From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 113

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Larry decided not to dance around it and said directly, “Yes, that’s true. Our deal with the Belmonts is nearly finalized–we’re about to sign. Is there an issue?”

Zaden replied evenly, “From what I understand, Barton Enterprise had more than one option on the table–there are several candidates. Lately, I’ve had some personal conflicts with the Belmonts, and I was hoping you might grant me this favor…

་་

Only then did Tommy, standing behind Zaden, realize why they had come to Barton Enterprise. It had to be for Athena.

He hadn’t expected Zaden to take Athena’s troubles this seriously–serious enough to show up in

person.

Could this mean… there’s about to be a Mrs. Storm?

Tommy’s mind churned, though his face remained carefully blank.

Larry had been in business for decades, and he was older than Zaden by a full generation.

Hearing this request, he understood immediately.

So, there was bad blood between Zaden and the Belmonts, and now Zaden was asking him to intervene.

That was simple enough.

After all, Barton Enterprise didn’t have particularly close ties to the Belmonts. Larry had only leaned toward them because they’d shown more sincerity than the other bidders.

But if Zaden himself was asking, of course, he would oblige.

Only …

Larry gave a short laugh, his tone tinged with suggestion. “Mr. Storm, let’s cut right to the chase.

“I admire you greatly and respect your abilities. The last time we spoke, I mentioned my daughter–she’s been studying abroad and will be returning soon. None of my current projects fit her, so why not let her intern at your company? What do you say?”

The moment Tommy heard this, he knew exactly what Larry was playing at. Back during earlier negotiations, Larry had constantly dropped hints about how exceptional his daughter

was.

But Zaden had never shown the slightest interest.

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Chapter 113 You Might Change Your Mind

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At the time, Tommy had found it amusing. Larry clearly wanted Zaden as a son–in–law, but Zaden obviously had no intention of indulging him.

Now, Larry was using his daughter as leverage.

On the surface, he was asking for an internship. In reality, everyone knew what he meant.

Will Mr. Storm really bend on this for Athena’s sake?

Zaden’s expression didn’t flicker. Calmly, he said, “Your daughter comes from a distinguished family. At Storm Group, not everyone knows their place. If someone were to offend her, even unintentionally, it would create unnecessary trouble.”

Larry’s face hardened. Is he saying no?

His voice cooled. “Mr. Storm, let me be blunt. A partnership between Barton Enterprise and Storm Group is already a union of titans. If our families were joined through marriage, it would only strengthen us both. Why do you keep turning me down? Do you think my daughter isn’t good enough?”

By the end, his tone carried weight and authority.

Zaden’s brows knit together. His face took on an expression of polite regret. In a low, steady voice, he answered, “Mr. Barton, of course, I don’t look down on your daughter. But I’m a single father raising a child on my own. Your daughter is still young–why should she have to make such a sacrifice?”

Tommy nearly coughed aloud.

A single father raising a child?

I guess Teri makes a great unspoken excuse, the perfect barrier against people endlessly throwing women at

Mr. Storm.

Naturally, Larry wasn’t fooled. His voice grew sharp. “Mr. Storm, spare me the excuses. I’ll put it plainly I want a marriage alliance. Will you marry my daughter or not?”

The air in the office went taut, thick with tension.

”

Even Tommy, who had been by Zaden’s side for years, felt the suffocating pressure pressing down.

If this wasn’t handled delicately, their cooperation with Barton Enterprise could sour, maybe collapse altogether.

That could mean a ruined deal and massive financial loss.

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