His Destructive, Toxic Love

He smirked dismissively as if he doubted she could stir up any trouble. "There are others here today to meet Mr. Carter, not just us. If you can get him to sign the contract today, I might consider it." Business deals rarely concluded in one meeting. Casper didn't trust her abilities. Honestly, she wasn't too sure of herself either. But for a million dollars, she was determined to give it her all.

The car pulled up in front of a uniquely designed estate and stopped. Casper got out and took Eliza's hand, leading her inside, with Faithe following closely behind.

Standing at the entrance, Amaya spotted Eliza from afar, her eyes lighting up with delight.

"Eliza!"

"Amaya!" Eliza let go of Casper's hand and hurried over for a hug. "I've missed you so much."

"My dear girl, it really is you." Amaya raised her hand to touch Eliza's delicate face, pretending to scold her. "You little heartbreaker, how long has it been since you last contacted me?"

"It's just that, Amaya, it's just..." Eliza started to explain but couldn't find a solid excuse and resorted to a playful tone, "I promise to visit more often, as long as you don't find me annoying."

Amaya nodded, finally satisfied. Her gaze shifted to Casper. "Mr. Casper, you came with Eliza. Are you...?"This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org: ©.

"Ms. Eliza is a key player at Welton International. She's in charge of the auction house we're planning to launch."

Casper always had a knack for positioning Eliza strategically. Not only did he clarify his relationship with her to outsiders, but he also placed her in such a pivotal role to facilitate future discussions about the land deal. He was adept at playing the business game.

Eliza felt a chill in her heart. This gathering was ostensibly to admire Mr. Carter's latest creation. But beneath the surface, everyone was vying for a piece of land he owned The land was acquired by Carter thirty years ago and seemed

N

unpromising then. Now co

were

different. In the now-valuable Falconridge, the land's price had skyrocketed, multiplying its value by thousands. Despite the soaring prices, the competition didn't wane.

The guests mingled, tacitly avoiding any mention of the land to leave a good impression on Carter. Amaya pulled Eliza aside for a chat. She was fond of this beautiful and well-mannered girl. When Carter brought her home, Amaya believed Eliza was the perfect match for her stepson.

"Eliza, are you and Mr. Casper just colleagues?" With her experienced eye, Amaya sensed something more between them.

Eliza smiled, her lashes drooping demurely before she looked up again. "Amaya, you must be aware of Casper's reputation. Do you really think I'd get involved with someone like that?"

Fair point. Casper's infamous exploits were well-known, even if not all were true. His habit of flaunting affairs was certainly not the behavior of a decent man.

"Since you and Mr. Casper aren't involved, how about considering David?"

David was Carter's son. Amaya had hoped to set David and Eliza up since college. David was a great catch, five years Eliza's senior. He was kind and considerate and had pursued her for quite some time. But back then, she loved Casper, leaving no room for anyone else. Now, why would she disrupt David's life in her current predicament?

"After all these years, you're still trying to match me with David? For all we know, David might already have a girlfriend that you're unaware of."