Chapter 775
"Really not feeling it?"
Marguerite felt like her head was about to explode.
"Shelley, think about it. Nail this partnership, and it's a straight ride to the top for you."
Shelley grimaced, "Marguerite, | know you mean well. But that guy, the rep, he's all hands! Couldn't keep his
eyes off me.
If I go today, it's a one-way ticket to disaster! Plus, my engagement party's just around the corner. It's not
exactly a good look to be out partying."
Marguerite sighed, massaging her temples.
Shelley, coming from a wealthy family, held her reputation above everything else.
Her reluctance was understandable.
But in this case, she wasn't at fault.
Sinvestors, taking advantage of their wealth, insisted on discussing deals over drinks rather than in a
professional setting.
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It was almost as though the unspoken rules were laid out on the table.
But that's the game, and Marguerite knew she couldn't change it on her own. "Alright, I'll find someone else."
Shelley breathed a sigh of relief, then added, "Actually, we don't even need to attend their little gathering.
| went to their office and realized the investor doesn't know the first thing about Poppy Petal Fragrances’
standing in the beauty world!
They're just looking to make a quick buck off us!
But I've heard about this venture capital big shot who's really the one to watch. His projects are worth billions!"
"He's not with their company?"
"Of course not. Rumor has it, their CEO begged him to conboard. But they didn't tellwho he was, just
made him sound all mysterious."
Marguerite didn't pick up on Shelley's hint, instead quickly ending the call to find someone else for the dinner.
But after thinking it over, she decided to step in herself.
Not that she was interested in partnering with that company, but the venture capital bigwig Shelley mentioned
caught her attention.
Thinking it over, she called Chuck to drive Hayes and Manley home, then she set off for the dinner alone.
The dinner was at a luxurious private club in the heart of Cresthaven. Upon entering, a hostess in a smart pencil
skirt and blazer escorted Marguerite inside. The hostess opened the doors to a large dining room with a grand
round table at the center, surrounded by several men, each with a woman by his side.
The women shot Marguerite hostile glances, while the men seemed pleasantly surprised.
The hostess eagerly introduced Marguerite, "This is Mr. Zack, Mr. Lee..."
She skipped the women and gestured respectfully towards a man seated at the head of the table, "This is Mr.
Perry."
Mr. Perry?
Judging by the hostess's reverence, could Mr. Perry be the venture capital mogul Shelley mentioned?
Why did he look like a greasy middle-aged man?
Before Marguerite could ponder further, the hostess nudged her forward, "Gentlemen, this is Marguerite from
Poppy Petal Fragrances."
In Stonebridge City, Marguerite was a well-known figure, but being new to Cresthaven, she was less familiar
here.
Mr. Lee, seated on the outer edge, commented, "Poppy Petal Fragrances? But the lady who visited our office
today didn't look like her."
Mr. Perry seemed intrigued by Marguerite, striding over and casually taking her hand.
"Doesn't matter. | find Ms. Marguerite quite charming. Even in a simple white tee and jeans, she radiates style."
As he spoke, his gold teeth gleamed and his eyes lingered on Marguerite's chest.
Marguerite felt a wave of disgust but managed to pull her hand away, maintaining her composure, "Sorry I'm
late."
"Ah, Ms. Marguerite, | like your spirit! Late? That calls for a three-drink penalty!"
Mr. Perry's arm snaked around Marguerite's shoulder as he ordered a woman to open a bottle of whiskey, pouring
a glass to bring to Marguerite's lips.
The gesture nearly made Marguerite gag. She didn't want to drink but, needing his investment, remained silent,
edging away to take the glass with a forced smile, "I'll handle it."
Mr. Perry, undeterred by her resistance and even amused, squeezed her waist, "I love a fiery woman!"
Marguerite's disdain grew. Holding the whiskey but not drinking, she felt his greasy hand tighten around her
waist, his gaze both expectant and threatening.
"Just keepcompany tonight, and any investment you need is a word away from me," he said, reaching for
her glass to force the drink.
But the hostess, who had led Marguerite in, suddenly rushed over, flustered, "Mr. Perry, why have you started
without Mr. Ward? He hasn't arrived yet!"
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