Sweet Wife So Charming: CEO: Hold Back Your Heart-Chapter 394: Negotiation

"Hahaha, Julian, it’s been a while." Even before the person arrived, Julian Sinclair heard the deep and powerful voice coming from afar.

He stood up and walked over to greet him.

"Mr. Irving, still as cheerful as ever."

Ira Irving laughed heartily, "If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have had this good fortune."

Julian Sinclair gave a faint smile and led Ira Irving to sit down.

"No need to be polite, this tea was just brewed, have a taste."

Ira Irving lifted his hand to take the cup, looking at the pale tea water in the purple clay teapot, smelling the fresh aroma, and took a sip with a smile, "Good tea, good tea, hahaha."

"This is specially prepared for you, knowing you love it." Julian also took a sip of tea before speaking.

"Alright, I could never get something this good, you’ll have to let me take some with me."

Julian Sinclair raised an eyebrow as he put down the teacup, "Of course, it’s all yours."

"Hahahaha, President Sinclair is still as generous." After a pause and relaxing a bit, Ira Irving continued, "Julian, you didn’t call me here just to drink tea, did you?"

Julian Sinclair pursed his lips and smiled slightly, "I want to ask you for a small favor."

"What kind of favor? Just say it; as long as I can help." Ira Irving gestured grandly with his hand.

Back in the day, Julian Sinclair risked his life to save him, and later helped him in many ways; he had long treated Julian like a brother. No matter what Julian asked, even if it meant going through fire and water, he would not hesitate.

Pouring another cup of tea for Ira Irving, Julian Sinclair started to speak, "I want you to set up a bidding competition."

Ira Irving narrowed his eyes, "Who’s the target?"

"The Rhodes family," Julian Sinclair said in a deep voice.

"Alright."

Julian Sinclair leaned back in his chair, looking at the moonlight outside the window, "I want to make it big, so they can’t recover."

"No problem, given my current position, it’s just right."

Julian Sinclair looked at Ira Irving opposite him, with his wicked smile, and shook his head lightly; this old brother, considering how much he owes him and how long they’ve collaborated, his ambition and boldness indeed stand out.

"Then I thank you in advance." Picking up the teacup, he toasted Ira Irving as if with wine.

Ira Irving quickly picked up his teacup, "Ah, come on, no need for thanks, just be ready for a good show." Saying that, he finished the tea in his cup.

Just then, the ordered dishes were served, and the two shifted the topic to discussing future collaborations.

"You didn’t get the wrong information?"

The editor-in-chief of a certain newspaper asked his staff.

"No, the Irving Group has already sent news to major media outlets, saying they’re holding a press conference next Monday."

"Then hurry up and prepare, be there early, go, go."

On Monday, Ira Irving smiled as he looked at the journalists seated across from him.

"Thank you all for coming. Today, I’m holding this press conference to announce a decision made by the company recently."

Below, flashlights went off continuously.

"We plan to hold a bidding competition and openly invite tenders from various companies. We hope capable companies will bid more and progress together with the Irving Group."

"Mr. Irving, why is the company suddenly inviting public tenders?" A reporter raised a question.

Ira Irving looked over, "That’s a good question. Why invite public tenders? With the country’s encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship, many young people have embarked on this path and have done quite well. After discussions, we also want the Irving Group to contribute to this and provide opportunities for some companies. But everything has to be based on capability; as long as your bid is good, you’re welcome to participate, haha."

After saying that, he gave a signal to the person beside him.

"Alright, thank you everyone. Today’s press conference ends here. If there are any questions, we will have someone answer them for you later."

Ira Irving stood up, waved to the reporters across from him, and turned to leave.

"Mr. Irving, Mr. Irving, could you please say more about the Irving Group’s..."

The reporters below surged up, but were blocked by the bodyguards in front.

Soon after, major media outlets reported the news, and companies both large and small in the business world got excited.

"Chairman Rhodes, do you think the company needs to bid?" The secretary asked the head of the Rhodes family.

"Go, have the team prepare well; we must secure the Irving Group for The Rhodes."

"Yes."

Zayne Sinclair looked at the tablet in his hand, showing the Irving Group’s press conference, and angrily swept the things on the table to the floor, making a mess.

"This old fox, of all the times to invite tenders, it had to be now." He muttered to himself and pressed the intercom unaffected by the mess, "Have the secretary come in."

"What’s been found out? Have you contacted other companies?"

The secretary shook her head, trembling.

Zayne Sinclair suddenly stood up, staring at the electronic device in his hand with a gloomy expression, "Go, investigate who all have submitted bids."

