Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

She hoped to quickly sell off the shares in her hands and then withdraw, at least ensuring that none of her shareholders would suffer any major losses.

The black silk shirt was the trendy pajama style, softly clinging to her body. The neckline was a bit low, revealing a small patch of white skin as smooth as milk pudding. Her wide-legged jeans exposed a slender ankle, and she wore a thin gray cashmere shawl with dark floral patterns over her shoulders.

It wasn’t even summer yet, but she wore a pair of open-toed, single strap high-heeled sandals. Having a pair of beautiful feet seemed to call for flaunting them.

Her long hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders. This ensemble was both alluring and fashionable, like a street-style model stepping out from a magazine cover—the epitome of chic.

Her makeup was equally captivating; eyeliner made her clear eyes as lively as a cat’s gaze, and her full lips were painted in a strikingly bright red, resembling the slow bloom of rose petals in the night.

Usually, Charlotte Miller dressed in a smart professional outfit. The driver was a little surprised to see her like this but didn’t comment. He followed her instructions to take her to her destination.

”You all just wait outside,” the bodyguard watched as Charlotte’s slender figure disappeared into the restaurant. He felt unease; he should at least be outside the private room. If anything happened, it could be disastrous.

Today, Miss Miller was dressed particularly beautifully. If something happened inside the room, how could they possibly hear it from outside? Yet, Miss Miller refused to let them accompany her inside.

When Charlotte entered the private room, Gael Hallow was already there.

All the Hallow Family men were tall and imposing, Gael Hallow was no exception.

”It’s been a while, Miss Miller...” Gael stood up and extended his hand.

Charlotte confidently extended her hand to shake with Gael. This kind of formal handshake didn’t bother her, but she noticed he held her hand just a bit longer than necessary, for two or three seconds, before letting go.

”Mr. Hallow, it turns out we do have some history.” Charlotte went straight to the point. She couldn’t hide her relationship with Atlas, so she might as well be direct.

”I’m all ears.” Gael adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, a trace of a smile in his eyes, speaking softly.

”You are somewhat related to Atlas Hallow. I’m his ex-wife, you know?” Whether Gael was aware of this connection or not, Charlotte guessed he probably didn’t, hence his surprised look.

”I just found out about your relationship with Atlas today. You’ve really put me in a tough spot...” Charlotte’s watery eyes casually glanced at Gael, a hint of reproach in her tone.

”Put you in a tough spot?” Gael knew Charlotte had a child and that Atlas had been divorced, but he didn’t know Charlotte and Atlas were once married, as being abroad limited his knowledge.

”You know I’ve been acquiring Hallow Clan shares, but do you know why?” The wine in her glass had a pigeon-blood ruby hue. Charlotte took a light sip, her gaze dazed as she spoke slowly.

”I simply wanted to defeat Atlas Hallow, but you beat me to it, driving him out of Hallow Clan. So all my efforts before were wasted.” Charlotte bit her lip, seemingly unwilling to let go.

She had once wanted to compete well with Atlas in the capital market, but now it seemed this battle could not continue.

”You wanted to defeat him? Why?” Indeed, Charlotte had been absorbing Hallow Clan shares, but why?

”Two people, why else? A woman could hate him so much, wishing to personally end him, what do you think?” Charlotte’s smile grew more enchanting, her eyes dazzling.

To handle that bastard, I have to do it myself. What are you to intervene, Charlotte thought but didn’t say aloud.

”Then you should be thanking me, shouldn’t you? Why blame me?” So that’s how it was. No wonder Charlotte kept acquiring Hallow Clan shares. It seemed Atlas hadn’t treated her well back then.

”But now the shares I hold are meaningless to me. I’m not interested in dealing with you once Hallow Clan changes hands.” Charlotte leaned slightly forward, her gaze more radiant and captivating than the crystal chandelier in the room.

