Chapter 79
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Trenton frowned, holding Kristina’s hand. “You promised you wouldn’t leave me again. What happened to that?”
Kristina smiled teasingly. “It’s just for a few hours. This job is important, but I’ll be back soon. I’ll make it worth your while, I promise.” She fluttered her eyelashes, looking charming and mischievous.
Trenton wasn’t exactly sure what she meant by “make it worth your while,” but he figured it couldn’t be bad. He nodded, reluctantly agreeing.
Yasmine stood nearby, watching the whole thing with a mix of amusement and surprise. She couldn’t believe how Trenton, who usually seemed so tough, could be so sweet and clingy–almost like a kid.
After sending Yasmine home with the driver, Kristina caught a taxi to the club for her meet–up.
In the swanky top–floor suite, a sharp–looking guy in a cream–colored, vintage–embroidered suit was waiting. He had an old–money vibe.
On the table in front of him sat a fancy redwood box, intricately carved, with a Bloodroot inside.
Kristina felt like she’d seen him somewhere before but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. She gave him a polite smile and took a seat across from
him.
“Ms. Bentley, I figured the Bloodroot would catch your eye,” he said, his tone casual.
“This Bloodroot is supposed to be a game–changer. Mr. McClain was in a coma for a while, and even though he’s awake now, his body’s still recovering.
“This’ll help him bounce back,” the guy explained, his voice smooth and friendly. He kept smiling, but his eyes were cold and unreadable.
Kristina saw he was trying to win her over. Business was about give and take, and Bloodroot was valuable. She’d need to offer something valuable in return. “So, what project are you eyeing for this partnership?” she asked.
“I’m curious about that mountain you bought. I was thinking we could dive deeper into the details,” he said.
“The mountain?” Kristina’s eyes widened a bit. She’d assumed he’d be after the McClain family’s main project, but she hadn’t expected him to zero in on the mountain she’d just picked up.
“I still don’t know who I’m dealing with,” she said, crossing her arms. “I’m not exactly in the market for partners right now, but I’m not ruling it out completely.”
The man chuckled. “Troy Lambert,” he said, introducing himself.
Kristina raised an eyebrow, realizing she was sitting across from someone pretty important. She’d heard of him before–back when she was someone else.
The Lambert family used to be just another wealthy family, but they’d skyrocketed to the top five richest in Avalis. Word was that Troy was the mastermind behind their rise.
Kristina knew the Lamberts hadn’t made their big breakthrough yet, and Troy was still a total enigma. That made her extra careful.
She’d had Austin quietly buy the mountain, but somehow Troy had found out. It gave her the creeps. She wondered if he had been watching her all along.
Noticing her guarded look, Troy smiled warmly and offered a peace offering. “I’d like to partner with you on that mountain, Ms. Bentley. I’ve had my eye on it and had the funds to buy it, but you got there first.
“I’ll put up 15 million and fund half the project. In return, I’d like half the mountain.”
Kristina nodded, her smile hinting at her thoughts. “Sounds fair. At first glance, it looks like a good deal from you, Mr. Lambert,” she said, keeping her tone neutral.
Troy leaned back in his chair. “Partnerships are all about both sides winning. Nobody’s getting the short end of the stick here,” he said. “Truth is, I’m hoping to piggyback on your success and make a little extra. Here’s to a smooth partnership.”
With a wave of his hand, his assistant brought out wine and dice cups. “I saw your skills at the casino last time. Mind showing them off again today?” he asked, his voice tinged with excitement.
Kristina smiled but kept her hands to herself. “Mr. Lambert, you might be jumping the gun–I haven’t agreed to any partnership yet.
“Bloodroot is valuable, but it’s not enough to make me give up half the mountain. When you have something more worthwhile to offer, give me a
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Chapter 79
call then.”
Kristina knew the mountain was packed with rare herbs, but in her past life, most of them had been destroyed by the time she got to them.
Now, though, there was still time–and she might find herbs that could help Trenton, herbs even more valuable than Bloodroot.
Troy nodded and motioned to his assistant, who stepped forward with another box.
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