Chapter 281
Elara asked her, “What do I get out of working with you?”
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Priscilla smiled and handed her an iPad. “I have a project your can invest in. You provide the technology, I provide the funding, and we split the profits evenly.
“If you’re smart, Ms. Jones, you won’t let this opportunity slip away.”
Elara carefully reviewed the project details and was surprised,
It just so happened that she had been researching a similar concept. However, she had put her ideas on hold because, even if she perfected the technology, she lacked a complete system to bring it to market.
The project Priscilla was offering was backed by the Capital government, with Fisher Corp providing technology for the front–end implementation.
Priscilla had already invested a significant amount of money into it. If she was now offering it up for collaboration, it was either a bluff or her technical team had hit a wall.
*new
Considering Priscilla knew she had studied under Leonard, it was highly likely she wanted access to Leonard’s research team through her.
If she joined, she would essentially become a major client of Fisher Corp.
Elara chuckled. “I’d be worried about negotiating with a tiger.”
Priscilla sighed. “People who are too cautious miss out on great opportunities. I got to where I am today because I don’t shy away from doing business with my enemies.”
“Am I your enemy?” Elara asked with a smile.
Caught by the warmth of her expression, Priscilla softened slightly. The sharpness in her striking features had also eased.
“We’re both women. That’s why I want to pull you up with me.”
Elara set the iPad down. “I thought you were good friends with my father.”
Priscilla’s smile widened, looking dazzling yet ruthless. “There are no permanent friends–only lasting interests.
If throwing Abel into the abyss benefits me, I won’t hesitate to kick him straight into hell.”
She pi
The picked up two drinks and handed one to Elara.
“Let’s toast!”
Elara accepted the drink. “Ms. Price, will you one day throw me into the abyss too?”
Priscilla brought her glass to her lips, smiling. “Elara, as long as we work together and benefit each other, you’ll never be my enemy.”
She clinked her glass against Elara’s. “To a successful partnership?”
Elara lowered her lashes. Priscilla was both captivating and dangerous, but she dared to negotiate with a tiger because she had her own secret weapon.
Priscilla studied Elara’s face for a moment before saying, “lara, I have high hopes for you. In a few days, I’ll introduce you to some influential people.”
“I’ll be counting on your guidance then.”
Chapter 281
Elara raised her glass again, toasting Priscilla once more.
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When Elara entered the hot spring pool area, a server discreetly snapped a photo of her. Moments later, the image appeared on Harvey’s phone.
“Mr. Fisher, she’s at The Mirage.”
Harvey frowned. Why would Elara go to a place like that?
He gave a command. “Send this picture to Theodore.”
A short while later, his subordinate reported back. “Mr. Snapp has seen the photo.”
Harvey asked, “Did he say anything?”
“Mr. Snapp said he’s putting on a face mask… and that people like Mr. Fisher wouldn’t understand the importance of skincare…”
The subordinate hesitated mid–sentence, realizing that the latter half of Theodore’s response wasn’t suitable to relay.
Harvey was already grinding his molars, and his jawline was visibly tightening.
He scoffed with disdain. “Reply to him that he’s just a damn lapdog!”
Harvey had already blocked Theodore on WhatsApp before. Theodore, being just as petty, had resorted to using their subordinates to exchange insults from a distance.
The subordinate glanced at Theodore’s latest reply and hesitated before reading it aloud.
“Mr. Snapp said, ‘Hehe, I’m a lapdog with an owner. I’d love for Elara to put a collar on me… maybe even a leash..
The room fell silent, and the subordinate shuddered. He couldn’t believe Theodore Snapp was this shameless!
Harvey spat out his words with utter disdain. “Serving people with his looks…. How absolutely pat!
As soon as Elara stepped out of the heated pool after bidding Priscilla farewell, her phone rang.
She answered the unknown number, only to hear Harvey’s voice on the other end. “Let’s meet and talk”
Elara let out a cold laugh. “As if!”
She then hung up without hesitation.
Harvey stared at his phone, listening to the disconnected tone. His deep, knowing eyes darkened, devoid of any light.
Muttering to himself, he said in a low voice, “Then don’t blame me for using other means to keep you here.”
Elara set her phone down. There was an inexplicable frustration gnawing at her.
She thought back to seven years ago when Leonard had received the notice that Melcina had restricted his entry. He had turned to her and said, “My project needs to be moved underground and carried out in secrecy, Elara,
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Chapter 281
staying in the Capitol isn’t suitable for you either. If you continue at Hawke University, you’ll be under constant scrutiny.
“I want to send you to the 407 Institute in Cedar Vale. With your abilities, you can take a path completely different from before.”
She had asked him, “How long do I have to stay in Cedar Vale? Ten years? 20? A lifetline?”
Leonard swallowed and answered, “Research is a lonely road. People pay attention to me because of my looks and family background, but most scientists spend their entire lives in obscurity, only stepping into the spotlight when they’re old…”
Elara had told him, “Mr. Fisher, even at 20, my biggest wish is still to have a family of my own.
“I’ve been like a floating duckweed with no roots for the past 20 years, and now you want me to drift even farther away. Can’t I live like a normal person and have a small family of my own?
“I promise you, I won’t give up on my research, but I don’t want to be alone”
Knowing her past, Leonard understood how she had been trapped her whole life by the things she had longed for but could never have.
His eyes, which were always clear and perceptive, immediately dimmed.
After a moment of silence, he nodded at her. “Alright. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.”
But after getting married, Elara realized that the family she had so desperately yearned for was nothing more than an illusion, fragile and destined to shatter at the slightest touch.
“Elara!” A large hand grabbed her arm, gripping her delicate wrist tightly
Elara whipped around, and she swung her handbag straight into the man’s face without thinking.
