My Cold-Hearted Husband Wants Me Back-Chapter 16: A Game Of Wits

"I don't think I need to follow your orders, Mr. Grantham." Gideon's voice was firm, his confidence growing. Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward the door, a slight smirk curling at his lips, convinced he'd gained the upper hand.

Eryx shifted his eyes, gazing down at his suit as his hand brushed an invisible speck of dust away. "Up to you... so I guess I don't need to help you with the debt?"

Gideon paused, his hand on the doorknob, his smirk faltering. He turned back, crossing his arms. "What is it with you? That's my debt... why would you even care?"

Eryx's eyes darkened, his voice calm but cold. "Because I owe your daughter an apology."

Gideon's brow furrowed in confusion. "Apology?" His mind raced, trying to figure out why this powerful man would suddenly be so concerned about Eloise. "What exactly happened between you two?"

Eryx didn't elaborate. "Ask her about it. Or... perhaps you don't even know where she is right now?"

Gideon bristled, trying to maintain his composure. "Of course I do! She's waiting in the car."

Eryx's eyes widened slightly, leaning forward with interest. "Then... ask her to come up."

"I don't think that's necessary," Gideon said quickly, his nerves starting to show. "We'll be going now." He turned again, this time more hurriedly toward the door.

Eryx's voice followed him, calm and cutting. "It's interesting... how protective you seem, only when it's convenient for you."

Gideon froze, his smirk slipping just a little. "Of course I'm protective. She's my daughter. But just because you're interested in her doesn't mean you can pull my strings."

Eryx's eyes stayed on him, cold and unreadable. "Interested?" He let out a soft, almost amused sound. "Let's just say I have my reasons. Maybe I felt a little... responsible." He shrugged casually, but the words were pointed. "But if you're so eager to walk away, I won't stop you. I'm sure The Old Man Vaugh will be thrilled to hear you've turned down my help."

Gideon's face tightened. "You're bluffing."

"Am I?" Eryx's voice remained calm, but the hint of a smirk played at his lips. "You know Vaugh's not a patient man. I wonder how much time you really have before he decides to collect his debt another way."

The color drained slightly from Gideon's face. He knew exactly what Eryx meant.

"Fine," Gideon said through gritted teeth. "But my daughter has nothing to do with this."

"That's where you're wrong." Eryx's eyes flashed. "She has everything to do with this. And if you're so confident that she's waiting downstairs, why not bring her up? Or..." He paused, his tone turning mocking, "...could it be that she's not actually there?"

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

Gideon's pride flared at the insinuation. "She's here," he snapped. "I'll bring her up."

"Good." Eryx leaned back in his chair, the picture of patience. "I'll be waiting."

Gideon stepped out of the building, his mind buzzing. The idea that Eryx Grantham was interested in Eloise thrilled him. This could solve all his problems. As he reached the car, he saw his wife, Mira, and their daughter Eloise waiting.

Mira rolled down the window. "Well? How did it go?"

Gideon grinned, barely able to contain his excitement. "He asked to meet Eloise."

Eloise's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. "Really?" she asked, her voice full of excitement. "He... he wants to meet me?"

"Yes," Gideon confirmed, nodding eagerly. "Come on, darling, this is your chance."

Eloise quickly checked her reflection in the car's side mirror, smoothing her hair and adjusting her makeup. "I can't believe this," she whispered, a smile breaking across her face. "Eryx Grantham... wants to meet me."

Mira's brow furrowed with suspicion. "Are you sure this isn't some business ploy? Why would someone like Eryx Grantham suddenly take an interest in our daughter?"

"Does it matter?" Gideon said, brushing off her concerns. "This could be our big break, her big break. Now, come on, Eloise, let's not keep him waiting."

Eloise stepped out of the car, her excitement growing. She adjusted her dress, trying to stay calm even as her heart raced.

"Let's go," Gideon said, leading her back toward the building. "And remember, smile."

Inside the building, Gideon walked with a confident stride, his mind buzzing with the idea that Eryx Grantham must be completely smitten with Eloise. Beside him, Eloise's eyes sparkled with anticipation. She'd only seen Eryx in magazines and on the news, but the idea of meeting him in person and with him being interested in her, felt too much like a dream.

"Dad, do I look okay?" she whispered, smoothing down her dress again.

"You look perfect," Gideon said with a satisfied nod. "Just be polite and charming and I am sure you'll have him wrapped around your finger in no time."

They reached the office door, and Callum raised an eyebrow when he saw Eloise. He stepped aside without a word and opened the door.

Eryx, who was now sitting at his desk, focused on a document in front of him. When Gideon and Eloise entered, he looked up and froze.

Gideon looked at Eloise for a few seconds before shifting his eyes back on Eryx. "Mr. Grantham, as you asked me. Introducing you to my daughter, Eloise Winfield."

Eryx's eyes stayed locked on Eloise, his mind racing. This wasn't the woman from last night. The sharp-tongued, fierce girl he'd encountered was nowhere to be seen in the elegant and composed young woman before him. His confusion deepened.

Eloise, on the other hand, looked delighted. She stepped forward, her smile bright and eager. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Grantham. I've heard so much about you."

Eryx stood up, walking toward them as his eyes still locked onto her. "Eloise Winfield?"

"Yes, Mr. Grantham." She smiled, trying her best to look as charming as she could with her hand still hanging in the air, asking for a handshake.

"Callum!" Eryx's voice echoed through the whole room. "Send them out!"