Chapter 575:

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With Paul’s authority allocation documented so meticulously, the outcome of the meeting no longer mattered.

Gary had never imagined that all his scheming would end up benefiting Marcelo instead.

Renee and Marcelo left the meeting room before everyone else.

“Mrs. King!”

A member of the King family hurried after them, clearly eager to strike up a conversation.

Renee quickly sifted through what she knew about him and judged him to be neutral.

“Mrs. King, I’ve also spoken with Manager Harry about investing in Venus Bar,” he said. “I’ve heard you’re planning to expand. How about working together? Doing business with family brings a sense of security, doesn’t it?”

It was a tempting offer.

A partnership with him would naturally place him on Marcelo’s side.

аddі𝗰tі𝘷𝖾 𝘴𝘁o𝘳𝗂е𝗌 𝘰ո 𝗴𝘢𝗅𝗇𝗈𝘷𝖾𝗹ѕ.𝗰o𝘮

Several other neutrals joined in, voicing similar interest. Venus Bar was famously profitable. Who wouldn’t want a slice of that pie?

Renee glanced at Marcelo. He looked completely unconcerned.

She understood immediately: the decision was hers alone.

Their loyalty meant nothing to him.

“Venus Bar doesn’t need additional funding right now,” Renee replied with a calm smile. “And even if I were looking for investors, I already have a reliable partner standing right beside me.”

Her answer not only rejected their attempt at mutual benefit, but also reminded them—subtly—that Marcelo had plenty of backing. He didn’t need theirs.

Whether they chose Marcelo or Gary made no difference to Renee’s decision.

She offered a polite farewell, her tone cordial but detached.

“Could she really be the mysterious owner of Venus Bar?” someone muttered afterward, still unconvinced.

“I had someone check,” another replied. “When Renee and Sarah clashed with Andrew and ended up at the police station, Harry from Venus Bar showed up. There’s no doubt about it.”

“Some people mocked Marcelo for marrying a woman from a humble background, but it looks like he found a real treasure!”

Renee glanced at Marcelo, still trying to process how the meeting had ended. “Weren’t you opposed to Gary and his family taking control of King Group? Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?”

She hadn’t expected things to unfold this way.

“Renee, no one wants to work with a bunch of nuisances,” Marcelo said, affectionately ruffling her hair.

Even thinking of those familiar faces from the King family made irritation rise in his chest.

“And have you thought about why Paul did this?” Marcelo asked, prompting her to look deeper.

Renee paused. Then something clicked.

Logically, the head of the King family and the leader of the corporation should have been the same person. Yet Paul had deliberately separated the roles.

It was obvious: he wanted Marcelo and Gary to share power.

Marcelo, with his greater resources, could bring more benefits to the King family. But at the same time, Gary could use the family hierarchy to restrain Marcelo—and even reclaim authority from him whenever it suited.

Marcelo quickly took out his phone and called Luke. “Get in touch with Joselyn.”

The name jolted Renee’s memory.

It took her a moment to place it. Joselyn King was the King family’s second daughter, who had married and moved overseas, never to return. She was Marcelo’s father’s half-sister—his aunt, sharing the same father.

Crash!

Back in the meeting room, only Gary and Andrew remained. In a fit of rage, Gary swept everything off the desk, sending it all clattering onto the floor.

“Paul planned this from the beginning!” Gary snarled. “He’s been preparing to support Marcelo the whole time!”

“Calm down, Dad,” Andrew said, surprisingly composed. “We still have room to adjust and maneuver.”

Gary turned, glaring at his useless son.

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