Chapter 65 - Overlooked Detail In The Past

For a fraction of time, Winter is at a loss.

She couldn't recall that the Minerva's had engaged in such a significant negotiation with the Ratri's during the previous timeline. It couldn't be kept a secret since they shared a close relationship with the Middleton's - and she was the head for a period of time, so she'd certainly know. The only reason she can see here is that this partnership isn't really that much of a big deal like what she's thinking.

It can be that it will not last for a year or even less. 

'Then, what's the point of partnering up if they're just going to split up that early? Sir George and Jacob Minerva are always meticulous and thorough, especially when it comes to business. It's not like them to involve themselves with someone they doubt they will last long with...' she pondered in silence, still trying to make sense of how she overlooked an important detail.

'No, wait a minute... An underground casino... And the Minerva's?'

Right then, Winter remembered something.

Now that she thought about it, the Minerva Foundation will be starting to join the hospitality industry soon. In several months, they will be rearing a far-reaching, wide-ranging business that has to do with casinos and resorts. The timing of their partnership with the Ratri's as well as the commencement of this endeavor of theirs is making her come up with suspicions. 

'Their underground casino is still on a test run. And the Minerva's are there to witness everything - starting from the formation of the business plan all the way until the construction and execution...' she continued to think over, feeling like there was something more in this. 

'It's still a guess, but... Could it be that Jacob Minerva was already planning to end the partnership with Sir George on purpose? And that what he was really after there was to steal their ideas and use them to build his own business? I mean, in the hospitality industry, the Minerva Foundation will have a much higher rating than the Ratri Order.'

Not to mention, she recalls pointing out glaring similarities in their business strategies and design back when she's still studying how to handle their business. She really worked hard on her training to become a chief executive officer, so she knew about a lot of things regarding business analysis and developing markets. 

"Ms. Winter...?" George called out when he noticed Winter zoning out of their conversation.

"What's the matter? You're not saying anything anymore."

"O-Oh, I'm sorry, Sir George. I was only taking it all in."

"You sure looks serious about this. Had I given you an information overload?"

"No, not really. There's just something important that caught my attention - in regards to your current plans for the casino, that is."

"I see. You can tell me about the main things for now. Let's talk about it more next time. I'll free my schedule for you."

She can't help but grin at that, feeling somewhat accomplished.

Much to her relief, she managed to earn his interest in a short span of time. With him giving her an opportunity to have another discussion with him, it will be a matter of time before he can join her side. She will have to work harder in order to gain his favor even more. 

"Thank you for your time and consideration, Sir George," Winter beamed with delight.

"I should be the one thanking you for letting me take part in an exchange that I enjoy for once. I'm looking forward to more of these 'advices' of yours, Ms. Winter..." George replied and smiled, taking time to pat her head before turning around and taking his leave. 

"I'll see you around. I do wish I can tour you around some more, but I believe that a certain someone has been waiting for you for some time now."

"Oh, right! Sir Lexington!"

As soon as she realized that she forgot about Marcellus, she made haste and went on her own way without waiting until he disappeared to the corner. 

It's been a while since she left him. She can only wonder what he's doing right now. Knowing him, he's probably talking with the other guests - perhaps, having more fun than he's had when he's with her. She might actually be doing him a favor if she is to stay in here. 

Contrary to her expectations, though, she didn't even have to leave that hall to see him again.

"That was the longest comfort room break that I ever saw someone did."

Taken aback by how Marcellus chimed in all of the sudden, Winter halted on her tracks and spun around to find him leaning on the wall at the corner. 

He has his arms crossed, mood somewhat unreadable. She's not sure if he's scowling or not, but she's getting the impression that he's nowhere near pleased. Considering that she did make him wait for too long, she would let him have it. 

"How was it? Did you drop a big one?" Marcellus then quipped out of nowhere, dumbfounding her for a moment until she realized what he meant.

"Hey, that's dirty...!" Winter bolted out at him, blushing in mortification.

"I didn't do anything like that, okay? I was talking with Sir George." 

"Or so I saw."

"Oh, you did? Then, that saves me the time to explain." 

"Not really. If anything, you've got a lot to explain."

That's when he started walking closer to her, making her take several steps back. Even though she's trying to keep at least a little distance, he went on and on until he pushed her up against the wall at the opposite side. Caught off guard, she shot him a look while he scowled in return.

If she could not read his mood earlier, she finally could the moment he did his annoying habit of locking her in one spot. 

"Look, Sir George and I only talked for a little. We greeted each other then he offered to tour me around the place, but I declined since I said I have to be with you if I'm going anywhere. After that, we just kind of started talking about this business of theirs that they're apparently keeping a secret at least until it becomes open to the public. From thereon, I got too caught up in our conversation that I lost track of time..." Winter reasoned out, staying still and collected despite being backed to a wall time and again. 

"Actually, you should even thank me for getting our job done earlier than we expected. I was able to earn an appointment with Sir George. He'll be in contact with me from now on."

"Must you talk with only the two of you, though...?" Marcellus muttered, seemingly unconvinced. 

"You said that you didn't let him tour you around because you wanted me to be there - but not when you talked business with him? I thought we're in this together. You got me worried, you know. I didn't know what was taking you so long. I thought that something bad happened to you."

"Nothing bad would happen to me. You're worrying too much."

"Says the girl who got kidnapped and almost fell from a building."

She blinks for a second then lets out a giggle once she sees him pouting.

Marcellus was supposed to use that as a retort, but he ended up feeling bad when he recalled those times. Now, he looks like a toddler who's been caught doing something wrong - he can be such a precious little thing sometimes. It seems like he's really being open tonight as he keeps showing her one side after another. 

"Don't make fun of me. I'm not letting you off the hook yet..." Marcellus grumbled underneath his breath, but this time, Winter only settled with a smile instead of arguing back. 

"Here I was confessing my love for you. But then, you were over there chatting with that brooding, anti-social dude-"

"You're being rude, Marcellus Lexington. Say sorry to Sir George."

"But it's true! To be honest, after everything I told you earlier, I wasn't even in the mood to talk about business anymore. Call me unprofessional or whatever. But that was the first time I've ever done that - it's the first time I confessed to someone. I didn't want anything or anyone getting in the way at that moment." 

For him who owns one of the most successful conglomerates in the country, he will certainly not be pressured to partner up with other businesses and form connections with others. She, on the other hand, is unlike him. There's a need for her to do such things. So, even though doing so will have to get in the way sometimes, she'll have to see it through no matter what. 

On the same note, Winter can't be in a romantic relationship with Marcellus either.

Not only will she add to his weaknesses, but she will end up attracting more unwarranted attention. Then again, she's been trying to gather people on her side in secret. She doesn't want to get noticed by the Middleton's this early in time, and she wants everything she's preparing for to be an ace up her sleeves once they take her in. 

'Most importantly, I'm still not sure how I truly feel about him,' Winter thought with a downcast gaze.