Chapter 704:

Watching the intense exchange, Victoria smirked. “Interesting turn of events,” she commented. “But let’s remember why I’m here—to talk about the partnership.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, leaving Pearce visibly confused. “Excuse me, did you mention… a partnership?”

Victoria nodded. “Yes. Elyse gave me a promising response, so I’m here to explore that possibility.”

After a moment’s thought, Pearce, puzzled, asked, “What did Elyse discuss with you at the banquet?”

Victoria was taken aback. “She didn’t tell you?”

Pearce shook his head. He had tried to ask Elyse, but her responses were evasive.

Victoria explained, “She apologized for Rickey and mentioned things that helped me move past it.”

Suddenly, it clicked for Pearce. He remembered Elyse’s frequent mentions of wishes and regrets. Perhaps meeting Victoria was one of them?

Victoria laughed, recalling the day. She had aimed a gun at Elyse’s waist; Elyse showed no fear, meeting her gaze. The first time Victoria met Rickey, she had aimed a gun at his head. Rickey begged for mercy relentlessly. Interestingly, Victoria’s gun was fake then, but real when pointed at Elyse.

Victoria saw similarities between Rickey and Elyse, yet Elyse possessed unique qualities. This partly explained why Victoria hadn’t pulled the trigger.

Laughing, Victoria said, “Pearce, your cousin is one of a kind. I’m open to a partnership, all thanks to her.”

Pearce was astounded. He hadn’t anticipated Elyse playing such a role in securing a significant project in her short time in Cambape.

Felicia, restless, urgently asked, “Didn’t Elyse badmouth Thea when she met you?”

Victoria looked confused and asked Pearce, “What do you mean?”

Pearce shook his head.

Forrest intervened, clarifying for Felicia. “Thea Benson? She’s a bootlicker. I’m bored of her, so I drove her away.”

Felicia didn’t believe him. “Are you sure this has nothing to do with Elyse?”

Forrest raised an eyebrow. “At the banquet, Elyse spoke with my mother. I barely spoke to her.”

Felicia was stunned. She realized she might have misjudged Elyse.

Unaware of the tension, Victoria said, “Elyse is more admirable than her father. Let’s share a meal when we can. I’d like to know her better.”

Pearce nodded. “Absolutely. Once Elyse finishes her competition, I’ll arrange it.”

Victoria was curious. “Competition? What kind? Can I watch?”

“Definitely. I’ll arrange it.” Pearce realized involving Elyse was key to bridging the gap with the Bentley family.

With Victoria interested in Elyse, Pearce was happy to help.