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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that, so I just offered him a small smile and played it off.” You’re

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,

was eyeing these projects. If snagging them was a cakewalk,

Klaus the 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.

said to Mr. Lowry, “You’re right. We only aimed to snag a couple of projects in Avaloria. What if we let Scott Corporation take the lead on the

dilemma clear in his eyes. “Yvette,

Charlie Joins the

web of connections

the air, heavy with implication: if we could not handle

fell silent, mulling over the predicament. Scott Corporation just did not have the capacity to

his voice tinged with

“Well, there is one option, but it’s something you’d need to work out behind the scenes. We’ve talked it over, and if two companies could team

companies teaming

He seemed to freeze for a second before dropping a bombshell. “Young Corporation is out. Grandma’s pulled our stakes in construction investments. We’re not getting