The sudden tension in the air made Lorelei's face darken.
"Mr. Kardiem, you misunderstand," she said with a strained smile.
"We welcome your presence, truly. Shurna was merely a low-level director and didn't have the authority to wager company shares."
"So, are you saying I came here for nothing?"
Calaen's voice carried a sharp edge, his irritation palpable.
"Of course not," Lorelei quickly replied, her smile growing stiff. "Let's bury the hatchet and discuss a new partnership instead."
Calaen ignored her outstretched hand, his gaze shifting to Nelia.
"Sounds good. Making money is always a pleasure," Nelia said nonchalantly, striding inside.
"Ma...dam... please," Lorelei squeezed the words through gritted teeth, her expression frozen in a forced smile.
She looked like a puppet hel
