Chapter 164 What Exactly Was Larry Up To

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    Sensing the tension in the room, Mathilda quickly stepped in with a cheerful smile to smooth things over. “Alright, now that everything’s been cleared up, let’s not dwell on it. Larry, since you’re already here, why don’t you stay for dinner? bIt’s /bthe perfect time for everyone to enjoy a lively meal together.”

    Larry didn’t decline; he smiled and nodded. “Then I’ll dly ept.”

    Sloane hadn’t nned on staying, but when she noticed Conrad was also present, she decided to remain.

    Although Conrad had already finalized a partnership with the Houston Group, he couldn’t quite figure out Larry. The man’s attitude toward him constantly swung between warm and cold, so Conrad saw this dinner as a chance to build some rapport.

    “Mr. Larry, please, have a seat!” Conrad said enthusiastically, gesturing toward an open chair. But Larry walked right past it and sat down beside Sloane instead. “I’ll sit here.”

    As he took his seat, Sloane furrowed her brows slightly but said nothing and focused on her meal.

    Larry, however, had a sharp eye and a keen sense for timing. He kept finding opportunities to start conversations with Sloane.

    Conrad, seated across from them, eventually couldn’t hold back. “Mr. Larry, our project has been moving along nicely. When you have time, perhaps we could go over the next phase in more detailb?/bb” /b

    Larry nced at him ndly, his tone distant. “Mr. Conrad, I’ve already delegated that project to my team. If anythinges up, they’ll contact you directly.”

    Conrad choked on the cold response, his expression stiff with embarrassment. He hadn’t expected Larry to be so dismissive. A flicker of irritation red inside him, but he didn’t dare let it show. He forced a smile. “Of courseb, /bof course. You’re incredibly busy–Ipletely understand.”

    Mathilda, watching the exchange, quickly jumped in with a diplomaticugh. “Larry, Conrad is only being thorough for the sake of the coboration. You young people shouldmunicate more, it makes working together much smoother.”

    Larry smiled politely. “You’re right, Madam Mathilda.” Then he turned to Sloane. “I wonder if Ms. Rivers is free this weekend? My vineyard is hosting a wine tasting event. I’d love for you to

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    Chapter 164 What Exactly Was Larry Up To

    join us.”

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    Sloanepletely lost her appetite. She set down her fork and responded clearly, “I’m not avable.”

    Sloane pondered. iIf /iiI /iistill /iicouldn’t /iitell /iiLarry /iicame /iihere /iifor /iime/ii, /iiI’d /iihave /iito /iibe /iia /i/divplete idiot. But what iexactly /iiis /iihe /iiafter/i?

    Even after being turned down, Larry showed no hint of offense. Instead, he smiled and eased the mood. “No problem. Whenever Ms. Rivers has time, you’re always wee to drop by.”

    Conrad, watching Larry act so cold toward him yet bend over backward to please Sloane, was furious. His face darkened, but he couldn’tsh out–he had no choice but to swallow his frustration.

    Madam Mathilda, on the other hand, was quite pleased with how things were going. The engagement between Sloane and Lucas was still up in the air. If things didn’t work out with the Hawthorne family, the Houston family would make an excellent alternative.

    She made quiet calctions in her heart but kept a warm,posed smile on her face as she looked around the table.

    Sloane didn’t want to linger any longer. After dinner, she said she had school matters to attend ito /iand needed to head back.

    “I’m headed that iway/i, I’ll give Ms. Rivers a ride,” Larry said quickly, standing up right after her.

    The two walked out of the Rivers family estate one after the other. The night breeze carried a slight chill; Sloane instinctively tightened her coat around herself.

    Larry walked beside her, asionally ncing over with a curious, searching gaze.

    “Ms. Rivers seems a bit guarded around me?” he suddenly said, his tone ilight/i, as if they were discussing something trivial.

    Sloane didn’t stop walking. “You’re overthinking it, Mr. iLarry/i. We’re not exactly close, so there’s no need for defenses.”

    Larry let out a low chuckle, his gaze deep. “Not close? Funnyi! /iI’ve always felt a strange familiarity with you. As if this weren’t our first meeting.”

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