172 Chapter 172 Business Leverage
172 Chapter 172 – Business Leverage
Dario complied, and Marco’s proposition unfolded exactly as predicted.
More importantly, she now controlled the situation. The power dynamic had shifted decisively in her favor.
The conversation ended, and Dario erupted into triumphant laughter, slapping the desk with glee. “God, that felt incredible!”
The prospect of a call from Cullen actually intrigued Dario. Yet as the day progressed, that particular call never materialized.
Marco recognized the competitive landscape surrounding their venture. Investors were practically fighting for consideration, giving Dario considerable leverage.
She smiled genuinely. “That sounds wonderful.”
Veronica understood the real source of his irritation. Maverick’s obvious attraction to
Niall had always been a sore spot. Yet she remained unmoved by such petty concerns.
“Understood. I’ll await your call.”
Turning back to Veronica, he shook his head in disbelief. “Maverick and Marco having early access makes sense given their family connections. But the Lockers?”
Dario’s earlier satisfaction curdled into disgust. Yet he recognized that Veronica likely felt even worse about the situation.
DataPulse and Stellar operated in the same sector, making them natural competitors. Yet competition didn’t preclude collaboration entirely. Their current projects offered numerous opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Veronica understood his implication immediately. Either Cullen or Marco had
provided the tip, both having obvious motivations for keeping Niall’s family informed.
“Understood.” A bit of attitude was acceptable, but serious business decisions demanded rationality over emotion.
His laughter gradually faded as a new thought occurred to him. “Do you think Cullen might pursue a partnership as well?”
12:53
172 Chapter 172 – Business Loverage
Instead, his phone rang repeatedly with partnership proposals from various interested parties. Cullen’s silence became increasingly conspicuous.
The business world operated on its own twisted logic. Doran held connections that could make or break deals, and naturally, he would tip the scales in favor of his allies. This unspoken rule of high society had long since ceased to surprise Dario.
Just as the workday neared its end, an unfamiliar number appeared on his screen. After a moment’s hesitation, he answered.
“My availability remains uncertain. Should my schedule clear, I’ll reach out immediately.”
“I’m traveling for business currently,” Marco explained after outlining his proposal. “I’ll return to Porter tomorrow around noon. Would dinner tomorrow evening work for
you?”
Dario’s grin turned sharp. “Marco.”
Marco rarely initiated contact with him under normal circumstances. The timing was too convenient to be coincidental. The Valerie family wielded considerable influence across political and military circles, ensuring their access to insider information rivaled that of the Harris.
Isaac’s pitch followed the predictable pattern. Dario responded with practiced diplomacy. “I appreciate your interest, Mr. Crystal. Should your proposal align with our requirements, we’ll certainly give it proper consideration.”
Veronica couldn’t suppress her own amusement.
Other parties deserved professional consideration despite personal grievances. The Crystal family, however, merited no such courtesy.
Dario’s response dripped with polite indifference. “Your interest is appreciated, Mr. Valerie. However, our project remains in preliminary stages, and current obligations will prevent me from meeting tomorrow. Perhaps another time.”
Contrary to his assumption, Veronica felt remarkably untroubled. She had made with these dynamics long ago. Those people no longer possessed the ability to destabilize her emotional equilibrium.
peace
Still, declining Dario’s generous offer seemed ungracious.
12:53
2/4
172 Chapter 172–Business Leverage
Her tone stayed measured and professional. “The project’s success and our profit margins take precedence. Personal feelings are irrelevant.
Doran had crossed her path once before. While his motives remained questionable, Malcolm’s respect for him spoke volumes about his character and reliability.
Veronica’s lips curved upward. “Fair enough.” His satisfaction was harmless enough to indulge.
Together, they departed for their well–deserved celebration.
“Thursday, then?”
Dario froze mid–step. He pulled the phone away, meeting Veronica’s eyes. “Isaac Crystal.”
They had barely resumed their discussion when his phone interrupted them again. The caller’s identity painted a mixture of contempt and smug pleasure across his features.
His tone softened with concern. “Come on. Your senior’s doing well financially. Let me treat you to something extravagant.”
Isaac possessed enough intelligence to recognize diplomatic evasion when he heard it. Dario’s words sounded encouraging on the surface, but their sincerity was questionable at best.
A heavy sigh escaped Dario. “You’re right.” The admission came reluctantly, more of an emotional release than genuine disagreement.
“Most certainly.”
Marco’s treatment of Veronica had always been deplorable. While dismissing Cullen’s legitimate wife, he had embraced Niall with open arms, treating the mistress as family. In Dario’s judgment, Marco’s behavior was even more reprehensible than Maverick’s.
Veronica didn’t need to guess. “Another familiar face?”
He clenched his jaw, frustration bleeding into his voice. “We could use additional partners for the expansion, but Maverick makes my skin crawl.”
His expression shifted to something almost predatory. “Fortunately, we’re not actively seeking investors yet. Let him sweat it out for a while.”
12:53
172 Chapter 172 Business Loverage
He attempted to arrange a dinner meeting, but Dario deflected with claims of scheduling conflicts before ending the call abruptly.
Dario sought her approval with a glance. “Should I take it?”
Years of friendship had taught Dario to read her unspoken communications perfectly.
“Partnership proposal?”
“Mr. Reid, I presume? This is Isaac Crystal, Niall’s father.”
Returning the phone to his ear, he forced warmth into his voice while his eyes remained glacial. “Mr. Crystal. How may I assist you?”
The Crystal family remained relative newcomers to Porter’s social hierarchy, still struggling to establish their position. Their rapid acquisition of insider information suggested outside assistance.
“Answer it,” Veronica instructed. She refused to let personal animosity compromise their business strategy.
Veronica’s expression remained neutral, but her silence spoke volumes.
Veronica’s response remained characteristically level. “I couldn’t say. Our focus should remain on the project’s merits. Personal history is secondary.”
Comment 0
12:53
