Sweet Wife So Charming: CEO: Hold Back Your Heart-Chapter 399: Political Marriage

"Dad, the business world is like a battlefield, we haven’t even secured it yet, how can you be so sure..."

Mr. Rhodes saw his daughter like this and realized he might have been overconfident. But he couldn’t contain his joy; if they could clinch Ira Irving’s deal, the Rhodes family would have no worries about climbing further up the business ladder. The Sinclair family? Haha, what are they.

"Oh, I’m just happy, join me for a couple of drinks, just a couple."

Fiona Rhodes couldn’t resist. She thought about how Ira Irving hadn’t declined any of her invitations recently, and between the lines, it seemed he favored the Rhodes family. Feeling quite pleased, she grumbled a couple of words to her father and then sat down to drink with him.

"We can’t drink too much, we still have to be at the Irving Group early tomorrow."

"Alright, alright, no problem."

That night, the moon was exceptionally bright, and many people found it hard to sleep.

Before dawn the next day, journalists and media gathered early at the entrance of the Irving company, with representatives from various companies taking their seats early as well.

"Hey, butler, has my dad left yet?" Zayne Sinclair was outside in the hallway, talking on the phone with a worried face.

"Young master, the master has already gone over."

Zayne Sinclair breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s good, I’ve already told people to let him come straight to the top floor when he arrives."

"Understood, young master."

With that, Zayne Sinclair relaxed and returned to the conference room.

"Hmph, that kid called you."

The butler looked at the still slightly stern-faced Mr. Sinclair and smiled, nodding.

"Look at him, so useless."

"Sir, the young master is truly repentant, hoping you would go see him. He stood outside the study for several hours last night."

Mr. Sinclair’s face darkened. "Repentant, huh, I know my son." He paused, his expression softening slightly, "Let’s see how things turn out when Ira Irving actually chooses him."

"Sir, don’t worry."

The butler poured Mr. Sinclair another cup of tea as the car headed to the Irving Group.

At this moment, at the entrance of the Irving Group, Ira Irving’s car slowly approached from the south.

"Here it comes, here it comes, quick, get ready," shouted a photographer.

Suddenly, a swarm of reporters rushed to Ira Irving’s car but were held back by bodyguards who had arrived early.

"Mr. Irving," the secretary got out of the car to open the door for Ira Irving.

"Mr. Irving, have you decided which company you’re going to choose?"

"We’ve heard that Miss Fiona Rhodes has been seeing you in private. Isn’t that against the business rules?"

"Mr. Irving, I heard Julian Sinclair from the Sinclair Group also submitted a bid. Will you choose him?"

...

Ira Irving looked at the journalists across the street with cameras in hand, talking nonstop. He smiled, gesturing for everyone to quiet down.

"All your questions can be easily answered. Once the cooperation document is out, everything will be clear."

The secretary took the opportunity to usher Ira Irving forward, "Alright, everyone, please make way, we’ll have a press conference after the meeting, please make way."

The bodyguards on each side pushed the reporters aside to clear a path for Ira Irving.

"Mr. Irving, please..." The surrounding reporters continued to chatter incessantly, chasing after Ira Irving toward the company entrance.

Ira Irving entered the building and headed straight for the top floor.

"Sorry, everyone, please leave for now. Once the meeting is over, we’ll inform you directly," the secretary blocked the reporters before signaling the bodyguards with a glance and turning to enter the building. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

The employees in the cubicles inside the building were stretching their necks, whispering about today’s major news, all speculating on Ira Irving’s decision.

"I think it’s most likely going to be the Rhodes family."

"I think so too. Haven’t you noticed how often Fiona Rhodes has been coming to our group lately? It’s almost like she’s part of the Rhodes family."

"Hahaha, exactly, tsk tsk."

Around them, there was a burst of quiet laughter.

"What’s going on, are you all planning to quit?"

The manager’s face was dark as he looked at his subordinates.

"Manager."

"Keep your mouths shut. It’s easy to get into the Irving Group but easier to get kicked out. If anyone wants to try me, I don’t mind showing them."

The group saw the manager getting serious and all closed their mouths, sticking to their work obediently.

On the top floor of the Irving Group’s conference room sat representatives from various companies who had made it through layers of selection to enter the final bidding round.

Zayne Sinclair looked impassively at Julian Sinclair across from him, feeling somewhat frustrated. He had tried hard but hadn’t managed to persuade Ira Irving to dismiss Julian Sinclair’s company. Then, he himself got into trouble and was grounded. If not for today’s bidding contest, who knows when he’d be allowed out.

But, in the end, whom would Ira Irving choose: Julian Sinclair, Fiona Rhodes, or some of these emerging companies around?

