A Love Forgotten (Arianna and Elijah)

Chapter 213

I looked at Ms. Turnton apologetically, "I'm sorry, Ms. Trenton. It seems I'm not in a position to collabonate with your company until I've sorted out my personal burs."

Ms. Trenton sighed, dearly appointed. "There's no need to apologize. We had plamed to expandthis year and allocated shares for potential investors.

Todd not to invest. Ms. York we have to offer the opportunity to someone else.

She added regretfully, "I'm sorry, Ms. York Our plans are already set, and if you miss this chance, it won't come and again.

1dabit smile and nodded. "I understand"

Beside me, Teciwas dearly in tears, tuming. "What a shameless man! You're absolutely shameless!"

1 took her hand, preparing to leave, but Elijah blocked our path, a rare look of hesitation on his face. His bone softened in a way I'd never heard before. "Ari, we can work something out."

"Tjah, whe_why aren't you done vet?" Jocelyn appeared in the doorway, one hand testing delicately on her belly, her face laced with anxious concern. Eliah's attempt to say something more was abruptly interrupted.

Jocelyn approached Ms. Trenton with a smile, trying to be ingratiating, "MET Trenton, Elijah and 1 are both big fans of your designs. Is there any chance we might work together?"

Mc. Trenton's gaze was e-cold. "Tim sorry, but our company does not collaborate with people of questionable reputation."

Jocelyn's face stiffened, but she quickly covered it with a locoed uille. "Ms. Trenton, I'm a planist. I could wear your designs to my concerts.

Mu. Trenton gave her a mocking smile. "Ch? That won't be necessary. At Silverwood, we have no plans for a spokesperson."

But even after two rejections, Jocelyn wasn't deterred. Looking at me, she said to Ms. Trenton, "Elijah and I could repay Ms. York's sponsorship money, Ms. Trenton. Then, maybe you could prve set a chance to collaborate?—

Ms. Trenton hesitated. If I didn't proceed with the investment, my initial six-million-dollar sponsorship would essentially to waste.

Repaying that amount could be tricky-it would feel like Ms. Trenton owed me a favor. But if Elijah were to repay me the money.

I cut in immediately, "Ms. Trenton, there's no need to repay the sponsorshit. I don't want their money."

Ms. Trenton was moved "But Ms. York, six mson isn't a small amount"

I shook my head. "I absorb that cost myself."

Turning to Elijah, I said coldy, "Mr. Linden, if you consider this sponsorship marital property, then you can claim half of it. I'll pay you your share"

Jocelyn was being thoroughly ignored, and she couldn't hold back "Ms. York, don't be so impulsive. This is a great opportunity. Why not collaborate and let us all benefit?"

Flooked her in the eye, speaking each word with precision. "No thank you. I want nothing to do with you or Elijah. I'd rather throw six million into the ocean than use it to partner with Sherwood through any association with you two." Ms. Tren suddenly clapped her hand, a gleam of admiration in her eyes. "Well said

The looked at me with newfound respect. "Ms. York, you are indeed unique.

I took Ten's hand, politely smiling at Ms. Trenton "Ms. Trenton, 1 apologize for taking up your time."

Ms. Tiroton, looking regretful, handed me her business card. "Ms. York, I'd love to be friends even if we aren't business partners. I believe we would get along very well."

I accepted the card, feeling rouched, and decided to lighten the mood. "So, does that mean I'll get first dibs on your stunning designs in the future?"

Ms. Tressam Laughed beartily "oh, you don't even have to buy them-consider them gifts!"

We both laughed, genuine and unrestrained. Meanwhile, Elijah and Jocelyn's expression grew uglier by the second

Jocelyn kept trying to interject, but Ms. Trenton didn't spare her a single glance. Elijah's usual charm and business acumen were useless here. M. Trenton's indidierence made him invisible.

Just then, a warm, gentle voice broke through the tension. "What's so funny? Care to let me in on the joke?"

I turned around sharply