Chapter 698

Edward gave a faint smile. “It’s a tender from a domestic yacht club. We’re looking to create three luxury yachts, each with its own unique style. Two have already been snapped up by top hotel brands, but the last one is still searching for a partner. Your hotel group isn’t nationwide yet, but if you land this deal, it’s basically free global publicity for your brand.”

I stared at him in shock. I never imagined I’d get a shot at an ultra-luxury partnership like this.

But this really was an incredible opportunity to get my hotel brand out there.

“Edward, can you actually make the final call on this?” I asked, genuinely curious.

Edward’s eyes glimmered for a moment. “Absolutely. If you want this project, I can skip the bidding process and give it straight to you.”

My eyes lit up with excitement. “Seriously? Then I’d love to take it!”

Edward immediately pulled out a contract. “All the details are in here. Take your time – no need to rush your decision. You can go back and talk it over with Mr. Holcomb, then just let me know.”

I took the contract and started poring over the details.

Meanwhile, Edward sipped his champagne at a relaxed pace.

Sure, the contract had some pretty high standards, but compared to the kind of budget they were throwing at this, that was nothing. With that much money, you could pile on all the bells and whistles of luxury imaginable.

Besides, the courses I took while studying abroad actually touched on this kind of project.

If I wanted to take the hotel business to the next level, it was only natural to level up from mid-range to high-end. Only by getting the brand out there could we really grab a bigger share of the market, fast.

“Alright, I’ll talk to Jared about it when I get back,” I nodded.

Who would’ve thought that going abroad for further studies would help me score a deal like this? Honestly, if it weren’t for my relationship with Edward, this never would’ve happened.

Connections and resources aren’t something you have to fight tooth and nail for. Sometimes, a big shot just says the word and a company rises or falls. One wave of their hand, and the whole industry trembles.

From the moment I left behind the life of a housewife and stepped into the business world, I knew exactly how things worked.

Resources and connections are what really let you climb high. You can work your heart out and have all the talent in the world, but without the right chance, it’s hard to show what you’re truly worth.

“If Ryan calls you, just tell him I was the one who went after you,” Edward said, putting down his glass and meeting my gaze.

I froze. How did he even know Ryan called me?

Is he monitoring my calls or something?

“Will he be mad?” I asked, worried.

Edward replied coolly, “I spelled it out for him back when you two were together, but neither of you listened – you just kept insisting on being together. Ryan’s been carrying guilt about you ever since he got married. Will he be mad? Of course. But being mad won’t change a thing.”

“Isn’t this a bit too cruel for him?” I sighed. “You’re his uncle, and I’m his ex. To him, it must feel like two of the people he trusted most are betraying him. If someone doesn’t have a tough heart, how are they supposed to handle that kind of blow?”

Edward’s expression darkened, and his voice carried a hint of irritation. “You feel sorry for him?”

“It’s not about feeling sorry. I’m just being realistic,” I replied.

“I wish he wouldn’t take love so seriously. He should be more like my father – putting the family’s interests first,” Edward said coolly. “Love is just going to hold him back.”

His words sent a chill down my spine. I stared straight into Edward’s eyes. “Edward, are you with me just to use me as his stepping stone?”

My words clearly caught him off guard – he shot me a startled look.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “If I guessed right, it’s no big deal. Doesn’t bother me at all.”

Edward’s brows knitted together. He stepped behind me and pulled me into a gentle hug. “Don’t overthink it. That’s not it at all.”

“As long as you can be a real support for my career, and be there for me when I need help, that’s all I really ask. As for the rest…”

“Victoria,” Edward interrupted me, “if I was only with you to toughen Ryan up, I never would have wanted to take things this far with you.”

He lowered his head to my shoulder, his voice husky. “Only after loving someone do you realize how fierce those feelings can be. I’m sorry – before this, I honestly didn’t know what it meant to truly love someone.”

I turned my head and gently stroked the back of his neck. “Edward, I don’t blame you for anything.”