Chapter 31
On her way home from work, Leanne’s mind replayed the icy stare Curtis had given her that morning. She debated whether to apologize. After all, her words had been sharp.
But then, she remembered the deeper cuts he’d made, never once offering an apology for his stinging remarks.
“Forget it. It’s all gone. Apologize.” She thought inside.
With only a month left, she didn’t want to leave a legacy of awkwardness and silent
battles.
In matters of the heart, the one who loved more was often the one to compromise.
In the end, Leanne’s internal struggle was for naught. By eight o’clock, Curtis was still a no-show.
Recently, Laura had toned down her efforts, halving the portions, leaving Leanne to dine. alone in a spread fit for a dinner party, making her wonder why she was scrimping more than a hired help.
However, Laura was proactive, having witnessed the sparks flying between Leanne and Curtis the night before. Something might have happened if Leanne hadn’t received the abrupt call from the hospital.
Later, Jake had called to say Leanne had caught a cold, and Curtis had rushed to the hospital with a warm coat early in the morning.
While Laura couldn’t grasp the couple’s hot-and-cold relationship, she knew spats and make-up were part of married life.
Unaware of the hospital argument, she offered, “Shall I ring Mr. Curtis to see if he’ll be
home for dinner?”
With Leanne’s approval, Laura eagerly dialed the number. But her smile faded with the news. Curtis wouldn’t be returning that evening.
Leanne wasn’t surprised, merely continuing her meal. “If he’s not coming, let him be.”
Ever more adept at slipping locks, the cat appeared from nowhere, leaping onto Leanne’s lap, purring for attention.
Leanne couldn’t resist.
Since Curtis was out and the cat had been cooped up for days, she allowed it some freedom.
She stroked the cat as she ate, picking at the dishes Laura had prepared, like steaks and fried fish, half of which she didn’t care for.
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Chapter 31
Alpine Elegance was a restaurant with old-world charm, designed by a master architect to resemble a classical garden, complete with small bridges and a flowing stream, offering a
scenic view at every step.
But deep into autumn, even the evergreen trees showed signs of desolation.
Dressed in a traditional dress, the restaurant manager stood gracefully at the table, her movements elegant as she served drinks to the guests.
The restaurant manager shivered when Curtis entered, bringing a gust of cold air.
Another hostess in a traditional dress helped Curtis off with his coat as he casually took a seat. The restaurant manager presented him with a glass of wine.
“What do you need from me?” Curtis inquired.
Savoring his wine, Maddox replied casually, “Can’t I dine with you without an agenda?”
Already irritated from the day’s events, Curtis had little patience, even for his father. “Spit it out. I’m not in the mood.”
“When you’re in a foul mood, you must deal with it yourself,” Maddox retorted. “The world doesn’t revolve around your bad days.”
Curtis scoffed, “True enough, coming from my father.”
Maddox cut to the chase. “What’s your take on the merger between ElitePinnacle and VentureVista Securities?”
Vector Vista Bank was the bedrock of the Richardson Group, holding trillions in assets, primarily in savings, loans, and payment settlements.
Its investment arm, VentureVista Securities, enjoyed the solid background and resources accumulated by the Richardson Group over nearly a century, with Vector Vista Bank as its financial fortress, an inexhaustible treasury.
But despite its backing, VentureVista Securities lagged behind ElitePinnacle, the brainchild of Curtis.
Since Curtis’ return, Maddox had considered merging ElitePinnacle with VentureVista
Securities.