Lina was supposed to meet Desiree at a high-end bar in Centrolis. To her surprise, all the attendees there were
women. They exuded extraordinary temperament, dressed professionally, and behaved elegantly. They truly
embodied the image of successful female entrepreneurs.
As soon as Lina entered the private room, Desiree warmly waved at her. Although distracted, Lina discreetly hid the
small pistol she carried in her bag.
When she received Desiree’s message, she hesitated for a moment but decided to come anyway.
Firstly, she wanted to meet these bosses, learn more about their companies, and gain knowledge about
entrepreneurs. Secondly, she harbored a glimmer of hope that Desiree would not deceive her.
Despite that, she brought the small pistol that Krystal had given her when she was kidnapped. After all, a bar was a
place where anything could happen, and she wanted to be prepared just in case Desiree had any ill intentions.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLina took a deep breath and sat down. She secretly sent a message to Zuko to let him know she was safe. She had
told Zuko about this meeting because she did not want to keep anything from him and didn’t want to take any risks
alone.
–
At first, Zuko strongly opposed her going to the bar to discuss business matters. Later, he relented, allowing her to
talk about business but insisting on arranging for his men to guard the area.
Lina widened her eyes, looking cute and alert like a deer. “But I’ve already arranged my people!”
“Huh?”
“Uncle Ian will be outside the bar with his men.”
Zuko heaved a sigh of relief. ‘Right, her father was the head of a gang. I had forgotten about that.’
–
“Lina!” Desiree nudged her. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Lina regained her composure and stood up to look at the women with a smile. “Each one of you
is truly remarkable to excel in the venture capital industry dominated by men. It’s admirable!”
“Don’t be so polite!” Desiree laughed heartily, putting her arm around Lina’s shoulder, and said to the rest, “Let’s
have a drink first, and then we can discuss business, alright?”
Everyone in the room agreed to the proposal.
As the alcohol took effect, the atmosphere gradually heated up.
Lina kept a light smile on her face and did not drink much.
On the other hand, Desiree kept downing one drink after another, becoming more enthusiastic as she chatted with
the other women.
In the end, she either got too tipsy or did it intentionally as she suddenly blurted out, “Do you know who Lina’s
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmfather is? He’s none other than the famous Nicholas Thompson—the once legendary underworld’s big boss! You’ll
need to get his protection!”
Her words instantly silenced the room. Everyone’s gaze turned to Lina.
“So, her father’s… actually involved in the gangs?”
Someone started whispering, “But when Desiree invited us here, she didn’t mention that we were meeting with
someone from the Thompson Group!”
“There’s nothing surprising since it’s the gangs. Hah! No wonder they’re so rich. It must be from ill-gotten gains!”
“We came all the way from out of town only to be dealing with a gang?”
“I’d rather not do it if it’s collaborating with the Thompson Group! Can we trust money from the underworld?”
“Exactly! I’m afraid of getting involved in lawsuits!”
“I’d rather not make this money if it means letting this gang of scoundrels have their ways.”
“Hush! Keep your voices down. Aren’t you afraid of retaliation from the underworld heiress? Besides, it seems like
the Thompson Group has already cleaned up its act.”
“Even if they’ve whitewashed themselves, can they erase the past? So what if she’s the underworld heiress? This is
a society governed by law. Can’t I choose an investor freely?”