Chapter 93 Prejudice
Sylvia wasn’t naïve. When she spotted Cyril mingling there, she knew there was more to the story. Louis and Cyril were laughing and chatting like old friends amidst the crowd. Clearly, their acquaintance wasn’t just from today; it had history.
This realization dawned on Sylvia–Louis’s return was likely aimed at collaborating with Cyril.
Juliet was caught off guard by Sylvia’s observation. She hadn’t noticed earlier who Louis was speaking with. Looking back, she indeed saw Cyril standing across from Louis.
“So, this grand gesture might just be to pave the way for his future plans, huh? I wonder if he’s planning to rejoin his family. But then again, I haven’t heard about the Walker family announcing any heir.”
“The Walkers may not be revealing an heir, but Louis has no intention of returning to them. When he left, he never planned to go back. So today, he’s probably just widening his network, scouting out potential partners for the future. If he ever competes with the Walkers, it’ll be with the allies he makes now.”
Juliet understood from Sylvia’s explanation. While Louis might be the destined heir of the Walker family, he wasn’t inclined to take on the entire legacy. If he already had his own business endeavor, then the goal was growth–growth strong enough to eventually stand up to the entire Walker corporation.
“Well, he sure knows how to pick ‘em. He’s got Cyril, who built his empire from scratch and isn’t far behind the Ivans now.” 1
Setting aside previous interactions with Cyril, you’ve got to respect what he’s achieved business–wise. Not just anyone can be as formidable as Cyril has been.
Sylvia nodded, acknowledging Cyril’s success without dismissing his questionable success in relationship matters. Recognizing their chance of partnering with Louis was slim, they decided to scout for other potential deals at the gathering. After all, the Ivan family had been mulling over an AI project for some time. Given the current circumstances, maybe it was time to push that forward. Sylvia vaguely remembered a subsidiary of the Ivan’s that was dabbling in AI years back. She’d need to check on its progress when she got the chance.
“I’ve heard Ivan Group has a new Vice President–must be you. Your name reached my ears a while back. Wanted to drop by and say hi earlier, but got caught up. It’s good to finally
catch a moment.”
Sylvia didn’t intend to engage Louis, but he took the initiative, approaching her.
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Sylvia nodded to meeting to a not africk 48 odd, as if if carried a hint of
bias
*☆*
ego nung people homem que law ww wow At real. found your perfect partner sewing them, Mi Tomie?*
www
Loule singh grimused, towing he had we found a fing ally. Yet, seeing Sylvia here, he figured the male he trigued by the collaboration opportunity.
ww Find a great portree Indeed Towever, I don’t think there’s room for us to work tageftum. You are not my ideal collaborator,” Louis stated plainly.
Sylvie was mildly taken aback by his forthrightness. In the cutthroat world of business, she had expected a more diplomatic approach, not such a direct rejection.
Sylvia’s smile didn’t alter in the least, which seemed to unsettle Louis. He had spoken his mind, so why wasn’t this woman getting angry? Her composure made it seem like his words
were a mere joke to her.
“I saw who your ideal partner is already, so your words aren’t surprising to me,” Sylvia calmly retorted. “But I find it quite astonishing since I haven’t even spoken a word to you
coming here. To be honest, before today, I thought there might be a chance for us to collaborate. Now, it’s clear you’re not my ideal partner either.”
Sylvia sensed the bias Louis held against her, and his premeditated words. Why should she show him any kindness if he harbored such prejudice? He didn’t want to work with her, and the feeling was mutual–they were both not what the other was looking for.
“It seems what I’ve heard is true. They say the new Vice President of Ivan Group has sharp wits–just a few sentences is all it takes to get under someone’s skin. Has your way of doing things made enemies within your own clan?”
Sylvia didn’t miss the underlying skepticism in his voice about her capabilities, partly due to her gender. If there was a better partner here besides Cyril, it had to be her. But Louis’s remarks, one after another, were targeted at her, so naturally, Sylvia didn’t hesitate to poke at his sore spots.
“Internal matters of our clan aren’t your concern. As for someone who doesn’t even want to return to his own family, giving me advice feels rather meaningless.”
Chapter 93 Prejudice
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Sylvia nodded to him. Something about his tone struck her as odd, as if it carried a hint of
blas.
“Hello, I’m Louis.”
“Sylvia.”
After a brisk handshake, they released their grip.
“So many people here seem quite taken with your AI tech. Found your perfect partner among them, Mr. Louis?”
Louis simply grinned, knowing he had indeed found a fitting ally. Yet, seeing Sylvia here, he figured she must also be intrigued by the collaboration opportunity.
“I’ve found a great partner indeed. However, I don’t think there’s room for us to work together. You are not my ideal collaborator,” Louis stated plainly.
Sylvia was mildly taken aback by his forthrightness. In the cutthroat world of business, she
had expected a more diplomatic approach, not such a direct rejection.
Sylvia’s smile didn’t falter in the least, which seemed to unsettle Louis. He had spoken his mind, so why wasn’t this woman getting angry? Her composure made it seem like his words
were a mere joke to her.
“I saw who your ideal partner is already, so your words aren’t surprising to me,” Sylvia calmly retorted. “But I find it quite astonishing since I haven’t even spoken a word to you upon coming here. To be honest, before today, I thought there might be a chance for us to collaborate. Now, it’s clear you’re not my ideal partner either.”
Sylvia sensed the bias Louis held against her, and his premeditated words. Why should she show him any kindness if he harbored such prejudice? He didn’t want to work with her, and the feeling was mutual–they were both not what the other was looking for.
“It seems what I’ve heard is true. They say the new Vice President of Ivan Group has sharp wits–just a few sentences is all it takes to get under someone’s skin. Has your way of doing things made enemies within your own clan?”
Sylvia didn’t miss the underlying skepticism in his voice about her capabilities, partly due to her gender. If there was a better partner here besides Cyril, it had to be her. But Louis’s remarks, one after another, were targeted at her, so naturally, Sylvia didn’t hesitate to poke at his sore spots.
“Internal matters of our clan aren’t your concern. As for someone who doesn’t even want to return to his own family, giving me advice feels rather meaningless.”
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Louis’s expression tightened. He hadn’t expected Sylvia to confront him like this.
“So, what if I haven’t returned to my family? Everything that I have…”
“You’re not going to claim that everything you have is the result of your own hard work, are you?” Sylvia cut him off. “Don’t forget, though you may go by Louis, your last name is Walker. Without that name above your head, do you think you would have had such a smooth ride? Even if you’ve had nonstop investment, success wouldn’t have come so easily.”
Those born into great families might venture out on their own, but they often carry the influence of their dynasty with them. His low profile couldn’t hide the advantages of his lineage–didn’t others notice?
Louis struggled to maintain his composure. He always believed his achievements were disconnected from his family background, yet Sylvia had just thrown that in his face, as if all his efforts over the years were nothing more than a joke.
“So you’re suggesting that everything I own is thanks to my family, is that it?”