Sweeping his eyes around, he lowered them in silence.

Fiona Rhodes suppressed the joy in her heart and looked scornfully at the people around her. Today, she was the star. Hmph, let these here be supporting acts, waiting to curry favor with the Rhodes family in the future.

Julian Sinclair, Zayne Sinclair, the Sinclair family... what are they.

With Ira Irving joining the Rhodes family as such a strong partner, the Rhodes family would naturally rise step by step, even surpassing the Sinclair Group.

The attendees from various countries were uncertain, silently mulling over their thoughts.

Upstairs from the bidding arena,

Julian Sinclair stood by the glass window, looking at the bustling streets below. His cool, upright figure was relaxed, not showing a trace of tension.

Compared to other bidders from different companies, he was calm to the point of being intimidating.

"Haha, it seems everyone is very enthusiastic," Ira Irving came in, chuckling.

Representatives in the conference room stood up to greet Ira Irving.

"Okay, okay, everyone sit down, please."

Julian Sinclair turned around and sat in a nearby soft chair.

"Everyone, I imagine you’ve made considerable efforts to be sitting here today. I’ve gone over each of your bids and learned about your companies. Truly, the younger generation surpasses the old, and especially you young folks, remarkable." He nodded at an emerging company sitting on the left, "At such a young age, you’re able to bring your company to this level, and your bid was quite innovative and interesting, hahahaha, the young are to be feared, indeed, to be feared."

"Mr. Irving, you’re too kind," someone responded.

Ira Irving smiled, glanced over at the people sitting on the right, his eyes narrowed and continued, "Well, I know you’re all very busy, so let’s not beat around the bush. To the point, the bid the Irving Group will be taking this time is..." He glanced at Fiona Rhodes, then turned to look in the direction of the Sinclair Group, with a hint of admiration in his eyes, "it’s with young Mr. Julian Sinclair’s company."

As soon as Ira Irving finished speaking, the conference room fell silent.

Fiona Rhodes stood up in disbelief, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Mr. Irving, didn’t you promise me? How can..."

Ira Irving glanced over with a sidelong look, "What? Is Miss Rhodes dissatisfied with our company’s decision?"

"No, you... didn’t you say..." Fiona Rhodes was so shaken that she stumbled over her words.

"What did I say?" Ira Irving immediately interrupted her, "Miss Rhodes, the business world is like a battlefield. Moreover, although I’m the head of The Irving Group, many decisions are not solely up to me. This outcome was discussed among the company’s top executives and board members."

"Miss Rhodes, your company indeed shows great potential and is one of the leading companies in Vesperia, but I’m more focused on young Sinclair’s personal business prospects. As a businessman, pursuing profit is my nature. I hope Miss Rhodes understands. I’m very sorry that I can’t collaborate with your company, but if there’s an opportunity in the future, we can still negotiate."

Fiona Rhodes looked at his kindly appearance, biting her teeth as bitterness welled up inside her.

Looking at Fiona Rhodes swaying like a leaf battered by the wind, others felt an inexplicable satisfaction seeing her deflated.

Fiona Rhodes never expected Ira Irving to be this cunning old fox. Of course, with The Irving Group being so large, how could he not have some tactics? She realized she was too inexperienced, not thinking things through carefully, too drawn in by immediate benefits.

She couldn’t voice her silent suffering, so she feigned a smile and sat back down quietly.

Having failed to smoothly sign the contract with Ira Irving today, she really had no idea how to face her father! Thinking of this made her face look even worse.

"What? Julian seems to look displeased. Perhaps he doesn’t want to cooperate with me?"

Zayne Sinclair was snapped awake by one sentence from Ira Irving. He hurriedly stood up, walked to Ira Irving’s side, and held his hand with a flattering smile, "Mr. Irving, what are you saying? I just didn’t expect that you would actually choose our Sinclair Group. Rest assured, since you trust us, the Sinclair Group definitely won’t disappoint you."

The joy between his brows was evidently seen, too overwhelming to hide.

"Hahaha, then let me congratulate us on our pleasant cooperation. In the coming days, I hope young Sinclair will guide me well." Ira Irving’s face was filled with a facade of polite smiles, deeply stabbing at Fiona Rhodes.

She gritted her teeth in hatred, wishing to kill those two on stage who were passionately conversing.

What a player Ira Irving is! What a player Zayne Sinclair is! They actually maneuvered right behind her back!

"Not at all, not at all. Then in the future, I hope Mr. Irving will look after us more." Zayne Sinclair responded courteously.

"Certainly, certainly."

The two walked out of the bidding competition venue hand in hand, beaming with smiles. Outside, reporters had long waited, and as soon as Ira Irving stepped down, they swarmed forward.

