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?"

for the Nova Cascade Apartments project. If he backed out, it'd put me in a tight spot, something I definitely didn't need, especially with Evelyn here for the first time. I wanted to focus more on her

a glint of pride evident in his demeanor. "I shouldn't let someone like her sway such a significant

up your old-arse for

you are an inspiration to us. Who wouldn't want to

chuckled as he

offering a handshake. "Glad to have you back. Let's aim for the profit margins to

happen," he replied with a crooked smile, shaking my hand. "So, the deal's

already secured a few bookings, along

"Keep up the good work. I'll transfer the funds this evening; no need to delay

my chair, idly spinning the paperweight while a faint chuckle escaped me, "God....these

pondered what Chloe's reaction would be once she discovered her

proving far more entertaining than I'd

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

behind that smile, not the cause

phone interrupted my train of thought, Evelyn's number flashing across the

naturally formed on my

I answered her

"Hey, any updates?"

I had

you referring to?" I held back my laugh

what I'm asking,

evident in her tone. And fuck... Even when irritated, she was undeniably adorable; everything about her was just too perfect.

you what?"

"Jacob!"

"I've handled the situation with

sigh of relief before she spoke, "Thank

you'd seen a ghost when I left for the

I was worried but I

with you trying to-well, you know, she shot back. I could imagine her blushing, and I regretted not being there to witness it. "Try

her last night, but partly it was her fault-she was too sexy. All the fucking

take the blame

sarcastically. "So, when are you coming back? I'm feeling