After a moment of contemplation, she rationalized that it was merely a small commercial space and, considering Fernando’s role as Matthew’s reliable right-hand man, he could likely facilitate the deal. With a resolve, she decided to contact Fernando directly.
Simultaneously, at the headquarters of Prosperity Group, Lindsay and Robin were there to finalize the contract.
Fernando greeted them, explaining, “Mr. Clark is swamped with an important meeting today and couldn’t extricate himself, so he sent me to manage things. I trust this won’t be an issue?”
Lindsay, unsuspecting and amiable, replied with a smile, “Of course, thank you, Fernando.”
As she reached out to sign, Robin abruptly placed his hand over hers, his action ostensibly considerate yet carrying a veiled ultimatum.
“Let me sign it.”
Fernando observed the exchange silently, his features momentarily betraying a flicker of disdain.
Lindsay, taken aback, felt her resolve harden. This property was a gift from Matthew; why should she concede it so readily?
She attempted to sway Robin. “Robin, isn’t what’s mine also yours? We’re family, after all. There’s really no need for such stark divisions between us.”
Robin, mocking her conciliatory tone, countered, “Precisely because we’re family-why all the drama? Just let me sign the contract.”
As their debate intensified, Fernando offered, “Perhaps you should take a moment to discuss this further before proceeding? This squabble won’t settle anything.”
But Robin dismissed him briskly. “There’s nothing left to discuss. It’s just Lindsay hesitating as usual. She agreed before; now she’s stalling. This contract needs to be signed by me today.”
Seizing the pen from Lindsay, he signed with a flamboyant flourish, and then tossed the contract toward Fernando, commanding arrogantly, “Hurry this up, and don’t waste my time.”
Fernando replied with a restrained smile, “Very well, I’ll handle it without delay.”
Lindsay’s hands balled into fists at her sides, her eyes blazing with fury and betrayal. In the silence that followed, she seethed internally, damning Robin for his greed and selfishness.
Meanwhile, Robin seemed to relish his victory. He gave Lindsay a smug look and asked in a patronizing tone, “So, are you coming with me, or are you going to linger here waiting for Matthew? Just so you know, he’s swamped today and Likely won’t spare you a moment.”
Fernando chimed in promptly, “Indeed, Mr. Clark’s agenda is overflowing. He won’t be available today. The paperwork for the space should be ready shortly. Miss Wheeler, perhaps you could take this time to inspect the place and envision the renovations.”
Realizing there was nothing more to gain from staying, Lindsay swallowed her anger and departed with Robin.
As they exited, Fernando’s polite facade fell away, and he prepared to update Matthew on the situation. Just then, his phone buzzed-it was Stella on the Line.
Fernando was surprised at first, but he answered the call anyway.
They exchanged a few pleasantries, and then after making sure that he wasn’t busy, Stella stated her purpose. “Fernando, I wanted to ask about that vacant commercial space on Frost Avenue. I’m thinking of buying it. What is the situation Like on your end?”
Fernando felt a ball of dread in the pit of his stomach as he silently lamented his circumstances.
He confirmed that they were thinking about the same commercial space.
Sure enough, it was the same one Lindsay had just signed for.