?<strong>Chapter 704:</strong>


    Watching the intense exchange, Victoria couldn’t help but smirk. “Interesting turn of events,” shemented. “But let’s remember why I’m actually here—to talk about the partnership.”


    A heavy silence fell over the room, leaving Pearce visibly confused. “Excuse me, did you mention… a partnership?”


    Victoria nodded affirmatively. “Yes, that’s right. Elyse gave me a very promising response, so I’m here to explore the possibility of a partnership.”


    After a few moments of thought, Pearce, clearly puzzled, asked, “What did Elyse discuss with you at your banquet?”


    Victoria was taken aback. “She didn’t tell you?”


    Pearce shook his head. He had tried to ask Elyse, but her responses were always evasive.


    Victoria got straight to the point and exined, “She was apologizing for Rickey and mentioned things that helped me move past it.”


    Suddenly, it clicked for Pearce. He remembered how Elyse often spoke of wishes and regrets. Perhaps meeting Victoria was also on the list of her wishes?


    Victoria thought back to that day’s events and couldn’t stopughing. She had aimed a gun at Elyse’s waist, yet Elyse showed no fear and even boldly looked her straight in the eyes.


    The first time Victoria met Rickey, she had simrly aimed a gun at his head. Throughout the encounter, Rickey begged for mercy relentlessly. Interestingly, Victoria had threatened Rickey with a fake gun, whereas she had pointed a real one at Elyse.


    Victoria noticed some simrities between Rickey and Elyse, yet Elyse disyed her unique qualities. That was part of the reason Victoria found herself not wanting to pull the trigger.


    Laughing, Victoria said, “Pearce, your cousin is truly one of a kind. I’m open to discussing a partnership with you, all thanks to her.”


    Pearce was astounded. He hadn’t anticipated that Elyse, in her brief time in Cambape, would y a role in securing a significant project.


    Upon hearing this, Felicia became restless and urgently inquired, “Didn’t Elyse badmouth Thea when she met with you?”


    Victoria looked confused and turned to Pearce, asking, “What do you mean by this?”


    Pearce just shook his head.


    Then Forrest intervened to rify for Felicia. He said, “You mean Thea Benson? She’s nothing but a bootlicker to me. I’m bored of her and in the market for a new one, so I drove her away.”


    Felicia didn’t believe it. “Are you sure this has nothing to do with Elyse?”


    Forrest quirked an eyebrow. “At that banquet, Elyse spent her time talking with my mom. I barely spoke with her.”


    Felicia was utterly stunned. It dawned on her that she might have misjudged Elyse.


    Unaware of the tension between Felicia and Elyse, Victoria said, “Elyse is more admirable than her father. Next time, if the opportunity arises, let’s share a meal. I’d like to spend more time talking with her.”


    Pearce nodded. “Absolutely, once Elyse is done with herpetition, I’ll set it up.”


    Victoria grew curious. “Competition? What kind ofpetition? Is it something I can watch?”


    “Definitely. I’ll make the arrangements for you.” Pearce realized that bridging the gap with the Bentley family was simply a matter of involving Elyse.


    With Victoria showing an interest in getting to know Elyse better, Pearce was more than happy to help.


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