Chapter 57


    Eleanor sensed a familiar scent emanating from him through his thin white shirt, causing her to freeze


    in an instant.


    She instinctively nced up at his corbone, hoping to see the distinctive blue dragon tattoo, but it


    was nowhere to be found.


    Disappointed, she lowered her gaze, thinking, “I guess it’s really not him.”


    However, before she could fully process her emotions, Bernard abruptly grabbed her shoulder and


    forcefully shoved her aside.


    With a hint of sarcasm, he remarked, “Wow, you’re quite skilled at throwing yourself into someone’s


    arms, aren’t you?”


    It was evident that he had just witnessed Eleanor leaning on Jason


    Eleanor opened her mouth to exin, but Bernard acted like he had just been touched by something


    filthy. He took out a tissue, furiously wiping his fingers.


    In a forceful manner, he abruptly wiped his hands and callously tossed the tissue onto Eleanor’s face.


    Eyes clouded with darkness, he cast a cold, disdainful gaze upon her, treating her as if she were some


    lowly being. Without another word, he strode towards the private room.


    This time, Eleanor didn’t need to open the door for him. It became apparent that his brief appearance


    earlier had been solely to humiliate her in that particr moment.


    Removing the tissue from her face, Eleanor maintained a stony expression and discarded it into a


    nearby trash can. She appeared more upset than ever before.


    Suppressing the anger surging within her chest, she tightly gripped her phone and seated herself once


    again.


    Nothing and nobody could easily bring her down.


    Inside the private room, Bernard’s entrance left the deputy general manager and executives of the


    Clowers Group astonished, their faces reflecting sheer disbelief.


    They had not expected Bernard to show up at the dinner organized by the Ratliff Group.


    After their initial shock, they quickly understood the Ratliff Group’s intentions.


    The Clowers Group had been targeting the Ratliff Group recently, and Bernard was here to back up


    Sophie.


    With Bernard’s presence, the people from the Clowers Group treated Sophie with respect and didn’t


    cause her any trouble.


    Instead, they weed Bernard warmly, offering him the best seat and ttering him, even serving him


    drinks.


    However, Bernard’s expression remained indifferent throughout the encounter.


    It was only when Jason returned from outside that Bernard finally nced up, his cold gaze scanning


    over him.


    Earlier, Jason had received a message from the vice president in the bathroom, informing him of


    Bernard’s arrival.


    Now seeing Bernard, he was not surprised, but rather anticipated it


    Not much was known about Sophie and Bernard’s rtionship but he did understand that the Laurence


    Group and the Ratliff Group were set to be linked by marriage in the future.


    As the alliance partner, it was only natural for Bernard toe and back Sophie up, otherwise, it would


    be inappropriate.


    Seeing that Bernard was sizing him up, Jason quickly picked up his ss and offered a polite toast.


    Bernard responded, but with a somewhat arrogant attitude.


    Jason, however, didn’t say anything. He had heard about the character of the second son of the


    Laurence family before – indifferent and proud, never showing respect for those he didn’t like


    The response he gave in this situation already showed that he regarded Jason highly.


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    But in all likelihood, it was because of Sophie that he respected him


    Sophie was good at livening up the atmosphere and within just a few words, got everyone from both


    sides acquainted.


    She then skillfully led everyone to discuss topics from their personal lives to work, projects, bidding


    meetings, and the Clowers Group’s recent targeting of the Ratliff Group.


    The only one who didn’t talk much throughout the whole thing was Bernard, his deep eyes asionally


    looking toward the door.


    When Sophie noticed Bernard looking at the door, she followed his gaze.


    She saw Eleanor’s slender figure and slightly frowned, “Bernard, what are you looking at?”


    Bernard showed no emotion, picking up his phone and shifting his gaze to the screen, “How much


    longer?”


    Sophie thought he was looking at the time and said, “Just give me a little more time.”


    After she finished, she looked at Jason and the executives he had brought, “Mr. Clowers, deputy


    general manager, don’t worry about the matter in the west side of the city. Mr. Laurence has always


    been fair and impartial, he won’t favor anyone. If our two families want the development rights, we’ll


    have topete with our own strength. What do you think?“