Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 118

Dominic's dark eyes lingered on her, calm and unblinking. His voice was low and cool.

"Holloway Enterprises has never been short on partners. Or projects, for that matter."

He let himself sink back into the leather seat, one arm draped loosely over the armrest, his gaze slanting toward her with a relaxed, almost rakish elegance.

Cynthia realized he wasn't as easy to manipulate as she'd hoped. Anxiety crept in; she leaned forward, hoping a little earnestness might help.

"I'm sure you know as well as I do, Mr. Holloway, that in today's fiercely competitive market, strategic alliances are the only way for companies to break through growth bottlenecks. Tremaine Holdings working with Holloway Enterprises could be a win for both sides. Our families have a long history of collaboration—our fathers built their empires together."

Dominic's lips curled into a faint smile as he shifted his posture, more attentive now.

"Times have changed. The Tremaines aren't keeping pace with the Holloways anymore."

Cynthia's heart sank. He was only telling the truth.

Years of infighting had sapped the strength from the Tremaines, leaving them in the dust while the Holloways surged ahead.

She'd known, deep down, that Dominic would probably turn her down. Still, the sting of it left her a little breathless.

But she wasn't ready to give up yet.

"Holloway Enterprises has reached every milestone with the support of its allies, and Tremaine Holdings has always been among the most significant. Don't you ever wonder, Mr. Holloway, what would happen if, after ten long years, our families joined forces again? Imagine the possibilities."

Dominic let out a low, amused laugh and leaned in, his hand reaching behind her head as if to keep her from pulling away.

"Do you know why Tremaine Holdings has always held such an important place among Holloway Enterprises' allies?"

His breath, warm and tinged with red wine, brushed against her cheek. The familiar scent and the closeness made Cynthia's heartbeat stumble.

"It's because Tremaine Holdings understands what Holloway Enterprises truly needs."

But Dominic pulled his hand away, leaning back to put space between them.

"Not until the Tremaines return what they owe me. Until then, there will be no partnership."

Cynthia stared at his suddenly distant hand, confusion clouding her features.

"What do the Tremaines owe you?"

He looked so serious, as if it were something priceless.

She'd been away from the family for years and couldn't recall anyone mentioning any debt, let alone something valuable.

Dominic only glanced at her, his eyes lazy and inscrutable, offering no answer.