At that thought, Alex glanced toward Luke.

Jordan let out a hearty laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “Drinking with a cold really isn’t a good idea.” He gave a subtle nod to his secretary, who was still holding the wine bottle, signaling her to step back. Dominic obviously wasn’t here to entertain anyone’s power plays. Samuel would eventually retire, and when that day came, Dominic would hold the reins at Tavian Group. Offending him now wouldn’t be wise.

Agreeing to help Austin today served two purposes for Jordan: one, to do the Sowle family a favor, and two, to get a read on Dominic’s approach to business.

“If you were bringing guests, Mr. Aldridge, it would’ve been better to let me know in advance.” Dominic smiled politely, but the frost in his eyes said otherwise.

Jordan pretended not to notice, still wearing a friendly expression. “I meant to, but I was afraid you wouldn’t come. Mr. Sowle’s been so worried about the project he’s lost weight over it.”

With the cue handed to him, Bustin Quieldy chimed in. “Mr. Reid, about the loan for the project—I’m hoping you’ll give us another chance.”

“I understand there were some incidents before that raised concerns,” Dominic said, “but I assure you, none of that will affect the progress of the project. Mr. Munoz and I will make sure everything stays on track.”

Dominic intoned quietly, his expression unreadable. He picked up his cup of tea, took a slow sip, and looked down at the clear liquid. His tone was glacial as he quipped, “Mr. Manor, nothing to say?”

As he spoke, his eyes lifted, cool and sharp, and focused right on Luke. A subtle but palpable tension filled the air. Dominic’s gaze felt like a cold accusation. The coldness between them seemed to ignite something volatile—like sparks crackling in the air. Everyone around the table grew uneasy.

Austin, in particular, was on edge, fearing Luke might lose it and flip the table. He reached over and pressed a firm hand to Luke’s shoulder, saying, “Luke, just ride it through.” He squeezed Luke’s shoulder with a hint of force, implying that this project was important, and he couldn’t blow it.

Luke finally looked away from Dominic. He shifted his gaze to Vespera and stared deeply into her eyes. There seemed to be a trace of hurt in his…

Chapter 140

It felt like Luke was being accused, and that he was demanding an explanation. It was as if Vespera had scammed him for both love and money, then abandoned him heartlessly and ran off into Dominic’s arms without looking back.

Vespera was rendered speechless. She looked at him calmly, as if she were staring at a slow-witted child.

At last, Luke dragged his gaze away from her and turned to Dominic. “What Mr. Sowle said…is also what I want to say.” His face remained cold and proud, but the strain in his voice revealed just how hard he was trying to hold himself together.

Dominic’s eyes gleamed with faint amusement. “And what exactly did Mr. Sowle say? Sorry, I have a terrible memory. Mind repeating it for me, Mr. Munoz?”

Luke stayed silent but clenched his fists. Beg Dominic? Not a chance. He shot to his feet, ready to walk out. Austin quickly stood and grabbed his arm, signaling him to calm down with a look.

Then, Alex stepped in to mediate. “Mr. Reid, the project’s been re-evaluated, and there’s no problem with it.”

“I’m sure Mr. Reid Senior wouldn’t disagree with your decision. Look, both Mr. Sowle and Mr. Munoz came today with sincerity. Why not give them a chance?”

“Sincerity?” Dominic echoed, his gaze falling on Luke, who was still being held back by Austin. He shook his head. “I don’t see any.”

Luke was furious. It looked like he might actually flip the table, so Austin had no choice but to drag him out of the private room for now.

Inside, Jordan had seen through the whole thing—Dominic was clearly toying with Luke, probably because of Vespera. So, even he couldn’t resist a beautiful face. However, Jordan didn’t mind. A tricky man was fine. What mattered was that he wasn’t undefeatable.

Vespera was undeniably stunning, but beautiful women weren’t exactly in short supply. If Dominic were the type who enjoyed pretty women, it would make things easier for Jordan. He had no shortage of stunning women to offer.

“Mr. Munoz really doesn’t know how to read the room,” Jordan said, feigning annoyance. Then, he gave Serena a subtle look and said, “Mr. Reid’s teacup is empty. Why hasn’t it been refilled? Haven’t you been paying attention either?”

Serena got the message. As she stood up, she flicked her hair and added a seductive sway to her steps as she picked up the teapot and started walking over.

Dominic lifted a hand. “No need. We came here to eat, not to drown in tea.”

Jordan looked a little disappointed. So, not his type. Everyone picked up their cutlery.