Hearing the waiter’s words, a deep crease formed between his brows.
Since when were Uncle Leo and Selene so close?
Harrison couldn’t recall ever seeing Leo even speak to Selene before.
But the answer came to him quickly enough: Leo simply valued talent, that’s why he went out of his way to look after Selene.
Besides, Leo was nothing if not traditional.
Selene might be divorced from Harrison, but Daph was still a Vaughn by blood.
Leo was just fulfilling his duty, looking out for the mother of the Vaughn family’s heiress.
Pulling out his phone, Harrison called one of his men. “Follow Uncle Leo’s car for me. I want to know exactly where he’s taking Selene.”
“Mr. Vaughn-”
Victor Thompson, who had already left the restaurant with his wife and daughter, had circled back after spotting the luxury car pulling away from the curb.
Peeking into the now–empty private dining room, Victor’s curiosity got the better of him. “How come Dr. Vaughn was here, and then just left? Where’s Selene–did she leave with him?”
Felicity’s tone took on a strange edge. “Since when are Selene and your uncle so chummy? He kept taking her side the whole time!”
Harrison sat back in his chair, a cold look settling over his handsome features. He closed his eyes in irritation, took a slow, deep breath, and when he opened them again, his gaze was as dark and icy as a winter lake.
“Aren’t you all leaving yet?”
Victor flinched at Harrison’s sharp tone.
“Mr. Vaughn, I really need a ticket to the Summit Forum. OmniCore Technologies is interested in buying out The Thompson Group, but I’m hoping I can find another opportunity at the Summit before it’s all decided.”
Harrison knew exactly what Victor was after. The Thompson Victory Technologies plant had been losing money year after year, and the government’s latest trade regulations had just cut off their export business completely.
1/2
13:25
OmniCore Technologies, a foreign conglomerate, was circling like a vulture, hoping to scoop up Thompson Victory on the cheap. Victor was desperate to get into the Summit Forum, where he might find someone powerful enough to help him drive up the sale price.
“For the opening reception at the Summit next week, Felicity and Clayton will come along with me.”
The moment Harrison spoke, Victor’s eyes went wide with shock.
Felicity couldn’t hide her excitement. “You know I hate those networking events! But just so we’re clear, I’m not wearing a dress. Not negotiable.”
“Whatever you want.” Harrison couldn’t care less what Felicity wore.
Selene was still intent on defying him. He wanted her to understand–if she wouldn’t accept his goodwill, then what awaited her was punishment.
The invitation she could never get her hands on would be given to others as easily as tossing a coin.
He’d give the Thompson family a boost, and when they started thriving in business circles, that foolish woman Selene would finally realize she ought to bow her head to Harrison.
The luxury car glided down the road in near silence.
Leo was never much of a talker; if he didn’t speak first, Selene certainly wouldn’t dare interrupt him.
She knew his mind was always working, always on the verge of a scientific breakthrough. Who knew if, right now in the car, some brilliant new idea had just occurred to him?
Suddenly, Leo’s assistant, seated up front, flipped on the intercom and reported, “Sir, we’re being followed. I believe it’s someone sent by Harrison.”
212
