Chapter 2 Loan Refusal

Gazing toward the source of the commanding voice, Verena found herself captivated by the tightened contours of Jeffrey's jawline and the alluring play of his Adam's apple.

"Ms. Wheeler, you're acquainted with Mr. Yates. A heads-up would have been appreciated," Jackson remarked, his embarrassment evident.

Sensing Jeffrey's displeasure, he promptly made his escape.

Once Jackson had retreated, Verena hastily extricated herself from Jeffrey's grasp.

He cast a dispassionate glance her way, stating, "I'll see you out."

In the presence of the entrepreneurs, Verena felt compelled to comply.

She trailed after Jeffrey into another elevator as it began its descent. The narrow space contained only the two of them.

Unable to resist stealing a few glances, Verena observed Jeffrey in his impeccably tailored three-piece suit, embodying the quintessence of a successful, elite man. It was a stark contrast to the previous evening when he had grasped her ankle, spouting a torrent of explicit words in the car.

After a moment of deliberation, she said, "Thank you... for earlier on."

Jeffrey shot her a chilly look and inquired, "Is this your modus operandi since taking the reins at Oasis Group?"

In that brief pause, she realized he had misconstrued her actions as an approach to business.

Recalling Jeffrey's earlier remarks in the elevator only fueled her annoyance.

Under the influence of alcohol, she let her thoughts spill out to Jeffrey.

"Regardless of my business methods, I never close deals by having sex with our clients. Don't accuse me like that! Rest assured, even if every guy on the planet dropped dead, I wouldn't seek your assistance."

The elevator doors parted just then. Without a backward glance, she hastened out.

Watching her retreating form, Jeffrey scoffed, "What a wild one!"

When Verena returned home, the effects of alcohol were nearly gone.

She regretted not maintaining her composure during her confrontation with Jeffrey.

Speaking so definitively—who knew what consequences awaited in the future?

Despite the regret, Verena dismissed any connection with Jeffrey. Annoying him wasn't the worst outcome; she had no intention of bothering him further.

Overcome by drowsiness, she let go of these thoughts.

*

The following morning brought grim tidings from the Oasis Group.

Established by Verena's father, the company had been marred by numerous issues four months prior. Faced with the turmoil, her father succumbed to despair, taking his own life by plunging into a river.

In the critical aftermath, Verena assumed the presidency of the Oasis Group.

However, she hadn't anticipated that Blaine, not only abandoning her, would also inflict harm. He succeeded in obstructing SwiftGlide International from extending the loan to the Oasis Group, systematically cutting off every avenue of survival.

With the situation at a breaking point, Verena found herself compelled to dial Blaine's number.

On the other end, Blaine's voice maintained its characteristic gentleness.

"Baby, you're aware of Oasis' predicament. I fear we won't recover the funds if we grant you the loan now."

Verena's voice took on a hoarse quality. "Considering three years of shared history, can you offer me a way out?"

Blaine erupted into sudden laughter. "I can arrange that. I've acquired a villa in Serene. Move in with me, and I'll ensure they approve the loan immediately."

"Blaine, quit your daydreaming!" Verena accused, her voice cutting through the air with raw intensity.

Blaine's tone turned icier. "In this chaos, nobody else would risk assisting your company except us. Do you comprehend the repercussions of turning me down?"

"But you don't hold sole sway in SwiftGlide International!" Verena retorted with a scornful edge.

"You mean Jeffrey?" Blaine furrowed his brow and added, "I doubt he's that altruistic."

Verena's heart sank.

Jeffrey was Blaine's brother. Would he extend a helping hand to an outsider?

Yet, she understood the futility of reasoning with Blaine. Acting on principle, she promptly ended the call.

The shareholders, agitated by the news of SwiftGlide International's loan refusal, descended into endless quarrels.

Verena found herself compelled to strike a deal with them. "I'll implore SwiftGlide International to grant us the loan within a week, or I'll resign from the presidency. The fate of the company, whether to divide or sell, will be in your hands."

Pushed to the brink, Verena had no choice but to go back on her word.

Upon discovering Jeffrey's attendance at a forthcoming party, she decided to seize the opportunity, dressing up and presenting herself before him.