Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Not a Single Ripple

Cecilia Croft saw a glimmer of hope, and the stiff smile on her lips finally relaxed.

Just as she was about to speak, the man flipping through the documents added another comment.

"If I purchase Vantage’s shares, but Miss Croft still wants to meddle in Vantage’s future, then there’s no need for us to discuss this deal."

After he spoke, he closed the folder and casually set it aside, his deep, dark eyes gazing at her sharply.

Cecilia Croft looked up to meet his gaze, her eyes showing no trace of retreat.

"Mr. Hawthorne, you’re overthinking things. Since I’ve already decided to sell you Vantage’s shares, its future development has nothing to do with me."

Having come this far, she felt no lingering attachment to Vantage.

She had written those proposals six months ago, merely to show Sebastian Hawthorne Vantage’s future prospects and potential.

As for which path Sebastian Hawthorne would take Vantage, what disagreements might arise between him and Jude Sheridan, or whether it would affect Vantage’s growth—none of it concerned her.

The sharpness in Sebastian Hawthorne’s eyes softened considerably.

"State your terms."

Cecilia Croft pressed her lips together.

"Vantage previously invested in a project, but Jude Sheridan unilaterally halted it and pulled the funding for certain reasons. I hope Mr. Hawthorne can resume the investment in this project."

After all, Jude Sheridan had pulled the funding only because Giselle Sullivan had stood up for her. Since she had promised Giselle she would handle it, she had to resolve this crisis for Grandeur Enterprises.

Sebastian Hawthorne nodded slightly. "That’s not an unreasonable request."

"I’m just curious, does Miss Croft want me to invest in this project in my capacity as a Vantage shareholder, or under the Hawthorne Group’s name?"

His question took Cecilia Croft completely by surprise.

Sebastian Hawthorne had asked casually, as if it were just an offhand remark.

Cecilia Croft knew there was a trap hidden in the question. If she asked him to invest as a Vantage shareholder, it would imply she still cared about Vantage and wanted to interfere in its development.

She pondered for a few seconds before her red lips parted, and she spoke slowly.

"Mr. Hawthorne should invest in whatever capacity is most beneficial to him."

What Grandeur Enterprises needed was capital to help them through this difficult time.

The capacity in which Sebastian Hawthorne invested was unimportant.

The man on the sofa seemed pleased with her answer. He chuckled softly and picked up the documents from the table again.

"Miss Croft, name your price."

"15 billion."

Since it was a package deal, Cecilia Croft had given Sebastian Hawthorne a bit of a discount when naming her price.

Hearing her offer, Sebastian Hawthorne raised an eyebrow and said lightly,

"You could go back to Karthus and be a deadbeat, let your sister support you. That’s a pretty good life."

Cecilia Croft: "..."

Sebastian Hawthorne: "I’ll give you 20 billion, tax included. That way, Ruby Croft won’t think I’m taking advantage of you and go around ruining my reputation."

What else could Cecilia Croft say? She could only nod awkwardly and thank her generous benefactor.

"Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne."

Sebastian Hawthorne’s expression was placid, showing no change in emotion.

"Once I have the contract drafted, I’ll have my lawyer notify you to come and sign it."

Cecilia Croft nodded. "Okay."

With the deal settled, Cecilia Croft took her leave.

When she returned to her grandmother’s villa, her mood had changed.

When Jude Sheridan entered the yard, he saw her humming a little tune while tidying up, looking to be in a very good mood.

He walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

Cecilia Croft’s body stiffened, and her brows furrowed. "What are you doing here?"

Her tone was not pleasant as she slipped out of Jude Sheridan’s embrace.

The color visibly drained from Jude Sheridan’s face. He lowered his voice, seemingly trying not to disturb Cecilia Croft’s grandmother.

"I can’t come over?"

Cecilia Croft saw his guarded expression and gave a cold smile.

Jude Sheridan’s face was grim as he stated his purpose, his words filled with impatience.

"You’re renovating the villa without even telling me? We’re about to get married! When our relatives come, where are they supposed to stay?"

He had gone back to the villa today and saw the renovations. It was only after asking the workers that he learned the owner had ordered them to completely remodel it.

Seeing he hadn’t yet realized she’d sold the villa, Cecilia Croft breathed a secret sigh of relief.

"They can stay at a hotel. There are so many in Silvercrest, isn’t that enough?"

She replied casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Jude Sheridan stood silently to the side, watching her without a word, his brows knitted and his eyes filled with agitation.

Cecilia Croft knew this was a sign he was about to lose his temper, but right now, she had no intention of placating him.

"The villa is in my name. It’s my personal property. How I choose to handle it is none of your business. You’re overstepping."

Jude Sheridan’s face went cold, his voice like ice.

"We’re getting married soon. Don’t I even have the right to know that you’re renovating our marital home?"

Cecilia Croft: "What decent family uses the woman’s personal property as the marital home?"

Jude Sheridan stared at her darkly.

"Cecilia, have you taken a look at yourself? You’re being so materialistic. If you cared about these things, you should have told me sooner! I can buy a new villa to be our marital home. It’s not like I can’t afford it. But by starting renovations at the last minute, you’re clearly trying to embarrass me, aren’t you?"

A smile played on Cecilia Croft’s lips as she looked at him. "Jude Sheridan, you’re the one who hasn’t been back in a long time, right? That’s why you didn’t notice the renovations had already started quite a while ago. You can’t blame me for that, can you?"

A flicker of discomfort crossed Jude Sheridan’s eyes.

"Cecilia, I’ve just been so busy with work lately, so..."

Cecilia Croft: "Don’t bother explaining. It’s not important."

Jude Sheridan saw the indifference in her eyes and was taken aback for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.

"Cecilia, I know you’re still mad at me about Jessica Keller. I already fired her. She’ll never have the chance to appear before you again. Stop being angry, okay? This is exhausting for both of us."

Cecilia Croft was silent for a few seconds before replying.

"If you think it’s exhausting, we can just break up. I’ve told you before, it’s not like you’re the only person I can marry."

She said it so calmly, but Jude Sheridan’s nerves instantly tensed. He could clearly tell she wasn’t just saying it out of anger.

Panic rose in his heart. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but his phone chose that exact moment to ring.

With a grim face, Jude Sheridan took out his phone and declined the call. He was just about to put it back in his pocket when it rang again.

Cecilia Croft watched him, her gaze cool and clear.

A flash of guilt appeared in the man’s eyes.

"It’s probably an urgent call from the office. I’ll go take it."

Perhaps it was because she had heard too many lies from him lately, but this new one failed to stir even the slightest ripple in her heart.

Cecilia Croft’s beautiful eyes were icy. She shot him a single glance before looking away, then gathered the trash in the yard and went back inside.

The man, who had walked to the side to answer the phone, had a tense expression. His eyes occasionally darted back in her direction.

Seeing that she wasn’t paying him any attention, he finally lowered his voice and said into the phone,

"Is everything okay? Don’t panic. I’m on my way."