodded, expression indifferent. "I'm not a god. I can't possibly understand you two so quickly. Of course, I wouldn't be able to know about your plans so soon."
I was on the fence about what he said, yet his tone and attitude were convincing.
After thinking about it deeply, I said, "When did you find out?"
"Ever since you obtained North Courts. I was suspicious about your decision since it didn't seem to be in character. After giving it some thought, I noted it was Theo Grant's method. That's when I started investigating you."
Nibel slowly poured the brewed tea into the cup and then held it before me with a pair of tongs without much change in his expression.
"I was only sure that it was all an act when I overheard your call."
My call?
"I know you won't believe me so easily, but this is what I'm thinking now. Without your cooperation, I'd have to use quite a bit of energy and time to defeat Grant Corporation. Time is precious, and I won’t waste it. So, if you're willing to cooperate, we can all make mutual progress."
Judging from Nibel's words, it did sound like his style.
Yet…
I could not believe that the man who vowed to take down Grant Corporation at the beginning would want a sincere partnership now.
"Mr. Nibel, you're being very earnest, but I apologize. I can’t trust you."
"Of course, I understand why you'd think so. That's why I'll slowly gain your trust with my sincerity. I just wanted to meet up today to tell you all this. Even if you don't believe me, at least I've told you about it."
My eyes followed him, but I could not catch anything from him. "Whether or not I believe you is one thing. Whether you and Grant Corporation can reach a partnership hinges on what President Grant thinks. I don't think I have the ability to influence his decision."
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