At Matthews Industries,
Damon Matthews gritted his teeth while waiting for Casper to return from the meeting.
Didn't Casper invite him to make him a CEO?
Then why was Casper keeping him away from company meetings?
He expected Casper to call Alvin's rival - Carozza and offer him something to keep Alvin away from the country during the shareholders' meeting. However, Casper gave the job to him and went to the meeting.
Since Damon didn't have anything to offer, he tipped off that Alvin was busy in his personal life and it was the perfect time to torture Alvin. Damon was glad to hear Alvin's rival was making use of the opportunity.
An hour passed. Pissed off, Damon paced in the office room wondering the reason behind Casper's invite. His brows furrowed when recalled Casper asked him no question.
He contacted Casper the previous evening and he brought Alvin's information and Carozza's contact details. It was undoubtedly suspicious to obtain that information in such a short time. Hence Damon was prepared to answer it.
Nonetheless, why didn't Casper ask him anything?
Damon was well aware that Casper was too smart to be fooled easily. Then why did Casper invite him?
Was Casper keeping an eye on him in the past?
Did Casper use him to attack Alvin Matthews?
His heart picked speed in panic without knowing Casper's intention. 'I need to play cool,' He told himself repeatedly. Neither Alvin nor Liam were supporting Casper, Damon believed it was his time to shine. He convinced himself to boost his confidence.
—-------
At Nest Regency,
Pursing her lips to stop smiling, Anya watched Zane who was carefully arranging his accessories box. There were his new cufflinks, reindeer collar pin, and snowman brooch from the previous day's party outfit.
Her eyes fell on the man who had a smug smile walking out of the room after taming his son. She was still amused that Alvin prepared a Christmas present for Zane who was treasuring it.
Suddenly something clicked in her mind. She immediately went in front of Alvin and blocked him from taking the stairs. Extending her hand, "My Present?" If he brought a gift to Zane, there should be her gift too, right?
Alvin controlled himself from remarking anything adult rated when his little enemy was right behind them. He gently pinched her both cheeks and deadpanned, "You aren't a baby."
Anya: "…"
Who said Christmas gifts are only for babies?
Wait, is it only for babies? Is that the reason her parents stopped giving her Christmas presents?
But she wants a gift from Alvin. Rather than the gift itself, she was curious about what Alvin might pick for her.
Would it be something romantic like chocolates, flowers, or a dinner date? Or overbearing like jewelry or company shares or property? Or arrogant like handing her his credit card? She was going to kick his ass if it was the last two.
Zane giggled looking at Anya pout in displeasure, receiving no gifts. Nevertheless, he was rendered speechless when Anya skipped down the stairs and said in a baby voice, "I'm a baby."
Alvin, Zane, and Rob: "…"
Pinkness crept up her face in embarrassment when her eyes landed on Rob in the living hall. 'Ahem,' Clearing her throat, she put on a serious wife look and asked, "Working today?" She didn't want another drama and hoped to have some family time.
Alvin had to press his lips to a thin line to avoid laughing at her face. He was happy to see her cheerful and playful. Yes, He bought her a gift too but it was in the Oasis mansion. Coming to work, he had postponed all his work. If Rob was at the villa, there was something important for him to attend. "I will take a look."
Sending the mother and son to the kitchen, Alvin entered the study room hearing Rob, "Your guess was right. Damon Matthews is back." What baffled him was Casper allowing the man to get close.
Gianna had kept Benjamin and his sons away for a reason. Was Casper clueless? Did his hatred consume his common sense?
Alvin sat on the leather chair and mused, "Should we reserve a room for Chairman Matthews in the mental hospital?" Because Casper was getting surrounded by unfaithful people.
As far as Rob studied Casper and his actions, he was certain that Casper wouldn't make Damon the CEO. If not anything, Casper would be very uptight when it comes to business. Casper would become the acting CEO instead of risking the company.
What was Casper up to?
After much consideration, Rob concluded as Casper might be using Damon to lure Liam and Alvin. Alvin will ignore Damon and company but Liam will panic and reach Casper. When Liam argues with Casper, the latter will easily command Liam to work at the company and move back to the Matthews mansion.
Thus Rob was there to ask, "Should we let Liam Matthews find his father?" They could stop Liam and explain Casper's possible plan.
Liam Matthews.
Sometimes Alvin found Liam smart but also clueless, determined but powerless, emotional but confused. He couldn't stop Liam if Liam wanted to continue living his pathetic life under Casper and ruin his happiness. He flicked his mobile towards Rob to show Liam's message.
[Emergency. I'm heading to the company.]
Rob read another message too, [No cleaning company available on a festive day. We will move out tomorrow to my apartment.] Rob deduced Liam had his unoccupied apartment. Now he wonders whether Liam will choose to become Casper's shadow to save the company.
Anyway, his expression hardened when his focus shifted to another important work. "Mr. Carozza sent a message." He placed his mobile on the desk for Alvin to read the message.
[Why shouldn't I befriend an enemy of my enemy?]
Alvin's eyes zeroed in on the message. The screen turned dark but Alvin's gaze stayed on the mobile. He spun the paperweight. Frankly, Carozza was the last person he wanted to cause another situation amidst the chaos.
The Carozza family was a powerful Italian family, they were curators and antique dealers for centuries. Terrorizing the various excavation teams and dealers, the Carozza family acquired their competitors and never let anybody surpass them.
Alvin was no exception. He and his team faced a lot of troubles and failures but Alvin didn't leave his ground and spread his network enough to keep Carozza at bay. Nevertheless, his business empire was nowhere near the giant Carozza.
The question was, who reached Carozza to control him?
Miles Johnson? Casper Matthews? Is there someone new?
What could they offer to Carozza to trouble him? After all, Carozza wasn't lacking in money or connections.
His expression relaxed, softening the sharpness of his face when a heartwarming laughter echoed from the kitchen. His little enemy was taking all the attention of his wife.
Just then, his wife slid on the floor and halted in front of the study room, "Sorry to disturb you." She grabbed the duo's attention, "Alvin, we are going grocery shopping. Would you like to join us?" The lightheartedness was evident in her zesty tone, to live her normal life for a day.
Alvin was tempted but Rob was on the verge of losing his sane mind. Carozza wasn't somebody to disregard.
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