Chapter 1147:
Trudy, realizing what was going on, turned her eyes toward Charles.
“Keep it. They picked it just for you,” Charles said, already teasing Ari beside him.
“Thank you,” Trudy murmured, looking down at the scarf. Her emotions tangled.
A few minutes later, Foley and Spencer arrived. When the conversation moved toward the $150 million investment plan, Trudy felt out of place. Leaning closer to Charles, she whispered, “Maybe I should step out for a while?”
Millie overheard and gave a reassuring smile.
“That’s not necessary. You’re fine. We’re all friends here.”
She trusted Charles and anyone he brought into their circle. If he hadn’t trusted Trudy, he wouldn’t have brought her to such an intimate occasion, and Millie certainly wouldn’t have welcomed her.
“So, Millie,” Foley said, “what’s your opinion on this matter?”
Millie sat back calmly.
“That depends on your thoughts,” she replied. That was exactly why she had wanted everyone present—to reach a decision together.
“Foley, is there anyone you’d like to involve?” Millie asked.
Foley shook his head.
“No.” Then he let out a humorless laugh.
“To be honest, I set the figure at $150 million just to make a statement. After what happened at Yaroslav Technology that day, I’m not letting it go so easily.”
He still remembered how, one after another, they had backed away from him—questioning his decisions, demanding answers, mocking his leadership, and pushing him into a corner. Did they really think he’d just forgive and forget? Not a chance.
If Millie and Charles hadn’t stepped in to provide the funds, Foley wouldn’t have been able to raise a single dollar. And if Millie hadn’t handled the problem with Spencer’s mother, no one could say what kind of shape Yaroslav Technology would be in right now.
Foley scoffed.
gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰𝗈n – 𝓶𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻
“They switch sides whenever it benefits them, acting like I’m supposed to follow their every whim. Why should I?”
By opening up the new funding round, he managed to keep everyone satisfied without stepping on any toes. In the end, it turned out to be a win for both him and Yaroslav Technology.
Millie nodded.
“I understand,” she said. She didn’t mention what she was thinking, and nobody pressed her. It didn’t make much difference either way. If she didn’t take part, Charles would step in himself. Covering the $150 million wouldn’t be a problem for him at all. That was the main topic on the table today.
Foley’s face lit up as he said enthusiastically, “I have more great news! Quite a few people are already showing interest in partnering with us. I’ll be meeting with them over the next few days to finalize everything.” His grin widened.
“Once this deal goes through, we’ll all be making serious money!”
“I like that attitude,” Charles said with a chuckle, lifting his glass.
Millie and the others joined in, their glasses clinking together. As the lively chatter continued, Millie quietly excused herself, asking the others to keep an eye on Ari while she stepped out to the restroom.
When she came out, she saw Trudy standing nearby.
“Can we talk?” Trudy asked hesitantly.
Millie noticed the tension in her expression and nodded. Truth be told, if Trudy hadn’t approached her first, she would have found the right moment to speak with her anyway. This worked out better.
They walked together to an empty bar counter. Trudy stayed quiet for most of the walk, her thoughts clearly tangled.
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