Chapter 392

"How should I know?"

Nathan Prescott instantly caught the underlying implication and smirked. "Ethan, why are you only asking about the second-highest bidder? Not the first? That's pretty telling."

Logically, people would be curious about the top donor. Who cared about second place?

Ethan Blackwood pressed his lips together, his icy expression warning Nathan to back off.

But Nathan never knew when to quit. "Four million for a dinner date? That's got to be some kind of record. So… you're going tomorrow night, right?"

Instead of answering, Ethan fired back. "When it comes to spending on women, I can't compete with you. How much have you dropped on Cassandra Whitmore these past few years? Forty million? You're the real whale here."

Nathan's face stiffened. He looked away, muttering, "There's nothing between us. Strictly professional. I invest because she has potential."

"Potential?" Ethan scoffed. "Four years of heavy funding, and she's still a nobody. Is her talent losing money for your company?"

Nathan rubbed his nose defensively. "These things take time. We're lining up more films for her. She’ll break through eventually."

"Talent isn’t just hard work. Some people have it. Others don’t." A smug glint flashed in Ethan's eyes. "Take Vivian, for example. Disappeared for years, yet the moment she returned—boom. Instant fame. Money can't buy that."

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Wow, someone’s proud. Thought you didn’t care?"

Ethan frowned. "Do I look proud?"

"Extremely."

Realizing it was true, Ethan schooled his expression. "So. Were you serious about pursuing her?"

Nathan grinned, finally getting a reaction. "Dead serious. If she’s not yours anymore, all bets are off. Shame to let someone else snatch her up."

"Fine." Ethan’s voice was flat. "Then I’ll make a move on Cassandra. There was always something there. I like my chances."

Nathan choked. "Bro, I was joking! You win, okay?"

He’d only wanted to provoke Ethan into admitting his feelings. But Ethan had turned the tables effortlessly.

Ethan smirked. "So you’re finally settling down? Done playing the field?"

"Not a chance." Nathan waved a hand dismissively. "Cassandra’s not my type. Too bony. She’s just another fish in the pond."

"Really?" Ethan lifted his phone. "Want me to send her that recording?"

"Don’t!" Nathan lunged for the device, suddenly serious.

Even if he wasn’t interested, Cassandra was still his star investment. He couldn’t afford to break her morale.