“Manager Ted, do you think Coral and I make a good couple?”
“Not only a good couple but an absolutely perfect match! Mr. Antony, you are exceptionally handsome, and Coral is both elegant and beautiful. You two are a match made in heaven. If you get together, I can’t even imagine how many people will envy you. Moreover, your union signifies a powerful alliance between Wilde Jewelry Group and Starry Gem Jewelry, which is highly advantageous for the company’s future.”
Manager Ted was undoubtedly a master at laying on the flattery.
Antony found himself nodding in agreement with Manager Ted’s words. He saw the bigger picture here. Pursuing Coral wasn’t just about the company’s prospects; it was also about the background of her family. The Wilde family held significant influence in both the Langstel business and political circles, and even had connections in the military circles. Antony foresaw that if he could win Coral over and marry her, the resources of the William family would inevitably flow into his hands, potentially making him the head of the William family and the William Group in the not-so-distant future.
Moreover, on a personal level, ever since Antony had laid eyes on Coral, he had been utterly captivated. She was the woman of his dreams, the one who had stirred his emotions like no other.
So, Antony silently vowed that no matter what, he would win Coral.
There was a certain aspect of male psychology at play here. The more elusive something seemed, the more obsessively one pursued it, yearning to grasp it within their reach.
Antony composed himself and rang the doorbell.
Coral, from inside her house, spotted Antony through the peephole, as well as the roses in his hand. She instantly understood his purpose.
Initially, Coral had no intention of answering the door, but when she saw Leo drinking water, an idea struck her.
After sharing her plan with Leo, he couldn’t help but sigh. Was he destined to play the role of a boyfriend? First, he had posed as Rosemary’s boyfriend, and now it was Coral’s turn.
To make their act more convincing, Coral even asked Leo to take off his jacket and portray a freshly awakened look.
Antony rang the doorbell three times and straightened his clothes while holding the bouquet of roses, wearing what he considered a charming and gentle smile. He waited for the door to open.
The door swung open fairly quickly, revealing a man who appeared to have just woken up.
A man!
Coral’s room surprisingly contained a man!
Antony’s expression stiffened momentarily. When he got a clear look at Leo, his face turned dark. “It’s you!”
Antony had never imagined that his adversary, Leo, would be inside Coral’s home.
“Why can’t I be here?” Leo retorted. “Didn’t you see I just woke up?”
The comment about just waking up further soured Antony’s expression, and he clutched the bouquet tightly.
The fact that Leo had spent the night at Coral’s home was something Antony couldn’t tolerate.
Leo displayed an expression of annoyance and asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Darling, who’s here?” Coral, wearing slippers and pajamas, yawned as she emerged from inside.
Leo couldn’t help but marvel inwardly at her swiftness in changing her clothes and her remarkable acting skills.
Coral’s arrival momentarily eased Antony’s dark expression. He took a deep breath and struggled to control his anger.
“Mr. William, what brings you here?” Coral asked, raising her elegantly arched eyebrows.
Antony’s face put on a renewed smile, adopting a gentlemanly demeanor as he presented the bouquet of roses to Coral. “Coral, these are for you.”
Watching Antony’s swift change of expression, Leo’s mouth couldn’t help twitching. This guy’s acting was top-notch.
“Mr. William, how many times have I told you to address me by my full name or call me Miss Wilde? And please take your flowers back; I don’t like them,” Coral firmly declined.
Antony’s smile stiffened briefly, and he said, “It’s just a simple gift. I didn’t mean anything more by it.”
“If I say I don’t want it, I don’t want it. Why did you come to my house?” Coral’s expression turned colder.
Antony’s smile became increasingly awkward, and he turned to pass the roses to Manager Ted.
“There’s a matter to discuss. Some time ago, I proposed the idea of a cooperation agreement between our two companies. After several discussions between Manager Ted, your secretary, and others, we have reached a preliminary consensus. I’ve come today to finalize the details of this cooperation,” Antony said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, Coral nodded.
This project that Antony spoke of was indeed a win-win opportunity for both companies. The final details did require Coral’s approval.
After a moment’s thought, Coral said, “Mr. William, there’s no need to come to my house for finalizing the details. Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll have my secretary send me the proposal. We can meet at 2:30 PM today in the company’s conference room.”
“Very well.” With Coral’s decision, there wasn’t much more Antony could say, although he was far from pleased.
“By the way, if you don’t mind me asking, who is this?” Antony’s gaze shifted back to Leo.
In Antony’s recollection, Leo was merely the Chief Gemstone Appraiser at Wilde Jewelry Group.
Coral’s face blushed slightly, and she moved closer to Leo, casually taking hold of his arm. “He’s my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend?!” Antony’s face turned completely dark. “Wasn’t he your company’s gemstone appraiser? How did he become your boyfriend?”
Coral, with a touch of annoyance, huffed, “Mr. William, it’s my personal matter, and there’s no need to explain to you.”
“I don’t believe it. This guy is just your company’s gemstone appraiser. You’re still single, and you don’t need to use him as a shield,” Antony persisted.
Coral’s expression turned cold. “Believe it or not, Antony, my personal life is not your concern. I want to make it clear: there can be nothing between us.”
Antony unconsciously clenched his fist, his cold gaze fixed on Leo.
If looks could kill, Leo would have been struck down by Antony’s fiery gaze.