Chapter 501: A Neglected Birthday Party (Part 1)

Chapter 501: Chapter 501: A Neglected Birthday Party (Part 1)

As a scion of the Patterson family, Preston Patterson was exceptionally well-bred. He’d received an excellent education, and his grasp of high-society etiquette was flawless. He was, by all accounts, an outstanding member of the younger generation among the wealthy elite. Nadia Chapman wasn’t the least bit surprised that he had chosen to dine at a high-end Western restaurant.

"Nadia, I’m a senior at Aethelgard University’s School of Economics and Management, and it’s my internship period," Preston Patterson said, pitching himself as he cut his steak. "My major is in finance, so if I intern at your Apex Wealth Management, you have nothing to worry about regarding my abilities. I definitely won’t tarnish your company’s name."

"Seraphina told me you’re already capable of working independently," Nadia Chapman said, continuing to turn him down. "With your abilities, being a mere intern at my company would be beneath you. I think you’re destined for bigger things; there’s absolutely no need to limit yourself to Apex Wealth Management."

"Then I’ll apply to be a full-time Account Manager at your company!" Preston Patterson was relentless. ’What is Nadia Chapman really capable of? I have to see it for myself!’

"I’m sorry, our Account Managers are required to have at least three years of work experience. You haven’t even graduated yet, so you don’t meet the requirements for the position. If you’re determined to work in this industry, you could try other companies. Or you could just open your own office. A man like you probably isn’t used to the idea of working for someone else, is he?"

Nadia continued her refusal while savoring the meal. ’He’s a rich young master, all right,’ she thought. ’This place is so upscale, and the steak is amazing! This is the best veal I’ve ever eaten!’

"But I’ve set my sights on your company," Preston Patterson said, putting down his silverware. He looked at Nadia Chapman, who sat opposite him, the corners of his mouth turned up in a smile as perfect as one from an etiquette textbook. It made Nadia want to grind her teeth.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman made for a striking pair. Not only did the waitstaff keep an eye on them, but even guests at other tables pretended to cast casual glances their way. To an outsider, they looked like the perfect couple, laughing and chatting amiably. But no one could see the turbulent undercurrents flowing just beneath the surface of their conversation.

"Preston Patterson, let’s be perfectly clear. I don’t like Noelle Patterson, and by extension, I don’t like anyone from your Patterson family. If it weren’t for Noelle and her mother, I wouldn’t have been driven out of the Chapman family, and my father wouldn’t have abandoned me. Now I’m making my own way in the business world, and I have to rely on my own strength to solve everything."

"They say that in business, it’s better to have another friend than another enemy. But I can’t—and won’t—be friends with a Patterson. So, no matter what you say, I will not let you into my company. You can stop scheming; it’s a waste of your time. Apex Wealth Management is just a startup. It doesn’t warrant this much of your attention."

This time, Nadia Chapman didn’t bother with the polite words meant to flatter Preston Patterson. Instead, she laid her feelings bare, unafraid of offending him, and even less afraid of offending the entire Patterson family. It was the only way to show him how resolved she was.

Preston Patterson held his wine glass, swirling it slowly to the rhythm of the restaurant’s melodious music, as elegant as any nobleman. He took a sip of red wine, the faint red stain on his lips making him look all the more alluring. "Just because I’m a Patterson?"

Nadia was mesmerized for a split second before quickly collecting herself. Her voice was firm. "That’s right. Just because you’re a Patterson."

Preston Patterson left his seat and walked over to stand behind Nadia Chapman. He bent down, leaning close to her ear, his deep voice thick with a domineering air. "Believe it or not, I’ll be the one who wins in the end."