That was when Luna finally spoke. “Mr. Sinclair, you shouldn’t believe every bit of gossip you hear. After all, business partnerships are about capability, aren’t they?” That “gossip” was clearly aimed at Autumn. In Luma’s mind, Autumn loved nothing more than spreading negativity about them. It didn’t affect her position, her own ability spoke for itself, but it was still a petty, underhanded move. Going quiet and then slipping in a jab in front of others? Classic backstabber behavior. Then again, it wasn’t surprising. Autumn didn’t have much else to work with, so she tried to tear others down instead. A knife in the back was pathetic. Keith’s fingers paused mid-tap on the table. He lifted his gaze to Luna, his expression deceptively calm, but the weight of authority behind it was unmistakable. “Miss Lewis, are you questioning my judgment?” Under the pressure of his stare and the weight of his question, Luna froze for a moment. But she quickly regained her composure. “Mr. Sinclair, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not questioning you. I simply think we should stick to the matter at hand instead of blurring the lines between personal and professional. “Acting on hearsay-that’s not really your style, is it?” She knew perfectly well Keith was defending Autumn, but there was no way she would let him stir the pot against her in front of her brothers. noveldramaEverything she had now had been hard-won, and she wasn’t about to let them destroy it so easily. Still, she had to admit Autumn’s game had leveled up. If she could latch onto someone like Keith, then Luna had clearly underestimated her. Keith’s gaze swept over her like a blade. “This is your company’s idea of showing sincerity in a partnership?” Their ambitions really were something-wanting not only to work with Vanguard but now trying to angle for him directly. Overreaching, plain and simple. Luna pressed her lips together. Why was Keith so completely unyielding? The only explanation was that Autumn must have said something to him, turning him firmly against them. It wasn’t something that could be changed overnight, but given time, Keith would see their sincerity. The atmosphere had grown tense when Simon stood, pulled a document from his briefcase, and handed it toward Keith. This content belongs to find·novel·netHoping to shift his focus, he said, “Mr. Sinclair, this is the technical proposal for our company’s new project. Please take a look.” The proposal had been written by Luna, and in Simon’s eyes, his sister had a real gift for technology. On that point, at least, he was confident. Keith didn’t take it. He didn’t even lift his eyelids, his tone cool. “I heard your grandmother’s been hospitalized, and yet here you are dinners and drinks. “After coming back, you don’t go see her right away. Instead, you bring people here to talk business with me. out enjoying “There’s no shortage of people wanting to work with the Sinclair Group. Why should I choose those who are unfilial and driven only by profit?” Autumn glanced at him. a) This was a man who had every reason to be proud, and who knew exactly how to put others in their place. She had to admit, Keith might be reserved most of the time, but when it came to speaking plainly, he could cut sharp. Simon’s grip on the document tightened as he exchanged a look with Hector. Both saw the same shock in the other’s eyes. Their grandmother was in the hospital? How had they not known? But this was a Lewis family matter, and if Keith knew about it in such detail, there was no doubt in their minds that it had to have come from Autumn. 12/2