“Sir, don’t you want to answer your phone that’s been ringing incessantly?”
Edward glanced briefly at his phone, which had been lying on his desk. Despite Axel’s reminder for the second time, Edward showed no interest in picking it up, especially knowing that it was Julia who had been calling.
“Just leave it. Let’s finish discussing the construction of the latest mall network in Switzerland first.”
Axel nodded, not wanting to argue. He refocused on the graph displayed on his boss’s laptop screen, providing explanations and calculations to Edward, who was waiting for his report.
“The top executives of Nebula want this mall we’re building to be connected to both the apartment complex and a five-star hotel. And since yesterday, there have been several investors who have submitted offers.”
Then Axel reached for another folder he had placed on Edward’s desk. Opening it, he showed it to his boss.
“These are all the investors who are valid and have confirmed participation in the tender. You should know that Bvlgari has submitted the highest bid among all the other companies.”
Edward looked up, narrowing his eyes.
“Bvlgari? Do you mean Kairos’s property network?”
Axel nodded.
“Yes, Sir. It seems your friend is very committed to partnering with our company.”
“Darn!”
Instead of being pleased, Edward cursed. Axel was even confused by the reaction his boss was displaying.
Usually, big entrepreneurs would be delighted to find investors who were willing to commit large amounts of capital to a business venture. But why was Edward doing the opposite?
“What’s wrong, Sir? Is something amiss?”
Edward shook his head.
“Actually, nothing’s wrong. It’s just that I’m annoyed with Kairos’s behavior, as if he’s deliberately trying to flaunt his wealth to me.”
Axel reflexively laughed. Regardless, he admitted that Edward’s friend was indeed famously wealthy, especially since his hotel network had been widespread for a long time.
“I think you should accept this offer. Moreover, it’s very beneficial for our mall to be alongside Bvlgari’s hotel and apartment. It’s exactly like what your father did when he merged Alphabeta with Four Seasons.”
Edward couldn’t deny that. In the past, his father had done the same thing, deliberately merging the company with Kairos’s father. And as a result, both of them had built a business empire that couldn’t be underestimated.
“Alright. I’ll think about this offer carefully.”
“If you agree, I’ll schedule a two-day visit to Switzerland for the day after tomorrow.” Then Axel handed another folder for Edward to review. “And this is Mr. Alex’s financial report that you requested. I’ve checked it. But, it seems there’s nothing suspicious.”
Edward grabbed the folder given by Axel. He initially wanted to read it right away. But once again, his phone started ringing.
“It seems this time you should answer your wife’s call, Sir. I think there’s something important that Mrs. Julia wants to convey since she’s been calling you repeatedly. As for the financial report, you can review it again at home or tomorrow when you have free time.”
Edward nodded slowly. As he bid farewell to Axel, who left the room, he lazily answered Julia’s call.
“Hello?”
“Darling.”
Initially, the call sounded affectionate. But, after a few seconds, it turned into a frustrated sigh followed by a scolding. “Why haven’t you contacted me at all for the past week? Don’t you miss me at all?”
Edward took a breath. While tidying up his desk, he casually answered Julia’s question.
“I’ve been busy these past few days.”
“Busy, you say? where you didn’t contact me at all?”
“If you miss me, why don’t you be the one to call me first? Or you could come home for a while to see me.”
Julia sighed disapprovingly.
“Oh, come on, Edward. Are you still angry about what happened the other day?”
“What do you think?”
Julia’s breath was heard from the other end.
“Oh God. There’s no need to act like a child, Darling.”
“Who’s the child? You or me? You didn’t even apologize to me for what happened yesterday.”
“Okay, fine. I apologize for my mistake. I tried to come home on time that day. I even tried several times to reach you. But, you were the one who ignored all my calls, weren’t you?”
“I don’t need your calls. What I need is your presence. Even when you were angry, I gave in and immediately followed you when you were in Amsterdam. Why can’t you do what I did for you?”
Silence for a moment. Julia remained silent and did not immediately respond.
“The more time passes, the more I think you don’t really love me like you used to.”
“Edward…” Julia finally interjected. “Don’t say such things recklessly. If there’s no love, why am I trying to maintain our marriage? I even—”
“Ah, forget it, Julia. I’m busy. Let’s continue this conversation later.”
“But, Ed—”
Edward didn’t care. He ended the call and decided to get ready to go home.
Feeling annoyed, Edward decided to stop by one of the bakery shops he frequented. He bought a cake and a cup of ice cream to eat while checking his work.