Chapter 1677:

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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, 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 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.

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“What’s wrong?” Stella asked after noticing something odd in his tone. “Is it already leased to someone else? If that’s the case, then never mind.”

“Not at all, Mrs. Clark,” Fernando quickly replied. “I… I just need to check with Mr. Clark first. I’ll get back to you right away.” But Stella didn’t really want to bother Matthew with her business matters. At the same time, she didn’t want to make things difficult for Fernando. “Look, if it’s too complicated, we can just forget about it. I’ll figure something out.” She ended the call with that.

Fernando slowly put his phone down and let out a sigh of frustration. He couldn’t help but grumble about this tricky situation he was now in the middle of.

He braced himself and resignedly walked to Matthew’s office.

Matthew was engrossed in the reports he was reading when Fernando arrived. “Have you settled the transfer to Lindsay?” he asked without looking up.

“Yes, sir. The contract has been signed.” Fernando shifted his weight from one foot to another, unsure of how to bring up Stella’s interest in the same space.

“Just say what you need to say,” Matthew said, assuming that Lindsay had made additional requests. “Stop wasting time beating around the bush.”

Fernando gathered his courage and said, “Mrs. Clark called just now. She is also interested in that commercial space.” He watched carefully as Matthew paused and furrowed his brows before turning pensive.

“Are there any other suitable spaces available?” Matthew finally asked after a long while.

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