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Novel Catalog
Chapter_286
Howard arrived at Skyland ten minutes early, a fortunate coincidence. He owned several villas in the area, although he didn’t visit them often. Today was different. As his car approached the gate, the security guard, recognizing the vehicle, immediately knew that another important person had returned. His face lit up in a broad smile as he greeted Howard with a warm, “Welcome home, sir.”
Howard gave a slight nod from inside the car, acknowledging the guard’s greeting. “Thanks for your hard work,” he responded appreciatively.
The young guard’s heart nearly leaped with joy. In all his years working at Skyland, he had never been greeted so warmly. Most of the residents were polite, but they often ignored him, treating him like just another part of the background. But Howard… Howard had made a point to thank him. The guard, still basking in the glow of the interaction, couldn’t help but think to himself, The people living here really are a class apart.
His thoughts shifted briefly to the woman who occasionally rode through Skyland on her scooter. She was stunning—easily the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in this area. She had a quiet charm and would often stop to chat with him, sometimes even eyeing his lunchbox. One day, he’d ordered an extra lunch and invited her to share it with him. To his delight, she accepted, and they ate together in the security booth. She had enjoyed the meal, and the guard couldn’t help but feel a little proud of himself.
He often wondered who she worked for. Surely, someone with such beauty couldn’t just be a maid, he thought. Her employers must be tight-fisted to have her ride such a small scooter every day. It’s such a waste. She deserves so much more.
His thoughts drifted off as Howard’s car disappeared down the road.
By the time Howard arrived at Villa 3, number 401, he had already adjusted his suit and was checking his appearance in the rearview mirror. He turned to Liam, who was sitting beside him, and asked with a hint of concern, “So, how does it look? Anything seem off?”
Liam’s eyebrow twitched. He gave a reassuring smile, his voice professional. “Mr. Yates, your outfit is absolutely perfect.”
Howard had already asked him this question three times on the way here. Liam’s throat was starting to feel dry, but he forced a smile, thinking, How could there be anything wrong? This is a custom-made suit worth 150 thousand dollars, the cufflinks came from a Sotheby’s auction for 1.5 million, and the shoes are a global limited edition, with only five pairs in the world. He thought to himself, Honestly, how much more perfect can it get?
Howard had told Liam to wait in the car while he went up to meet Yvette on his own. Liam watched his boss’s back as Howard walked toward the villa. As the door clicked shut behind Howard, Liam sighed inwardly, thinking, Who is this Yvette? I’ve never seen Mr. Yates so serious about a meeting before.
The villa was a gift from James, and it exuded refinement and sophistication. The entire décor leaned heavily toward Clusian aesthetics, with rosewood furniture and rare antiques—each piece a part of James’s personal collection. Howard immediately recognized them. When did Ms. Zeller develop an interest in antiques? he mused. These pieces are genuine; I can tell just by looking. She must have quite a taste for the fine things.
Howard changed into slippers and carefully stepped deeper into the villa. His eyes landed on a horse sculpture next to the couch. He stopped, his gaze lingering on it for a moment before speaking.
“This horse should be from the period between 620 to 680 AD. If I’m not mistaken, it’s worth at least 20 million dollars. It’s a rare piece, almost impossible to find, even at high-end auctions,” he observed, his voice a mix of admiration and expertise.
Yvette, lounging on the sofa with her legs crossed, looked over at the sculpture and responded with a calm, “Hmm.” She took a sip from her glass, her voice steady as she said, “A grandfather gave it to me.”
Howard blinked, taken aback. A grandfather? he thought. He paused, trying to wrap his mind around it. Of course. It had to be the young boss—just look at his charisma. But where is this grandfather? Does he need a grandson? Maybe being a little older would be okay?
Yvette, unfazed, continued to swirl the water in her glass, her eyes distant as she recalled the drink Samantha had prepared for her yesterday. Samantha, that was her name… Yvette mused. Maybe I should have another drink with her sometime.
Howard turned his attention back to Yvette, his mind still on the horse sculpture. “Ms. Zeller, I’ve made some progress on Rashad’s project that you asked me to invest in. I’ve already met with him twice, laid out my conditions. If InnoCrest Technologies is going to invest, we need to send someone into his lab to participate in the shelved project. Rashad is cautious, though. He said he needs some time to think it over.”
Yvette leaned back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she rubbed her wrist, and then spoke in a cold, detached tone, “Double the offer. He’ll accept. Trust me.”
Howard wasn’t so sure. He had spent enough time with Rashad to know that the biochemist was not someone who could be easily swayed. Why is Ms. Zeller so insistent on getting into that lab? he wondered. What could be so special about Rashad’s lab that she’s willing to go to such lengths to get access?
“Ms. Zeller,” Howard said, his voice gentle but full of concern, “could you tell me why you’re so determined to get into Rashad’s lab? What is it that attracts you so much?”
Yvette’s gaze sharpened, her expression turning cold and ruthless. Her eyes narrowed as she answered in a voice that could freeze the air. “The truth lies only in Rashad’s lab. The answer I seek is there.”
Howard fell silent, sensing the depth of her words. He could feel the intensity radiating from her, and it left him uneasy. He knew that Yvette was capable of almost anything if she set her mind to it. And whatever it was that happened in Rashad’s lab, it was clear that she was not going to let it go easily.
After a long pause, Howard sighed deeply. “Ms. Zeller, don’t worry. No matter what you need, I’ll make sure it happens. I’ll double the offer for Rashad and get back to you as soon as I can.”
Yvette looked up at him again, her expression softening just slightly. Her gaze softened as she observed his concerned face. She calmly said, “Howard, it’s just a little game with an annoying bug. There’s no need for you to worry.”
Howard forced a smile, but deep down, he was anything but calm. How could I not worry? he thought. Is Ms. Zeller really planning to go after Rashad? Even with all of InnoCrest Technologies backing her, going up against someone with national-level authority is no small feat.
He couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. I need to make sure she has all the support she needs, he thought. He was already considering ways to back her up in case things took a turn for the worse. I’ll have to contact Black Gold, see if they can help.
He cleared his throat, trying to keep his thoughts in check. “By the way, Ms. Zeller, do you know about Black Gold Web?”