The secretary nodded, shrank her body, and quickly walked out the door.

"Julian, you guessed right, the Rhodes family took the bait." Ira Irving tapped his fingers on the table while holding the phone.

Julian Sinclair lazily raised his eyelids, "That’s good; everything will proceed according to plan."

"Yes, don’t worry."

After saying this, he hung up the phone.

"Young Master Sinclair, you can’t go in, Young Master Sinclair."

With a bang, the door to Julian Sinclair’s office was slammed open by Zayne Sinclair, with the assistant panting slightly by his side.

Julian Sinclair turned around, looking at the furious Zayne Sinclair, and waved at the assistant.

"What’s going on?"

"Julian Sinclair, you submitted a bid to the Irving Group." Zayne Sinclair’s face was gloomy as he stood in front of Julian’s desk.

Julian Sinclair’s expressionless face was cold, "What, is there a problem?"

Looking at the indifferent man, Zayne Sinclair gritted his teeth, "You can’t possibly win."

"None of your business. Take care of yourself first. I’ve heard things aren’t going well for you lately."

Zayne Sinclair recalled the troubles at the company, feeling irritable, and fiercely glared at Julian Sinclair, "Is this your doing?"

Julian Sinclair sneered, "Do you think if it were me, you’d have the time to question me?"

Zayne Sinclair leaned forward, hands on the table, casting a shadow over his eyes as he stared at Julian Sinclair, who looked back with a mischievous smile.

Indeed, if it were his older brother, he wouldn’t even have time to question him now.

"I will never let you succeed with the Irving Group." After saying that, Zayne Sinclair turned around, slammed the door, and left.

The assistant saw Zayne Sinclair leave, knocked on the door, and came in, "President Sinclair, should we send someone..."

Julian Sinclair raised his right hand, "No need, he won’t succeed."

Zayne Sinclair sat in his sports car, punching the steering wheel furiously.

"Hello, arrange a party for me, make it good."

After saying that, he hung up the phone and drove away.

Two days later, at a famous hotel in Vesperia, Zayne Sinclair greeted the business elites attending the party with a smile.

At the entrance, Ira Irving came in with a female companion.

"Oh, Mr. Irving, you’re finally here." Zayne Sinclair quickly went up to greet him.

Ira Irving smiled, "Young Master Sinclair, thank you for your efforts. I heard from the staff that you invited me, so of course, I had to come."

Zayne Sinclair chuckled awkwardly. He spent considerable effort inviting Ira Irving. Since he came, he would definitely get Ira Irving to loosen up.

"You’re too kind, Mr. Irving. Please have a seat."

The two of them sat at the main table and clinked their glasses.

"I’ve always heard people say Young Master Sinclair is talented and very capable; it seems it’s true."

Zayne Sinclair smiled, "Oh no, I’m still far behind you, and much to learn."

"I heard you recently took on two projects in Japan all at once," Ira Irving praised, nodding his head.

"I got lucky, and the people around me cooperated well. I wouldn’t dare take all the credit."

Ira Irving listened and patted Zayne Sinclair on the shoulder, "Good, good, young and so humble and self-disciplined, very good, it seems, Old Master Sinclair is indeed fortunate."

Zayne Sinclair accompanied with a smile, and the two chatted a bit more, growing more familiar than before.

Seeing Ira Irving being called over by other business partners, Zayne Sinclair smiled and raised his glass, ha, Julian Sinclair, just wait to admit defeat.

In the following days, Zayne Sinclair would occasionally send people to invite Ira Irving, and Ira Irving always agreed. The relationship between the two grew increasingly friend-like. Zayne Sinclair was quite proud inside, even sending photos of the two to Julian, with a few mocking remarks, which Julian couldn’t care less about, dismissing it as childish.

The Rhodes family, in order to strengthen their ties with Ira Irving and secure future bids, sent Fiona Rhodes over.

"Fiona Rhodes, what are you doing here?"

Zayne Sinclair raised an eyebrow as he looked at the elegantly dressed woman in the elevator.

Fiona Rhodes adjusted her sunglasses, "I have a lunch appointment. Do I need to report to you like I’m checking in with young President Sinclair?"

"Of course not, but what a coincidence, we’re meeting at the same place."

Fiona Rhodes pursed her lips, "I want to come here, is that not allowed, Zayne Sinclair?"

Seeing the woman in front of him slightly annoyed, Zayne Sinclair smirked, "Of course, it’s allowed." As the elevator reached their floor, he said to the woman, "Miss Rhodes, please."

