"I agree with you, but don''t get too ahead of yourself," Hugo replied.


    Pearl shook her head. "We''re not here to chat about who likes who. We''re here to discuss buying Waldorf Enterprises." Hugo raised his hand. "Tellwhat you want, and I''ll see if it works for me." "15 billion dors." Hugo couldn''t hide his shock. "15 billion? That''s daylight robbery." Richard shrugged. "Waldorf Enterprises is having strouble, sure, but it''s still worth about 45 billion dors. I''m only asking for a third of that, so it''s a good deal for you." Waldorf Enterprises was a big opportunity. With the right management, it could make much more than 15 billion dors.


    However...ing up with 15 billion dors wasn''t simple. Even for apany as strong as Sapphire Group, it was a challenge. Hugo stopped fiddling with his pen and thought hard. "Letthink about it." "This is a once-in-a-lifetopportunity. Otherpanies are interested too, but since we''re close, I''d prefer to offer it to you first," Richard said, tapping his fingers on the table. "Just make sure you decide quickly and don''t miss out." Hugo had a feeling this was a trap. He tried to read Richard''s expression for any sign of nervousness that would indicate he was lying, but Richard was as calm as ever.


    It seemed likely that Waldorf Enterprises was indeed in trouble.


    Hugo wanted a face-to-face meeting to get a better read on Richard, but he couldn''t tell if Richard was just good at hiding his feelings or if he was worrying over nothing.


    Hugo said cautiously, "Let''s talk about this again in two days." Richardzily stood up. "Alright, we''ll wait for your decision." Pearl also stood up, staying quiet the whol even more suspicious, et è time. This madey as she intended.  S Hugo didn''t say anything further and just gestured for his assistant to show them out.


    Richard and Pearl left, exchanging a knowing smile. Things were about to get interesting.


    * Meanwhile, James found a chance to tell Sabrina that his mother, Agnes, went to see Esther. He el.ne invited her over to the firm so they could speak in person.  S Esther was very d about that.


    They sat on the sofa waiting when Esther''s stomach started growling.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "Hungry?" James saw her pressing en her stomach and smiled. "I down on have cupcakes upstairs in the fridge.


    Letgo get them."  S Esther stood up, smiling back. "No worries, I can go get them. I''ll see what else is there to eat." James nodded and watched her go up the stairs, feeling happy.


    Soon after, a slim figure showed up at the door.