Chapter 396

The lavish spread on the table made Charlotte Bennett raise an amused brow. "Mr. Martin, such hospitality is almost suspicious. Should I be worried you're buttering me up for something?"

Nathaniel Martin set down his coffee cup with practiced elegance, his gaze cool and assessing as it lingered on her.

Charlotte glanced at Evelyn beside her, half-expecting an explanation. "Aren’t you going to ask what he’s plotting?"

Evelyn merely smiled. "He’s talking to you, not me."

Frowning, Charlotte turned back to Nathaniel. "Out with it, then. But I won’t agree to anything shady."

A faint smirk curved his lips before he got to the point. "The Martin Group has a new venture launching after the competition. I want the Prescott Group as our partner."

"Prescott?" Charlotte blinked. "We’ve only just dipped into real estate—mostly hotels."

"Exactly. I need your marketing expertise to elevate this project. In return, Prescott gains a foothold in Martin’s established real estate empire. Mutual benefit."

His tone left no room for jokes. Evelyn caught the shift, turning to him. "You want Charlotte to convince Alexander?"

"Not just convince." Nathaniel’s eyes gleamed. "If Prescott agrees, your design studio could contribute. A chance to expand your reputation."

Charlotte hesitated, her gaze flicking to Evelyn again.

Nathaniel noticed but dismissed it as her seeking Evelyn’s opinion.

After a beat, Charlotte sighed. "I’ll mention it to Alexander. But that’s all."

"I’m sure your word carries weight," Nathaniel said, his knowing look making her tense.

Evelyn smoothly redirected. "If this moves forward, can I join?"

"You want in?"

"Obviously. With Prescott involved, this will be huge. My firm could use the exposure."

Nathaniel chuckled. "You’re in. But I’ll have to negotiate with Gregory. Fair?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes just as the door swung open.

"Nathaniel, ditching me for lunch? Rude."

Thomas Ellsworth’s voice filled the room—until he froze at the sight of the trio. His fiancée, Penelope Fairchild, clung to his arm, her smile sharpening as she took in the scene.

Five pairs of eyes met. The air thickened with unspoken tension.

Thomas cleared his throat. "Didn’t realize you had company. We’ll go."

But Penelope tightened her grip. "Why leave? It’s been ages since you and Nathaniel caught up."

Her sugary tone dripped with challenge. Evelyn’s glare could’ve iced the room, but Penelope didn’t flinch.

The standoff crackled, unresolved.