The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 76

This might have made Xanthe beam with joy; if it weren't so quiet around, she would have clapped her thighs in excitement. "Oh right! How did I not think of that? I need to ask my dad!" With that, Xanthe dashed off to find Enrique. Before long, Xanthe, who had just left smiling, returned with a serious expression. Shakira asked her, "What did your dad say?"

"My dad just got the news too. The Nelson family and the Smith family were getting along just fine, but then the other night, Finn personally met with Lago and suddenly decided to back out of the deal, even paying a penalty fee. But the Nelson family had put in a bid themselves, so they just happened to be in the right place at the right time." Shakira was surprised too. They had just canceled the partnership two days ago. Did they discover something they hadn't noticed before? But then again, if they had noticed something, why not just drop Lago's project team instead? ing, it seemed more like they couldn't stand each other. Shakira thought about it and saw Arturo in the front row turn slightly to share a glance with Lago. Lago, without hesitation, flashed a smile, and when Arturo looked away, Lago puffed ant!" Xanthe spat "Whether the Nelson family and the Smith family work together or not, they're still Yvette's parents." As soon as she said that, her expression changed slightly as she glanced at Shakira. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by that, I just- Shakira's expression didn't change. "You're right, they are her parents, but I wonder who she really favors."

But looking at how t

out his chest, look hings were going. I

"Ugh, what a sycophant!" Xanthe spat

Xanthe thought for a moment and blurted out, "She probably leans towards the Nelson family, since they've been together for over ten years."

Shakira just smiled without saying anything.

At that moment, Lago looked over at her. His expression twisted into something fierce and threatening, as if he wanted to swallow her whole.

just

even glance at him

turned back.

has nine lives!" Lago hissed, each word dripping

sitting next to him, looked anxious and muttered, "How did she get a ticket in the audience? I

"What if she she did I something sneaky

did? That clueless little blonde can't do anything to me. Who would she rely on? That useless heir from the Lopez family?" Lago scoffed. "Mr. Joyce already told me we're practically guaranteed to win

is so clueless. Once our family gets even bigger and better, he'll be begging me to collaborate, and

someone to teach Shakira a lesson would get Finn's attention? Yvette already told me Finn

do? Just because they have money doesn't mean they can win this bidding!" Lago's expression was wild with excitement. "If he won't work with us, I won't even care! Luckily, I have a lot of connections and managed to scrape together funding. As long as we get through this phase, all the profits from the project will be ours!" The host on stage finished explaining the bidding rules and the meeting etiquette, and then they moved on to

for-the bid announcement. The supervising staff opened the sealed bid documents and announced the contents aloud,

shortly after the bidding session began. She looked at Shakira in front of her, who was wide awake and paying close attention. Curiously, she

sigh of relief. "At least Yvette's not here; otherwise, I'd really embarrass myself." family is the main event today" Xanthe still seemed uninterested. She didn't quite get why Shakira was so eager. It felt like she was absolutely sure the Smith family would lose badly this

need t to worry; the

bid announcements continued on stage, and Shakira paid special attention. The first bidder was an established construction company, the second was the Sullivan family, and then it

Nelson family's qualifications were outstanding and and matched the first two bidders. Then came the Smith family, who had slightly-less favorable conditions but offered a

price... Suddenly, Shakira opened her eyes wide. Their quoted price was a full ten million less than the Smith family's. Her eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe it. In the past, they lost out because their price was higher. Shakira abruptly turned to look at at Lago's direction. The project manager for their bid was sitting right next

linked arms with the manager, and the two of them were laughing loudly, as if they already knew they were the big winners before the evaluation even