Chapter 1019:
A few minutes later, Foley reappeared, finished with his call and making his way back inside.
Millie seized the moment and intercepted him.
“Mr. Carter.” Millie offered a warm smile. “Do you have a minute for a quick conversation?”
Foley looked slightly taken aback but stopped.
She handed him her card. “I’m Millie Bennett.”
Foley studied the card, a pleasant smile forming. “Miss Bennett, does that mean you’re interested in what we’re building?”
Millie met his gaze and nodded. “I am.”
Foley’s eyes sharpened with curiosity. “Tell me, Miss Bennett—are you representing the Elliott or the Watson family today?”
He needed to know whom she stood for before discussing any partnership.
With a confident smile, Millie replied, “I’m here on behalf of the Bennett family.”
Foley’s expression flickered with surprise, but he quickly recovered, running a hand over his hair. “Miss Bennett, if you’re referring to JM Investments, I have to be honest—I don’t see much potential for us to work together.”
Millie had expected as much, but she stayed composed, her smile never fading as she met his eyes.
She continued, her tone friendly but persistent. “You mentioned there’s a funding threshold. If I can meet the criteria, would my company be allowed to join the competition?”
Foley’s reply remained impeccably courteous. “As I said earlier, Miss Bennett, anyone who clears the threshold is welcome to participate.” He showed no sign of being rattled.
“May I ask…” Millie hesitated briefly, then offered a thoughtful smile. “Since your team has achieved something so impressive and is now seeking major investment, why didn’t you go straight to the Watson or Elliott Group with your proposal?”
𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝗮𝘁 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩷ℭ𝗈𝗺
“That’s a matter of company policy, Miss Bennett. I’m afraid I can’t discuss the details.” Foley’s response was smooth, leaving no room for doubt.
Millie nodded in understanding. “No offense meant, Mr. Carter.”
Her eyes searched his face for any trace of a suspicious reaction, but Foley didn’t blink. His smile never wavered.
“If there’s nothing further, I’ll return to the event,” he said, preparing to walk away.
“Of course. Thank you for speaking with me,” Millie replied, her voice steady.
Foley returned her smile with a polite nod, then slipped back inside the banquet hall without hesitation.
Taylor, who had been keeping an eye on things from across the room, hurried over the moment she saw Foley disappear.
“Any luck?” Taylor asked quietly.
Millie’s gaze lingered on the spot where Foley had vanished, her thoughts churning.
“He’s playing his cards close to the chest.” Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Her questions had been deliberate, meant to test his limits and uncover any hint of motive.
Once back inside, Millie wove through the crowd, exchanging a few polite words with familiar faces before quietly returning to her seat.
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