Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 116

Sanderson had been wheeling and dealing in the business world for years, his instincts honed to a razor’n edge. It didn’t take more than a glance for him to surmise there was something extraordinary about Everard. Everard carried himself with a grace and sophistication that simply couldn’t be bred in an average household. Moreover, there was a chilling aloofness to his demeanor that didn’t quite scream ‘boy–next–door.

Racking his brain, Sanderson couldn’t place who or what Everard might be, but he was determined to find out, ever at the risk of offending Everard. He couldn’t stand the thought of Cordelia being duped or taken advantage of.

Everard stood his ground, his deep eyes locked on Sanderson, clearly perceiving the wariness in Sanderson’s gaze.

“Tough nut to crack, Lia’s father,” Everard thought, letting his head droop slightly as he shed his usual cool exterior. With deference that seemed almost out of character, he said, “Mr. Delaney, I’m Cordella’s boyfriend, Everard Watkins.”

Sanderson wasn’t asking about that, though. Pursing his lips, he pressed on, “What’s your connection with Calvert, or should I say, with Bill?”

Everard wasn’t in the business of deceit. His lips parted slightly as he considered his response carefully, “We’ve worked together in the past.”

Sanderson raised an eyebrow, “Business partners?”

A nod from Everard, “Yes.”

Calvert, standing to the side, couldn’t help but twitch his lips in amusement. Yeah, business partners with Everard who even calls him ‘boss. Even Bill didn’t get that kind of treatment.

But Sanderson caught on to a particular word, ‘Past?”

Everard nodded again. The less said about his past identity, the better.

“And now?” Sanderson probed further.

“Now, I’m no longer with GoldGrasp Enterprises,” Everard revealed.

GoldGrasp Enterprises, Bill’s financial empire, with tendrils stretching across the nation.

“Why leave?” Sanderson blurted out instinctively.

Everard’s gaze grew distant, perhaps recalling past events, and he said with a touch of nostalgia, “GoldGrasp Enterprises didn’t need me anymore.”

Those words, together with Everard’s melancholic and somewhat defeated air, led Sanderson to misinterpret.

He knew all too well the struggles of starting a business, having built one from the ground up with partners, only to step away due to differing visions and the desire not to sever ties with friends.

who seemed reluctant to discuss

Midnight Scent, seemingly lacking ambition. Had his spirit been crushed, leaving him

the most logical

sum,

attire.

was hard to picture someone

Everard’s place upon his arrival in Greenmeadow, perhaps it

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Chapter 116

debt?

“Everyone hits a rough patch, but that’s the time to rise up, not to fall into apathy.

It seemed he had been somewhat misunderstood.

misunderstanding had clearly worked in his favor, elevating Sanderson’s opinion of him.

his earlier reverie turning to sorrow as he asked softly,

Sanderson nodded firmly.

his expression one of admiration, “Could I seek advice

of an elder, Sanderson

my company needs office supplies, and you can’t turn

then realized, “Your company

kept the transaction anonymous out of respect for Everard’s pride. He patted Everard’s shoulder again, “Opening Midnight Scent will only make you complacent. If you’re ready to get

“I’m thinking of taking a bit more time off,

beamed, thoroughly enjoying their

control of GoldGrasp Enterprises to avoid the hassle of management and refused even

word got out, Bill might just storm over in a

found himself cornered by guests, “Mr. Wallace, it’s a pleasure,

Calvert claiming Everard was his friend, Hackett had stuck by Calvert’s side, leaving Everard to take

the picture, others

admiration grew

called, and he excused himself to mingle with

Cordelia and Loma still seated on the couch, with Everard nowhere in sight.

from her math

through the entire

he chose to sit next to Cordelia, finding

type who’d be drawn to the hustle of