Chapter 674
Chapter 674:
“Ms. Edwards, you invited me here. Is there something you need?” Roger’s hands found their way to his thighs, his fingers drumming an anxious rhythm against the fabric.
Janice moved with deliberate grace as she extended a cup of coffee.
“Mr. Chadwick, let’s not rush. Have some coffee first.” A tremor ran through Roger’s hands as he accepted the cup, his eyes darting between the liquid and his host.
“It’s perfectly safe,” Janice stated, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Go ahead.”
Color drained from Roger’s face before he finally raised the cup to his lips.
Satisfied with his compliance, Janice dispensed with pretense. “I asked you here because I’d like to learn more about your wife.”
“My wife?” The cup rattled against its saucer as fear flickered across his features. “What interest do you have in my wife?”
“I’m considering an investment in Stephen White’s film. In business, one must gather all possible information before taking action,” Janice replied, her voice honeyed with casual indifference.
Her calculated nonchalance seemed to ease Roger’s tension slightly. “Is business truly your only motivation?”
“What else could it be?” Janice’s shoulder lifted in an elegant shrug as she sipped her coffee. “My interactions with Mrs. Chadwick have been limited. This meeting is merely to bridge that gap. Better understanding leads to smoother cooperation.”
“Alright then. Truth be told, my wife is quite strong-willed.” The coffee seemed to loosen his tongue, and Janice’s carefully crafted atmosphere of comfort drew out his words. “If you plan to work with her, it’s best to follow her lead. Otherwise, things might become complicated. Not that I’m speaking ill of her, you understand. I just want your partnership to succeed.”
A knowing smile played across Janice’s lips. “I understand. Does she have any hobbies?”
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩: 𝙜ⱥ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀・𝙘𝙤𝙢
As they talked, Janice carefully pieced together a portrait of Wendy. A strong-willed woman with a passion for cinema, she spent her afternoons sipping coffee in upscale cafes, exchanging gossip with her circle of carefully chosen companions.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary for a woman of her status, yet something in Roger’s trembling hands told a different story.
“Mr. Chadwick, thank you for being so forthcoming. I’m sure this will make my future interactions with Mrs. Chadwick much more productive.”
Relief washed over Roger’s face. “Well, if there’s nothing else, I should take my leave.”
Janice gestured for him to go. She watched Roger retreat, a mix of pity and frustration crossing her face. The man was clearly beaten down, molded into a nervous wreck by whatever hold Wendy had over him. In his fearful state, he had been too cautious to reveal anything truly useful about his wife.
“The other one should be here any moment,” Janice murmured, checking her watch before lifting her cup.
A sudden movement caught her eye, causing her to spray coffee across the table.
“Janice, I see you’ve finally succumbed to my irresistible charms.” Daniel materialized before her like an overly enthusiastic peacock.
His ensemble was a sight to behold—a tank top that seemed painted on, a garish floral shirt, and sunglasses that dominated half his face. Every piece of clothing appeared to be fighting a losing battle with his muscles, as if he’d raided a teenager’s closet.
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