Chapter 460

"Barista, I'll have a black coffee, no cream or sugar," Julian Hawthorne ordered with a crisp snap of his fingers.

The steaming cup arrived moments later. He lifted it to his lips, savoring the bitter aroma before taking his first deliberate sip.

"Your taste in cafés is impeccable, Ms. Blackwood. The beans have a robust flavor profile with just the right acidity."

Juliette Blackwood's lips curved into a practiced smile. "Then perhaps I should make our coffee meetings a regular occurrence."

"I wouldn't object to that."

Their verbal fencing continued, neither willing to show weakness first.

Juliette had underestimated Julian initially, assuming he'd be easier to manipulate. His resilience surprised her.

But she wasn't some naive debutante either.

As their cups emptied, Juliette rose gracefully. "Mr. Hawthorne, unless there's something else, I believe we're done here?"

Julian set his cup down with deliberate slowness. "Ms. Blackwood, let's not rush our goodbyes. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Oh? Do you have something to add?"

"Partnerships require trust as their foundation." His gaze sharpened. "Your earlier hesitation suggests you don't fully trust me yet."

Seeing his direct approach, Juliette abandoned pretense. Their mutual goals made deception unnecessary.

She resumed her seat with newfound respect. "You see right through me, Mr. Hawthorne."

"Trust takes time to build between business partners."

Juliette decided to lay her cards on the table. "Since we're both professionals, I'll be blunt."

"By all means."

"Kingsley Industries has indeed secured the Eastwood property for residential development. The location speaks for itself - prime real estate with guaranteed returns."

She leaned forward. "But our current capital reserves can't fully fund the project. What's your proposed investment amount?"

Julian's silence stretched, but satisfaction gleamed in his eyes.

"Your candor is refreshing. Very well - I'll personally invest fifteen million for the final construction phase."

Juliette's delicate scoff was barely audible. "Mr. Hawthorne, for a project of this scale? Fifteen million won't even cover the foundation work."

His eyebrow arched. "Then name your price."

Five manicured fingers appeared between them. "Fifty million minimum. I've already committed that amount myself."

She held his gaze. "Match my investment, and we'll split the profits equally. Do we have a deal?"

Fifty million presented a challenge for Julian.

Though a Kingsley Industries director with substantial stock holdings, liquid assets were another matter. Truthfully, even the fifteen million he'd mentioned would require creative accounting.

"Your silence speaks volumes, Mr. Hawthorne."

Julian's jaw tightened with resolve. "Done. Fifty million. But this comes from my private funds."

Juliette's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Naturally."

"Then to our successful partnership!"

Triumph flickered behind Juliette's composed expression. She hadn't expected his capitulation so easily.

"Consider it settled. I'll have my lawyers draft the paperwork."

"The pleasure is all mine." Julian raised his empty cup in mock toast, already calculating which assets he'd need to liquidate.