Fiona Rhodes curled her lips and walked out in her high heels.

Zayne Sinclair followed behind, watching as Fiona Rhodes stopped at a certain private room door, and let out a mocking laugh. As expected, his guess was correct.

It seems the Rhodes family also wanted to get involved.

After this, Fiona Rhodes and Zayne Sinclair ended up in a rivalry, while Ira Irving, for reasons unknown, seemed to enjoy accompanying both of them in their antics, accepting invitations from both, and sometimes inviting them together.

Gradually, Fiona Rhodes’s view of Zayne Sinclair soured, and their alliance began to crumble, turning them into secret competitors.

That morning, the secretary, as usual, reported the day’s schedule to Ira Irving.

"Fiona Rhodes has an appointment scheduled for this afternoon." Ira Irving looked up at the secretary standing across the desk.

The secretary nodded, "Do you want to cancel it?"

"No need, just keep it as it is."

"Understood."

With that, the secretary left.

These days, Zayne Sinclair was extremely busy, juggling between handling the branch office affairs and trying his utmost to stay on Ira Irving’s good side. He had lost a significant amount of weight but appeared more refined than before.

"Hey, hello, young President Sinclair." The secretary answered the call.

"Hello, I’d like to reschedule with Mr. Irving for this afternoon."

"I’m really sorry, young President Sinclair, but Mr. Irving already has plans for this afternoon."

Zayne Sinclair frowned; he had previously inquired and learned that Ira Irving was supposed to have the afternoon free, so who had booked him?

"Can I ask where they are meeting?"

The secretary hesitated, "I’m sorry, young President Sinclair, but Mr. Irving’s whereabouts are confidential."

Zayne Sinclair’s expression darkened, finally saying, "Alright, thank you. I’ll try to schedule another meeting with Mr. Irving next time."

"Of course, goodbye, young President Sinclair."

With that, Zayne Sinclair hung up the phone and asked his secretary outside to come in.

"Find out where Ira Irving is going for the appointment this afternoon."

The secretary nodded and left.

In the afternoon, Ira Irving, dressed in casual attire, arrived punctually outside an ancient manor left from the 19th century, where Fiona Rhodes and her team had been waiting for some time.

"Mr. Irving, you’re here! Please, come in."

Fiona Rhodes followed beside Ira Irving as they entered the manor.

Looking around, the ancient castle stood tall and imposing, its weathered walls bearing the marks of time. The courtyard was spacious and bright, with a central fountain sparkling under the sunlight. The lawn stretched around, emitting a fresh grassy scent.

"Hahaha, Miss Rhodes, where did you find such a wonderful place? Very nice, I quite like it."

Fiona Rhodes inwardly delighted but wore a polite smile, "If you like it, then it means I chose the right place."

A group of people paused alongside Ira Irving, and after he had taken in the sights enough, Fiona Rhodes guided them forward.

"Would you like to first go inside the house or explore the back garden?"

With renewed interest, Ira Irving said, "Let’s check out the back garden first. Have someone bring the things, and we’ll discuss other matters by noon."

Fiona Rhodes smiled and signaled to her assistant, leading Ira Irving to the back of the castle.

This castle, built across the sea, had since the 19th century been a place for certain royal officials to relax and play. Over time, as fortunes changed, the descendants overseeing it fell on hard times and sold it off, passing through various hands until a friend of Fiona Rhodes coincidentally purchased it.

A few days ago, during a casual chat, Fiona Rhodes learned of this place by chance and specifically borrowed it from her friend, putting substantial effort into refurbishing and decorating it.

On the road, a sports car was speeding toward them.

Zayne Sinclair steered the wheel with one hand, glancing sideways at the vast ocean on his left. It seemed the host of this invitation had quite the background.

But, so what? As long as Zayne Sinclair wanted something, there was nothing he couldn’t get.

With a roar, the sports car vanished out of sight.

The sun shed its golden glow, casually sprinkling it over the earth. The sea surface undulated with gentle waves, glistening and reflecting.

"Mr. Irving is amazing, indeed there are always people more exceptional than others. No one among my circle who plays golf could compare to Mr. Irving," Fiona Rhodes praised enthusiastically, her flattery mingling with her charming looks, adding an extra allure. Ira Irving laughed heartily upon hearing it.

"These are things you can master with more practice, there’s no secret to it. Miss Rhodes is smart and clever; it won’t be long before you surpass me."

"Then I shall borrow your auspicious words."

"Hahaha, alright." Ira Irving said, bending down to hit another shot.

The golf ball soared skyward, carved a parabola, then fell to the ground, rolling forward—hole in one.

