My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 96 Let's Play A Game

Jacob

"So, Mr. Jonathan, any other concerns on your mind? Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" I asked, a faint chuckle escaping my lips as I regarded the bald-headed British man seated across from me. It seemed he harboured grand hopes concerning Chloe-likely hoping to settle down with her.

But did he truly know that she wasn't one to settle? Certainly not.

Or else why would he be here to satisfy her whims?

"As I mentioned, Mr. Adriano, I don't see the profitability in having my funds tied up in your ongoing projects. Our agreement was clear: It stipulated the prompt release of my funds upon request, and I anticipate a seamless resolution from your end."

"Of course, I can arrange the return of your funds. However, if I may ask," I maintained a composed demeanour, holding back my smile, "Is profitability the sole concern here? Because I suspect there's more to your decision than meets the eye. It's Chloe, isn't it?"

He appeared taken aback by my directness, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his face. He was past the age to chase after someone like Chloe, yet here he was, grasping onto her with all his might-such was Jonathan-a pervert. The rumors about his history of abandoning ventures due to his pursuit of young women seemed more plausible now. The recent magazine exposé featuring him cavorting with numerous young women aboard a Mediterranean yacht now seemed entirely real.

Someone had said it right: Women could always be destruction if not distraction.

Jonathan here, I forgot to mention, was a spectacle indeed-adorned with wrinkles traversing his face, a gleaming bald head, oversized spectacles perched low, and a portly belly walking ahead of him with each step.

"Mr. Adriano, I—"

"Relax, Jonathan. It's all right. We've all been there," I intervened, taking a sip of my coffee. "Women have a way of pushing us into uncharted territories. I understand, but Chloe? Are you certain you're willing to risk this deal for her? Because I doubt she'll stick around once this chapter closes. I can get back what I'll lose from this deal but do you think you'd get such an opportunity again? Or possibly another deal with my company?"

"What?" His disbelief was palpable.

Poor man. He really thought Chloe would stick with him till the end...

"Yes, Jonathan. I've known Chloe for quite some time. She might not have mentioned it, but we fucked a long time ago, and to be frank, it wasn't even that good. Considering how remarkable and handsome you are, surely, you could find better women. What's gotten into you?" I questioned. "Look at yourself—you have wealth, charisma, everything a woman could desire. So why squander it on someone like Chloe, who won't stand by you in the long run?"

I noticed a glimmer of pride rekindling within him as a spark flickered in his eyes. "You think so?" Adjusting his tie, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and I had to suppress my amusement as I observed him.

Fucking idiot.

"Absolutely," I reassured him, "You still got looks of those youthful men that women would swoon over. Your age is a mystery to anyone who doesn't know it. Why waste such an advantageous deal on Chloe when you could have your pick of hundreds?"

right now, he was a crucial potential investor for the Nova Cascade Apartments project. If he backed out, it'd put me in a tight spot,

noted his adjustment of the tie, a glint of pride evident in his demeanor. "I shouldn't let someone like her sway such a significant deal. God, you

your old-arse for my

to us. Who wouldn't want to age as gracefully as

no problem," he chuckled as he rose from his seat. "So, the deal's

a handshake. "Glad to have you back. Let's aim

make that happen," he replied with a crooked

Construction is resuming soon, and we've already secured a few bookings, along with models of our buildings. I could send them over for your review

this," he assured. "Keep up the good work. I'll

he exited the office, leaving me to lean back in my chair, idly

than anticipated. I pondered what Chloe's reaction would be once she discovered her intentions

was proving far more entertaining

hear the news, and most importantly, relieved. I had sensed her concern, and even though I could have postponed dealing with Jonathan, I chose to wrap it up today to erase any worry lines from

be the reason behind that smile, not the cause of

my train of

smile naturally formed on my

I answered

"Hey, any updates?"

had suspected-she was

referring to?" I held back

know what I'm

And fuck... Even when irritated, she was undeniably adorable; everything about her was just too perfect. "Just

what?"

"Jacob!"

me. "I've handled the situation with

her release a sigh of relief

teased. "You looked pale as if you'd seen a ghost

was worried but

regretted not being there to witness it. "Try shoving something

that. I had been hard on her last night, but partly it was her fault-she was too sexy. All the

the

thanks," she retorted sarcastically. "So, when are you coming back? I'm