Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 280

Hall Corporation was a name that carried weight.

Austin's cold gaze swept over Zane, his voice firm as he remarked, "We're not signing this contract."

Zane's smile faltered, disbelief flashing across his face. He stared at Austin, his voice urgent. "Why not? The price we're offering is the lowest you'll get from any company."

He had been certain this deal was in the bag, only to be rejected outright.

Austin's fingertips tapped lightly against the table, his sharp eyes cutting into Zane like a blade. "Do you need me to spell it out for you?"

Cold sweat trickled down Zane's forehead. He dropped his gaze, avoiding Austin's piercing stare. So, the rumors were true—this man was terrifying.

Austin had already seen through everything.

Forcing a smile, Zane chuckled awkwardly. "Mr. Hall, you're different. I wouldn't dare use your family's name for anything shady."

Austin remained silent as he kept staring at Zane.

A company that played games with their business partners, no matter how lucrative the deal seemed, was never worth the risk. Such alliances only brought trouble in the long run.

Realizing the deadlock, Zane stood up, still smiling. "Mr. Hall, take some time to reconsider. I'll excuse myself to the washroom a bit."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room.

Outside in the hallway, Tahlia Dawson leaned against the wall, her body wrapped in a skintight, strapless mini dress. Waves of chestnut-colored hair tumbled over her shoulders, framing a face both sultry and captivating.

The moment she saw Zane step out, she inquired in haste, "Dad, how did it go?"

Her eyes gleamed with excitement, and she was eager to step inside.

Zane let out a deep sigh. "It's up to you now. Make sure you handle this well."

A man as powerful and accomplished as Austin would be an invaluable son-in-law. Tying him to the Dawson family would bring immeasurable benefits, both to the company and to them personally.

Tahlia's lips curled into a confident smile. Tossing her hair back, she glanced toward the private room.

"Relax, Dad. I've got this."

In Azure City, her beauty had always been her greatest weapon. Countless men had fallen at her feet.

Raising the glass, she stated, "My father got caught up with something, so I'll be keeping you company instead."

Her eyes lingered on him, her intentions painfully obvious.

Austin's expression darkened. His brows knitted together as he coldly ordered, "Move."

His voice, sharp and frigid, sent a shiver down Tahlia's spine.

The room suddenly felt colder, as if the air conditioning had been turned down several degrees. But Tahlia was nothing if not resilient. She bit her lip, feigning innocence. "Mr. Hall, you're so mean… You scared me."

She knew exactly how to play her strengths.

Her lip-biting act was perfected to an art—delicate and irresistibly seductive. It was a move no man had ever been able to resist.

Slowly, she inched closer, subtly emphasizing the curves she was most proud of.

Any other man would've already pulled her into his arms by now.