Chapter 364 He's just bluffing!
In New York City, at The Silver Fork restaurant, Maria, who rarely wore makeup, was sitting across from a lean-looking middle-aged man.
"Mr. Edwards, I believe you're already familiar with my situation," Maria said, feeling somewhat self-conscious in front of the middle-aged man. "I am quite satisfied with you, but there's one condition,you must be good to my daughter."
The man, Zach Edwards, appeared to be a wealthy restaurateur to the ordinary eye, but in reality, he was also a Soulmancer and one of the "Chosen Ones."
Maria had met John at a social event.
John, with his decent looks and wealthy background, had never been married. For a divorced woman like Maria, with a child, finding such a date was rare. She had no grand demands, just hoping to find someone to spend the rest of her life with steadily.
Her only requirement was that John must treat her daughter Amy well,otherwise, she would rather remain alone.
Zach's expression was sincere, and his smile radiated charm. "Maria, rest assured, if we are together, I will treat your daughter as my own."
Having previously worked in nightlife, Maria knew well the sweet nothings men often said to woo women, and she wasn't naive enough to take such promises at face value.
"It would be best that way," Maria said. "I think we should get to know each other for a while, and if it feels right, we can get married."
For someone of Maria's age, love wasn't the sole pursuit of life.
Adult dating was more about practicality and straightforward intentions. If the other person seemed suitable, marriage was considered; if not, they would part ways amicably without much delay.
"Of course, that would be ideal," Zach replied with a smile. "I hope to come home to someone waiting for me, keeping a light on. In fact, I've always wanted a daughter."
"People often say a daughter is her father's lover from a past life. I've met Amy, and she's a very charming child." Zach had his own agenda,his mission was to win Maria's heart. Success would bring him a special reward.
Moreover, every time Maria's fondness for him increases, the strength of his soul energy also increases a bit.
Maria was an attractive woman, still possessing charm and grace.
Zach wouldn't feel at a loss marrying her.
As for how he would treat Amy, that would depend on his mood.
Regardless of how things might develop with Zach or what schemes he may have, for the time being, Maria was enjoying their conversation.
That is, until William entered the restaurant...
"Maria, what a coincidence, you're dining here too?" William purposefully passed by their table, greeted Maria, then turned to Zach with a smile, "Mr. Edwards, I didn't realize you knew Maria?"
Zach looked at William, puzzled, "And you are?"
Pretending to be well-acquainted with him, William chuckled, "Mr. Edwards, have you forgotten me already? Since Maria is no longer in the nightclub business, you can discuss any business matters with me."
"What business?" Zach was confused, unable to recall ever meeting William.
Seeing William's youthful appearance, Zach didn't think he was one of Maria's suitors causing trouble.
William glanced at Maria and then at Zach, lowering his voice, "Didn't you tell me last time that you wanted to financially support Samantha and Lily from our school for a relationship or services? They've agreed. Would you like to discuss the details?"
"Financially support students for a relationship or services?" Zach's expression darkened as he coldly replied, "Young man, you must be mistaking me for someone else."
He noticed Maria's increasingly displeased look and his system began to alert him that Maria's fondness for him was dropping.
Zach was annoyed and unsettled by this unexpected interruption during a pleasant conversation with Maria.
Being a Soulmancer, he might have already taken action against William if they weren't in such a public setting.
Considering the influence of the 13th Bureau, Zach restrained himself.
He didn't lose his composure over William's remarks, but instead replied with a cold laugh, "Buddy, you should be aware of the legal implications of your words. Do you even know who I am?"
"Mr. Edwards, that's not a very pleasant thing to say," William responded with a smile, turning to Maria, "Maria, are you planning to return to your old lifestyle?"
Maria had always been grateful to the young man, William.
Their meeting was a twist of fate, and William had helped her a lot during this period.
Hearing William's comment, she wasn't offended,instead, she smiled and said, "William, Mr. Edwards is someone I met through social activities, a dating prospect. As for whatever business you want to discuss with him, feel free to sit here and talk it out."
Financially supporting students?
Maria had seen such things before, but she never involved herself in such dealings. In her nightclub days, she never actively encouraged or tempted any girl to sell herself.
Zach's eyes twitched slightly at Maria's unusual reaction. Usually, any woman hearing about their date financially supporting younger girls would storm off, whether the claim was true or false.
Yet, Maria sat there, suggesting they continue discussing business?
Discuss what business exactly?
Biting back his frustration to maintain composure, Zach quickly calmed himself down. Glancing at William, he replied with a smirk, "You're William, right? You mentioned a few students earlier? Why don't you just call them over?"
It was clear to Zach that William was there to cause trouble. But Zach, who had weathered many storms, wouldn't lose his cool over this. He was certain William couldn't summon anyone, giving him a chance to prove his innocence to Maria.
William chuckled, "Mr. Edwards does have a taste for adventure. But calling them to such a place might be inappropriate."
"There's nothing inappropriate about it," Zach retorted sharply. "Call them in front of me. If you manage to bring them here, I'll accept it. If you can't, don't blame me for calling the police."
Zach feared William might have prearranged something with some girls to trap him. Making a call would prevent any secret codes or Morse codes from being used.
"Call the police?" William laughed, "Such business matters, involving the police might not be good for anyone."
"Just make the call!" Zach was done with idle talk and glared at William, trying to pressure him into backing down.
As for William's deliberate troublemaking today, he would settle with William slowly after dealing with Maria.
"Alright then! As the boss, you call the shots," William grinned. "But you'll have to provide a meal for the young ladies when they arrive."
Zach's heart skipped a beat, sensing something amiss.
Could this young man have planned this all along?
It didn't make sense,they didn't know each other, so deep schemes shouldn't exist.
Right!
He's just bluffing!
"Just call them! The meal's on me! Order whatever you want!" Zach refused to believe William could be so calculating.
William grinned and said, "Don't worry, boss, they'll be here in ten minutes." He then took out his phone and made a call.
"Samantha, bring Lily to The Silver Fork restaurant. Mr. Edwards from last time wants to meet with you."
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