Chapter 167

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. Her grandfather had always been obsessed with tea.

Since his youth, he had collected numerous rare tea varieties.

Those teas were either purchased at auctions for exorbitant prices or gifted by friends.

"Grandfather's tea collection is impressive, but I don't want to go out of my way. Securing Old Li's deal is a must. Giving him a fine cake of tea is nothing. Bestowing favors to win loyalty—that's the principle Grandfather taught me."

Nathan's eyes lit up with understanding. "Don't worry, boss. I'll keep him in suspense for a few more days. A week from now, I'll arrange a tea exhibition for him."

Evelyn nodded in approval.

Once outside and alone, Nathan suddenly handed her his phone. "Boss, look. Vincent Langley and Harrison Macmillan have reached an agreement. They've pieced together the map on the back of the photo and even drafted a mining proposal."

"Vincent Langley... finally took the bait."

A cold glint flashed in Nathan's eyes.

They had spent a full year setting this trap for the old fox.

Evelyn's gaze turned icy as she recalled the figure fleeing in panic at the hospital. She wasn't in a hurry to chase them down. She would wait for them to walk right into her net.

"Vincent Langley is already in play, but why would Harrison offer me three billion? Dig deeper. A month has passed—he should have let his guard down by now."

Every move had been meticulously planned.

Even the map on the back of the photo was her own design.

Vincent had coveted this map for years. Only by letting him "stumble upon it" would he believe it was genuine.

The old fox was cunning. This was the only way to tear off his mask and expose his true nature.

Soon, a new force would rise to challenge him for these resources.

Alexander Durand, you protected me as I grew up. I won't let your death go unavenged.

......

Julian Roscente watched from afar as Evelyn left with Nathan in the car.

He stood rooted in place, his emotions in turmoil. Had she seen through him again?

"Julian, Evelyn is just a country girl. What does she know about antiques? Don't take her too seriously. Last time was probably just a fluke."

"Your father poured his heart into this antique collection. How could someone as young as her know more than him? Don't let her careless words ruin all his hard work."

Julian's father was obsessed with antique collecting, having built his fortune on it. His businesses often intersected with Adrian Valentine's dealings.

Julian took a deep breath and gave Isabella a meaningful look. "You're right, Isabella. Evelyn might just be spouting nonsense. How could she compare to a refined lady like you? Among the socialites, you stand out the most. No wonder you and Adrian make such a perfect match."

His gaze swept over her, laced with hidden meaning.

Isabella frowned at him.

Julian chuckled. "Look at you—such a skilled actress, so cultured, with impeccable taste. When's the wedding? I've already prepared the gift money."

Isabella sensed the sarcasm in his words, yet each sentence sounded flattering, leaving her no room to argue.

Adrian Valentine understood Julian's intentions perfectly—he was fishing for information from Isabella.