Chapter 94
Inside the villa, Benson sat across from me, steeping a pot of tea. He said, “Max, I hear you’re the one who ended the partnership with Optima Enterprises.”
Despite his smile, I could feel the anger simmering just beneath the surface. “That’s right,” I replied, nodding.
“Care to explain?” His voice was calm, almost casual.
“It’s just business. Isn’t that what you taught me, Mr. Layton?” As soon as I spoke, Benson’s
hand froze.
He abruptly looked up, his gaze sharp and unyielding. I met his stare without hesitation.
Our eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity. All of a sudden, Benson smiled and topped up
my tea.
“Max, you’re certainly smart and talented. That has never been in question,” he said. “But if
this is how you conduct business… It lacks finesse. And frankly, it feels rather crude.”
I understood exactly what he meant. “Well, it’s all about survival of the fittest,” I said evenly. The fact that Mr. Talerico is willing to work with me speaks for itself.”
Benson’s expression stayed composed, showing no trace of anger. “Very well,” he said. “If
that’s the way it is, I won’t press the matter.
“But let me propose something–how about we join forces?” He smiled at me, and for a
moment, I was taken by surprise.
Join forces? He was clearly leagues ahead of Camille.
“I’m listening, Mr. Layton,” I said.
Benson picked up a folder and handed it to me. “I want to propose a strategic alliance. Although you’re already partnered with Centrise Group and may not see much value in my company, this contract establishes clear terms for mutual benefit.
“With this agreement, our businesses won’t step on each other’s toes. It’s a win–win, don’t you think?”
I flipped through the pages, which detailed everything thoroughly. The document was packed with clauses, but everything boiled down to one thing: territory.
It felt like opposing factions marking their boundaries, each claiming ground that no one dared to challenge.
Just days ago, I would’ve been eager to seal a deal like this with Benson. But now, everything
had shifted.
11
Chapter 94
“Mr. Layton, I’m sorry, but I can’t go forward with this agreement.” With that, I placed the folder down.
Benson’s brow knitted tightly, his voice dropping into a cold, grim tone. “Max, are you really saying you’ll stand against my family for good?”
I shook my head. “I’m not the one opposing you. You’re the one who crossed the line.
“Mr. Layton, there’s no use hiding it any longer. I know exactly what you want.”
Benson snorted sharply. “Just as I thought, Max. You see through it all. But you have to understand why I’m doing this. I only want you back. It’s for your own good, isn’t it?”
I smiled. “Mr. Layton, the line between good and bad isn’t always so clear.
“I’m not here to argue that. I just know that someone’s trying to make my life a living hell. And if that’s true, then I have no choice but to fight back.”
Benson’s face darkened. He had come hoping for a truce. The reason was straightforward- Camille was no match for me.
Yet despite that, he was determined to have her inherit Layton Group. Confronted with this reality, he decided to take action.
“I understand now,” I said. “In that case, there’s no deal.”
“But Max, if you keep opposing me like this, you’re the one who’ll get hurt!” Benson snapped, Without saying a single word, he grabbed my teacup and emptied it. It was time for me to go. I said nothing. I simply stood up and walked away
Benson had always gone after me, but none of it ever fazed me.
“Actually, there’s one more thing I forgot to mention. I’ve had a long–standing connection with the Zenn family from Govendale. Their second son has taken an interest in Camille. “We’re arranging a marriage alliance!”