”Wouldn’t it be good to become a shareholder of Hallow Clan?” As Charlotte approached, Gael felt like his very soul was about to soar out of his mind.

This woman wasn’t just beautiful; there were plenty of beautiful women, fresh-faced young models, internet celebrities, and small stars, though not quite her equal, once the lights were off, all were equally fiery. But Charlotte had a unique allure, an irresistible charm of innocence mixed with seduction.

Moreover, she was a woman with a powerful network and access to the best resources. What man wouldn’t want her?

”Of course not. I initially planned to join the board, but now I’ve lost interest. Are you interested in taking what I hold? Since you were a great help to vent my frustration, I’ll sell it to you two percent lower than the market price. Otherwise, I can unload it quickly on the commodity exchange.” Charlotte put down her wine glass, becoming serious.

”Two percent?” Gael was enamored with her beauty, but his mind remained clear. Acquiring more shares was a good thing. His father planned to increase Hallow Clan’s stock price to earn a quick profit. So if Charlotte was selling her shares, acquiring them was definitely favorable, though there might be room to negotiate. Even a slight reduction meant a huge sum.

”Of course, otherwise, what do you think? Hallow Clan’s stock is bound to rise. Since Atlas has left Hallow Clan, I want no entanglements with the Hallow Family, so take it, or I’ll list it tomorrow. There’s no need for bargaining with me; it’s pointless.” Charlotte looked at Gael, seeing through his thoughts; indeed, he was no match for Atlas Hallow.

”That’s not what I meant. Two points is already a profit for me. I should be the one to host this dinner.” Gael quickly smoothed over seeing Charlotte’s slight irritation.

”Tomorrow, come to my office to handle the shares transfer. I hope we have more opportunities to collaborate in the future.” Charlotte smiled, raising her wine glass again; the crisp clinking sound was pleasing.

”But Miss Miller doesn’t wish to have any further entanglements with anyone named Hallow.” Gael remarked somewhat regretfully.

”That depends if you’re as detestable as the last Hallow named person...” Charlotte laughed and drank the wine, her face flushed as if a peach blossom bloomed in early spring.

Charlotte watched Gael with a cold laugh, seeing his lustful expression; he truly wasn’t afraid of death.

Did this man not use his brain? Atlas, no matter how bad, was still her child’s father and certainly not as sleazy. Despite having a son, Gael dared to harbor such inappropriate thoughts.

She already thought Atlas was terrible, yet in comparison, he seemed to have one or two redeemable qualities.

Charlotte didn’t eat much during this meal, mainly because Gael really didn’t appeal to her. This man obviously wanted to take advantage but tried to maintain a gentlemanly facade, making her uncomfortable just looking at him.

Yet before the stock transfer agreement was signed, she warned herself to endure the disgust.

”Why aren’t you eating, Miss Miller?” Gael considerately served Charlotte some food, but she didn’t touch it.

”I’m on a diet recently, you should eat more.” Charlotte kept her head down, sipping her wine, though she barely drank; a single glass seemed to last her an eternity.

Inside she cursed, ”Are you mad? Serving someone food without changing chopsticks? Are we that familiar to share germs?”

The meal passed without incident. Nearing its end, Charlotte asked, ”Can you make the decision on this matter, or should I discuss it with Old Master Hallow?”

”I can decide. The shares can be handled tomorrow, and the money will be immediately transferred to your account.” Gael promised confidently; they were originally planning to acquire more shares, so Charlotte’s four percent was perfect timing.

”Your liquidity is quite sufficient.” Charlotte curiously glanced at Gael. Acquiring the full four percent wasn’t a small sum, yet Gael seemed unfazed.

”Money’s not a problem, our...,” Gael started, then stopped awkwardly, smiling, ”but I can’t disclose more. Rest assured, the money will be in your account tomorrow.”

Charlotte nodded and smiled, ”Pleasure doing business.”

”Pleasure doing business,” Gael raised his wine glass and drank it all...