Book TRK
Chapter 6
Lucas' voice was laced with sarcasm. "Isn't this just your usual play? You used to pull the wrist- cutting card, and now it's about the company shares. Chloe, I never pegged you for being so crafty. It’s like cunning runs in your veins—true to your murderous lineage."
Chloe's face turned icy in an instant. This was her sore spot.
Without missing a beat, she shot back, "So, you come running to me after Grandpa puts you in your place, thinking you can bully me? If you’re so high and mighty, why don’t you give up your shares in Moncada International for Linda? When it comes down to it, the family fortune and those shares mean more to you than Linda ever could."
"Grandpa and everyone else knows exactly what Linda did back then. Even if I weren’t in the picture, they’d never accept her, and you know it.
"The real barrier between you two has never been me. If you truly loved her, you'd leave all this behind and stay with her abroad. But you can't bear to part with the family wealth. You refuse to admit that you value personal gain over Linda, so you conveniently shift the blame onto me. Lucas, you’re such a coward!"
Lucas' face flushed red, then paled. The contempt in Chloe's eyes made him want to strangle her. She had always looked down on him, ever since they were kids! Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
The tense atmosphere was broken by a knock on the door.
The old butler stood at the entrance. "Dinner is ready. Please come down."
Today, the Moncada family had all come together for a change. Even Belle, who was still in her junior year of college, had come home.
"Lucas, you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence. I thought you'd leave Chloe in the cold forever."
Belle's words were clearly in defense of Chloe. The whole family was siding with Chloe, and Lucas' gaze hardened even more.
"But Lucas, are you planning to leave again?"
Before Lucas could respond, Antonio cut in, "If he leaves again, then he's no longer part of our family. From then on, the family fortune would be split between you and Chloe."
Belle clapped her hands in delight. "Chloe, did you hear that? If my brother leaves, we'll be filthy rich. We can spend loads of money on male models."
Lucas glared at her. "You're too young to be talking like that. I wonder who you learned that from." His gaze flicked to Chloe.
For once, Chloe felt a pang of guilt. She had actually done it, after all...
Joshua spoke up, "Your brother isn't leaving. He’ll take over as general manager of the company tomorrow."
Belle looked disappointed. "That's a pity."
"Recently, as you all know, the company's situation has changed. We are in a new era, and our construction company isn’t what it used to be."
The room fell silent.
The Moncada family had built its fortune on construction, becoming one of the largest construction companies in the country and dabbling in other sectors as well. However, those were merely
attempts, and construction remained the lifeblood of the business.
Moncada International began facing tough times in recent years, with the changing times, economic transformations, an increasingly saturated market, environmental pressures, and the impact of new smart construction technologies.
"That's why we must secure the Paradise Resort project. It will not only rejuvenate Moncada International but also establish connections with central government officials, ensuring a steady flow of lucrative projects in the future."
The Paradise Resort project, specially approved by the central government, aimed to create the nation's largest green resort, combining leisure, vacation, and entertainment. It was a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity coveted by all construction companies.
"Dad, everyone knows the Paradise Resort is a golden opportunity, but with thousands of companies eyeing this prize, it’ll be hard to get the whole project. Even getting a piece of it will be difficult."
Joshua spoke up, "If we can secure a deal with one person, it won't be."
"Who?"
"Connor."