The restaurant was buzzing softly, but in one quiet corner, Samuel Whitmore leaned back in his chair, eyes sharp behind the lenses of his glasses. He watched Jenny intently as she laughed lightly at something Christopher Davenport said. Samuel's lips curled into a faint, mischievous smile.
He raised his phone slowly, framing the perfect shot: Jenny and Christopher, engrossed in each other's conversation, oblivious to the rest of the world. The image captured only them-no Marie, no Heidi, no distractions. A picture that would surely provoke Adrian. With a tap, the photo was sent to Adrian Hale.
Meanwhile, in Hale Group's sleek office, Adrian sat with Charles, pouring over the financial projections for his latest project. The city lights reflected on the glass walls as spreadsheets, contracts, and market analyses sprawled across the desk.
"Charles, if we optimize the supply chain here, we can cut costs by nearly 12% without compromising quality," Adrian said, pointing at a highlighted column.
Charles nodded. "Agreed. Also, the Smiths have shown interest in a few of the upcoming projects-transport, energy, and commercial redevelopment. They'll likely make a move soon."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "Peter will try something. He lost the Metro Project, but he never forgets. By hook or by crook, he'll strike back. I just don't know where."
Charles leaned forward. "Better to anticipate than react. These upcoming projects-if we get the upper hand-Smith & Sons will be on the defensive again."
Just as Adrian's mind began running calculations, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, frowning at Samuel's name. Opening the message, his brow furrowed at the image: Jenny, laughing, leaning slightly toward Christopher. He didn't notice who she was with at first-the warmth of her smile softened him unexpectedly.
For a moment, Adrian allowed himself to linger on the sight. But he quickly snapped back to reality. He was Adrian Hale. Strategy and vengeance came first.
The phone rang. It was Samuel. Adrian gritted his teeth. "I'm busy," he snapped, voice clipped.
Samuel chuckled lightly on the other end. "Busy, huh? Busy plotting against her father while she's out dating Christopher?"
Adrian froze, clenching the phone. "What are you talking about?"
Samuel's tone was deliberate, teasing. "You know... the girl in your inbox. That's Jennifer Smith. And that young man? Christopher Davenport. Word is, there's a market whisper going around-a potential Davenport-Smith marriage alliance. Interesting, isn't it?"
Adrian's fingers tightened around the phone. He glanced at the photo again, and this time, Christopher's presence hit him. The calm, calculated Adrian felt heat rise in his chest.
"Rumors," he muttered, voice low, but the growl in it betrayed his composure. "I'll deal with this."
Samuel laughed softly, sensing the shift. "Careful, Adrian. Seems the market isn't the only thing getting stirred. Hearts, rumors... and the Hale temper. All in one evening."
Adrian's jaw tightened, eyes narrowing. "If your joke is finished, Samuel, then I am ending this call. Don't call me for these silly matters."
With that, he pressed the phone down, letting out a slow breath. His mind raced: Peter's revenge, Christopher, Jenny... and now a whisper of a marriage alliance threatening everything he held dear.
The war was no longer just about business-it had begun to invade hearts, and Adrian didn't intend to lose either.