Chapter 2

"Where to? I'll take you." Theo's cool voice pulled me back to the present.

The cold, dull pain from my right hand's three fingers returned.

I hid my trembling hand in my pocket, stepping back to increase the distance from him.

"Thank you, Mr. Theo, but there's no need. I've called for a car." He chuckled softly, his voice resonating like a cello.

Theo spoke with some helpless reproach, "Been wild for a few years, and you don't even call me Third Brother anymore?"

My nose tingled. I couldn't help but mock, "How could I dare to call you Third Brother? Mr. Theo, did you forget six years ago when you told me to know my place? I might not have many skills, but my memory is good. One lesson and I'll never forget. I even have to thank Mr. Theo for such a vivid lesson. Truly benefited greatly."

I regretted it immediately after saying it. I'd held onto that for years, and he knew it as soon as he heard it.

Theo looked up at me, a storm brewing in his eyes.

After a while, as my palms began to sweat, he finally spoke softly, "…You sly girl, sharp-tongued." Then he tapped on the car window, "Uncle Nolan, let's go."

Watching the car drive away, I finally exhaled.

Six years.

Over two thousand days and nights, and when he appeared before me again, I was utterly defeated.

My assistant cautiously watched my expression, hesitantly asking, "Fiona, I heard you call him Mr. Theo? In Seaside City, with the surname Taylor, could it be…?"

Seeing me nod, the assistant's eyes widened.

"I heard that Theo's investing in Asher's new movie. Since you know Mr. Theo, why go through the trouble of meeting Nolan?"

"I'll never ask Theo for help!" I sharply interrupted the assistant. She shrank back, "I understand."

The car finally arrived.

I composed myself, picking up my suitcase.

"Call Mr. Nolan's secretary and tell her we've arrived. Please arrange a meeting with Mr. Nolan."

After instructing the assistant, I leaned back in the car's rear seat, closing my eyes to rest. Our first confrontation left me exhausted. And of course, someone had to add fuel to the fire.

Zane's call was relentless, like a haunting curse. I sighed, admitting defeat.

"Hello? You better have a good reason for calling. I just sat through a four-hour flight and I'm very tired." She laughed. "More tired than dealing with my Third Brother?"

"Where are you hiding, watching the show?"

Zane "tsk"ed several times, speaking mysteriously.

"Today's a high-level meeting at Quinn Enterprises. My uncle, father, second brother, and fourth brother are all present. It's the most important meeting of the year for Third Brother, but he's constantly checking his watch, distracted. As the head of the group, he was eager to leave halfway. Guess why?"

I wouldn't be naive enough to think it was because of me.

"Zane, you know I'm not very curious. I have things to do, see you." Zane shouted anxiously over the phone, "Hey! Sound! My Third Brother…" I decisively hung up the call. With Zane knowing I was back in Seaside City, there'd be no peace. I had a headache. Things needed to move quickly.

If this negotiation went well, Asher could achieve significant career advancement with this movie. Although he always said he didn't mind staying in the second tier, I felt indebted. Asher had helped me so much over the years. I just wanted to repay him.

This time, I finally managed to get a chance to talk to Nolan from StarSource Productions. I had to seize this opportunity. In the end, my assistant and Mr. Nolan's secretary arranged for us to meet for dinner the day after tomorrow.

After placing my luggage at the hotel, I decided to visit the Lewis family. Nolan wasn't someone easy to fool. To get resources from him, I needed something from the Lewis family to boost my worth.