Chapter 10 The art of deception

After the meeting, Mr. Arturo calls Lillian, expressing his concern about the partnership. "I'm happy that you got to take the lead in the project. Your business partner, Vincent Hanstrup, I suspect he's playing both sides, he says, his voice low and menacing. Lillian's eyes widened. "What do you mean, Dad?" Mr. Arturo forms his hand into a fist. "His father, Dennis Hanstrup, is my sworn enemy. And now, his son is trying to infiltrate our family's business. I won't let that happen." Lillian's mind races. "But Dad, Vincent is efficient and diligent in business.

I can't deny the fact that his assistance would be beneficial. I believe we can succeed on the project." Mr. Arturo's expression turns cold. "That's exactly what they want you to think. But I know their game. They're trying to get close to us, to gather intel and use it against us." Lillian's eyes narrow. "What do you want me to do?" Mr. Arturo's voice takes on a calculating tone. "I want you to play along, for now. Gather information; find out what they're really after. But don't trust him, Lili. Don't trust him for a second." Lillian nods, her heart racing. She knows her father's schemes all too well. And she knows this goes beyond business, but since her father wouldn't tell, she shouldn't be too curious. Mr. Arturo's eyes narrow. "Listen carefully, Lillian. You need to be smart about this. Play innocent; pretend you don't suspect a thing. But meanwhile, dig deeper; find out what Vincent's true intentions are." Lillian nods, her mind racing with strategies. "And what if I find out he's not loyal to us?" Mr. Arturo's expression turns glacial. "Then you know what to do. Use whatever means necessary to protect our family's interests. Don't let sentiment cloud your judgment, Lilil. This is business. Then leave the rest to me." Lillian's eyes flash with determination. "I understand, father. I won't let you down." Mr. Arturo's face softens slightly, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I know you won't, Lili. You're an Arturo, through and through. Now go, do what needs to be done. Keep me updated." He cuts the call. Lillian nods, her heart heavy with the weight of her father's expectations. She knows what she has to do, but a part of her wonders if she's ready to play this game. She wonders if Vincent really would want to jeopardize her company.

Meanwhile, after Vincent leaves the meeting location with his father, he heads to Oliver's house. There, other of his friends are having a good time playing chess. He decides to join as he is very good at it. Vincent moves his knight, checkmating his friend's king. "I won again," he said, smirking. His friends, all successful businessmen, groaned and tossed their hands up in the air. "You're a robot, Vincent," one of them joked. "You have no heart." Vincent chuckles. "That's why I'm the most successful one here. No distractions, no emotional baggage." But Oliver wasn't having it. "You're missing out on life, man," he says. "Love, romance, passion-these are the things that make life worth living." "Remember when Sophia left you for that actor?" Vincent says to Oliver, his eyes narrowing and turning toward his other friend. "Or when Isabella cheated on you with your business partner?" Oliver chuckles, "Ah, come on, Vincent, that was years ago. Now I'm with someone who truly loves me. Trust me, you're a catch! You'll find someone who will truly love you just like I did." But Vincent shakes his head, his chiseled jawline set in determination. "No, I'm done with that game. I'm focusing on my business and myself. I don't need some woman trying to bring me down." His friends laugh and mock him. "Celibacy doesn't suit you, Vincent! You're a ladies' man!" But Vincent just smirks, his piercing blue eyes glinting with confidence. "I'm not celibate because I can't get women; I'm celibate because I don't waste my time on women who aren't worth it. I have standards, and I won't settle for anything less." His friends raise their glasses in a toast, "To Vincent, the CEO with a heart of gold and a libido of steel!" Vincent rolls his eyes but can't help but smile, knowing he's got his priorities straight. Vincent raises an eyebrow. "You guys are just jealous of my focus and determination." But they just laughed. "We're inviting you to an engagement party next week," Oliver says. "Maybe we can find someone to thaw that frozen heart of yours." "No, thanks for the invite." Vincent quickly refuses. "Seriously, Vincent, it's not like it's a blind date; it's just a party. And you're my favorite party buddy, Oliver said, reaching to cup Vincent's face. Vincent quickly slaps his hand away. "What the hell, Oliver. Don't try that again. I'll go on one condition, that is if you give up trying to convince me to get into a relationship. It's really tiring having to hear that from you all the time. I know my mom put you to it; just drop it, please." Oliver nods. "Okay, no more relationship talks. We need clothes for the engagement party. It has an Indian theme, so we need to get some Indian clothes." Vincent agrees that after their game they would get some.

The next day Vincent and Oliver head to Artverse. Vincent looks out of the car. His eyes fixed on the sleek skyscraper across the way, the Artverse building. He can't help but feel a twinge of admiration for Miss Arturo's company, even as he's determined to take her down. There's something about the clean lines and futuristic design of the building that speaks to him, a sense of innovation and forward thinking that he can't help but respect. Vincent Hanstrup, the CEO of Hanscorp, stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches with a commanding presence that demands attention. His tailored black suit fits him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and chiseled physique. A crisp white shirt and black tie complete his sleek look, giving him an air of sophistication and power. His light brown hair is perfectly styled, not a strand out of place, and his piercing blue eyes seem to bore into those he meets. His chiseled features and strong jawline add to his rugged charm, making him a formidable figure in the business world. As he moves, his confidence and authority are palpable, his aura commanding respect. His sharp mind and quick wit are evident in his sharp gaze, and his charisma is undeniable. He exudes an aura of success, wealth, and power, a true titan of industry. When he walks into the lobby, heads turn, and conversations pause. His presence is like a magnet, drawing people in with his irresistible charm and confidence. Bella is there to lead him and his assistant to Lillian's office. Bella opens the door and ushers them in.