Chapter 485

Marcus looked right at Madeleine and chuckled. "That's kind of a naïve question, don't you think? We're businessmen—no profit, no deal. You're asking if I'll ever be your rival? Depends on what you're offering me." Madeleine didn't respond. He wasn't wrong. In the world of business, profit always comes first. There are no eternal allies, just mutual interests. Seeing her quiet, Marcus suddenly felt a bit guilty. He decided to stop teasing—she wasn't someone he could push too hard. Just a few sharp words, and she seemed like she'd tear up. "But seriously, Phoebe's just a hidden daughter of the Schroeder family. Compared to someone from the Hale family? Obviously not as solid a choice," Marcus added, trying to lighten the mood with a cough. Madeleine thought for a second, then grinned wide. "Right. I've got four older brothers." Marcus blinked, the vibe shifting fast. Was that a threat? Four brothers? Wow, okay. "Well, I've got brothers too," he retorted with a bit of smugness. Madeleine