Facade of Love

Chapter 204 Charlie Joins the Scene

Mid–sentence, the private room’s door swung open, and in walked an older guy who looked like he was pushing fifty. I recognized him–it was Klaus Lowry, the big shot in charge of Lake City’s economic game plan.

He came in with a grin. “No drinks today? Idris, you call me out for a meal and expect me to stay sober? I braved an earful from your aunt for this. If we’re not clinking glasses, I’m outta here.”

Then he spotted me, paused for a beat, then said, “You must be Yvette.”

I popped up to say hi. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Lowry.” I knew Klaus was tight with the Youngs, though we had never actually crossed paths before.

Klaus gave a nod and a smile, waved me back to my seat, and settled in himself. Turning to Idris, he teased, “You didn’t drag me here just to keep me from drinking, did you?”

Idris, usually all business, cracked a rare smile. “We’ll drink, sure, but let’s get down to business first. Then, it’s cheers all around.”

The ‘we‘ was clearly me and Klaus.

Klaus gave me a look and chuckled. “Yvette, can you believe it? I haven’t gotten this guy to share a drink in years, and the one time he does, it’s all for you. You must have him wrapped around your little finger.

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say to that, so I just offered him a small smile and

we’ve got to talk shop before I can even think about having a drink tonight.” He leaned in, getting down to business. “I’ve chatted with Idris about Scott Corporation before, but you know, Lake City’s got a ton of big players, and there’s a whole lineup vying for those Avaloria projects. Have you got a bid or a game plan ready? Fill me in, so I know what we’re dealing with. We’re talking mega–bucks here, projects that’ll shape the future of Lake City. Personally, with the rapport I’ve got with the Youngs, I’d sign off on this in a heartbeat for you. But this is big league stuff, so it’s not just up to me. You’ve

the message loud and clear. Every major player in Lake City, and even some from out of town and abroad, was eyeing these projects.

rundown on Scott Corporation’s edge and the bid strategy Maxwell had whipped up. He listened, nodding thoughtfully, then paused to exchange a glance with Idris.” Here’s the deal.” he said. “The Avaloria projects are massive. Handing them all to Scott Corporation? With where you stand right now, especially financially,

was facing a behemoth of a deal, tens of billions big, and there was no way they could tackle it alone. I nodded in agreement and said to Mr. Lowry, “You’re right. We only aimed to snag a couple of projects

clear in his eyes. “Yvette,

Charlie Joins the

we would not be in this bind. But it’s the web of connections between

words hung in the air, heavy with implication: if we could not handle it all,

Corporation just did not have the

silence, his voice tinged with urgency. “Isn’t

revealing, “Well, there is one option, but it’s something you’d need to work out behind the scenes.

companies teaming up?

over at Idris. He seemed to freeze for a second before dropping a bombshell. “Young Corporation is out. Grandma’s pulled