"Mr. Irving, such skill, scoring an albatross," applause erupted as they spoke.

Ira Irving and Fiona Rhodes looked towards the sound, only to see Zayne Sinclair dressed in a white shirt, two buttons undone at the top, revealing his long neck, Adam’s apple moving. Wearing tailored trousers rolled up at the sleeves to his elbows, his tanned skin shone with a vigorous luster.

Fiona Rhodes was somewhat surprised, furrowing her brows without speaking.

Ira Irving knew he would definitely return, and chuckled inwardly: "Why has young Mr. Sinclair come?"

Zayne Sinclair thanked the person who guided him there, then looked up at Ira Irving with a smile: "I called your company, was told you were here, so I came over." Glancing at the nearby Fiona Rhodes, he added, "I didn’t expect it was Miss Rhodes who invited you, it seems I arrived a step late."

Fiona Rhodes glared at Zayne Sinclair with annoyance.

"Since young Mr. Sinclair is here, let’s enjoy ourselves together. Miss Rhodes wouldn’t mind me taking the liberty, would you?"

Ira Irving turned to smile and looked at Fiona Rhodes, who was accompanying him.

"How could I? Since Mr. Irving has agreed, young Mr. Sinclair is also my guest." Fiona Rhodes scanned Zayne Sinclair from head to toe and continued, "I see you’re not dressed for activities like ours; why not come with me to change? I’ve had someone prepare in advance."

Giving Zayne Sinclair a sideways glance, she said lightly, "As long as you don’t mind it’s prepared for Mr. Irving."

Zayne Sinclair curled the corner of his lips, looking at Fiona Rhodes who glared at him with words hidden beneath a smile, and sneered inwardly.

"Of course I don’t mind, others wouldn’t have this privilege."

"Then Mr. Irving, I’ll take young Mr. Sinclair first. The sun is getting intense; cold drinks and fruits are ready inside, you can head indoors anytime."

"Sure, don’t mind me, both of you go ahead." Ira Irving waved them off.

The two walked into a guest room on the second floor, where Fiona Rhodes immediately changed her expression.

"Zayne Sinclair, what do you really want? You’ve come several times to mess things up for me."

Changing his face, Zayne Sinclair no longer wore a smile: "I’m messing things up? What do you want? Just because you cozy up to Ira Irving for the contract, does it mean I can’t?"

"Our family submitted the bid. Has your company even submitted one?" Fiona Rhodes sneered, "I heard your company is in trouble lately; better mind your own business first rather than meddling in mine."

She let out two cold laughs and was about to leave when Zayne Sinclair pulled her back and pressed her against the wall.

"What are you trying to do?" Fiona Rhodes struggled, fury radiating from her face.

"What am I trying to do?"

Zayne Sinclair leaned closer as he spoke: "My company is in trouble, and you don’t even think of helping, but constantly get in my way with Ira Irving. I just want to ask, my supposed ally Miss Rhodes, what is your family trying to do?"

"How ridiculous. Even with your company in such a state, you expect our Rhodes family to jump down with you?" Fiona Rhodes sneered, "Let me tell you, Zayne Sinclair, Ira Irving and our Rhodes family have decided. No one can stand in front of us."

"So you’re intending to kill whoever stands in your way."

Zayne Sinclair’s face turned grim, his light gray eyes cold, and his grip on Fiona Rhodes’s wrist tightened.

Fiona Rhodes glared at the man close to her, enduring the pain in her wrist without backing down.

"Fine, since your Rhodes family insists on competing with me, Zayne Sinclair." He pushed Fiona Rhodes aside fiercely, "Our alliance ends here."

Staggering a few steps, Fiona Rhodes bowed her head slightly, rubbed her wrist, and suppressed a trace of grievance in her heart: "Hmph, suits me just fine."

After speaking, she didn’t even glance at Zayne Sinclair before slamming the door and leaving.

Watching the door vibrate twice, Zayne Sinclair rubbed his brow, changed his clothes, and went out.

Ira Irving watched the opposing interaction between the two, his mouth involuntarily curving upward.

Fiona Rhodes was in a bad mood, and Ira Irving was considerate, waving his hand to Fiona Rhodes with politeness: "Miss Rhodes seems upset. Why don’t we call it a day?"

"Where in the world would Mr. Irving say such? Today, I must accompany you until the end." Fiona Rhodes’s expression changed briefly, then immediately donned a flattering smile again and approached him.

"Really? Nothing’s wrong?" Ira Irving frowned, "You and young Mr. Sinclair, it’s not because of me, is it..."