The result of this bidding competition was unexpected for everyone, so they naturally wouldn’t miss this explosive news opportunity—if they got the scoop, they profited!

Thus, a large crowd surged towards Ira Irving, making an especially spectacular scene.

In the conference room, Julian Sinclair stood up, ready to leave.

Suddenly, a fierce voice came from behind.

"Julian Sinclair, did you just hand Ira Irving over to Zayne Sinclair like that?" Fiona Rhodes looked at him in disbelief, "Are you willing to let such a worthless person ride on your back? You should know if this deal succeeds, your status in the Sinclair Group will be precarious!"

Adjusting his suit, he turned his face slightly and said in a low voice, "Zayne Sinclair is indeed a worthless person, but since we’re all part of the Sinclair family, having our own brother win the bid is also a good thing for the Sinclair Group. In that case, why not."

Watching the unperturbed Julian Sinclair’s back, Fiona Rhodes slammed her hand hard on the conference table.

The Rhodes family paid a lot for this contract, bought many favors, and spent a lot of money. She certainly wouldn’t just let it go.

Grabbing her bag, she stepped out quickly in high heels, leaving The Irving Group.

In Ira Irving’s office.

"Young Sinclair, take a look first. If there are no other issues, let’s sign the contract quickly, what do you think?"

"Yes, yes, yes, I naturally have no objections."

After speaking, the two took the contract from the secretary, signed their names, and then stood up to take a photo.

"I will definitely not let Mr. Irving down."

"Then I’m relieved." Ira Irving patted Zayne Sinclair’s shoulder.

The two headed outside.

"Oh, this must be Mr. Sinclair Senior."

Ira Irving looked up at the person standing opposite, stepped forward to greet him.

"Hello, Mr. Irving."

"Hahaha, Mr. Sinclair Senior is lucky to have a good son—so capable and talented."

Upon hearing that Zayne Sinclair had secured the bid, Sinclair Senior did not quite believe it, and now seeing Ira Irving praise Zayne Sinclair to his face, he felt both joyful and surprised. He quickly responded cordially, "Mr. Irving, don’t be so modest. My son still has much to improve. It’s thanks to Mr. Irving not being dismissive; otherwise, today’s bidding wouldn’t have included him."

Despite saying that his son had much to improve, the deeply wrinkled old face was filled with pride and contentment.

Ira Irving was one of the top-assets owners in Vesperia, and to cooperate with him, Zayne Sinclair was very likely to exceed Julian Sinclair and become the successor of the Sinclair Group.

Thinking of this, Sinclair Senior’s smile widened even further.

"Having much to improve yet achieving this feat, he will surely become even greater in the future, hahaha." Ira Irving laughed heartily.

The two chatted and walked towards the elevator entrance. Zayne Sinclair followed behind, jubilant, noticing Julian Sinclair walking by, he raised his eyebrows in a provocative manner, full of pride.

Julian Sinclair cast a cold glance over, nodded towards Ira Irving and Sinclair Senior, then turned and left.

This matter soon stirred up a whirlwind online.

"No way, is it because I woke up wrong this morning or has the world become surreal."

"Why would Ira Irving choose Zayne over the handsome Julian Sinclair? Is he blind?"

"Exactly, and what about our beauty Fiona?"

"Hey, upstairs, our young Sinclair is also very attractive, huh."

"Haha, what good is being attractive if there’s so much scandal surrounding him? His character is clearly lacking."

"There must be something fishy between Ira Irving and Zayne Sinclair."

...

Every major media outlet’s headlines are all about Zayne Sinclair securing The Irving Group’s bid. The previous scandals have resurfaced, with a mix of praise and criticism, making the public utterly confused.

"Hey, honestly, I really can’t comprehend losing to Zayne Sinclair and not being selected for the contract."

In Julian Sinclair’s company, a small group discussed in the lunchroom.

"Yes, I also can’t understand it. If Julian Sinclair stands next to young Sinclair, anyone with eyes would not choose him, right? If choosing, one would definitely choose Julian Sinclair, wouldn’t you agree?"

"You mean in terms of looks? Then I’d choose young Sinclair. Although Julian Sinclair is handsome, he’s antisocial, difficult to approach, admired only from afar."

"Roll on, even eating can’t shut your mouth."

The assistant, sitting at a nearby table, heard this conversation and rolled their eyes, picking up their lunchbox and moving towards the elevator.

"President Sinclair."

Julian Sinclair, looking down at the document, softly said, "Mm, just leave it."

The assistant put down the lunchbox, hesitating over whether to speak.

Julian Sinclair pinched his brow, leaned back, glanced sideways, "Speak."