# Chapter 172: The Weight of Favors and the Cold Shoulder
Hello everyone, it's me again! How are you all doing? Today I will continue to walk with you and review Chapter 172 of "The Breaking Point of Love"—a chapter that reveals just how tangled the web of power, influence, and personal grudges can be. Let's dive right in!
---
Matthias understood the game all too well. Theodore, sitting high in his position, had access to insider information, and it was only natural that he would tip off his own people first. That was just the way high society worked—a silent system of favors and privileges that had been in place long before any of them were born. Matthias had grown used to it, but that didn't mean he had to like it.
Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Our company does need partners to expand the project, but I just can't stand Jorge..."
Celeste knew exactly why Matthias was so agitated. It wasn't about the project—it was about Wynn. Jorge had a soft spot for that woman, and that alone made him unbearable in Matthias's eyes. But Celeste remained calm, her voice steady as she said, "The priority is making sure the project runs smoothly and maximizing our benefits. Everything else is secondary."
She had met Theodore once. He might have had his own hidden agenda, but the way Zachary treated him spoke volumes. Theodore was someone they could trust.
Matthias sighed deeply, letting the frustration drain out of him. "I know," he admitted. He was just venting, after all. Then a sly smirk crept across his face. "Anyway, there's still time before we officially start seeking investors. I'll keep him hanging for a while."
Celeste chuckled softly. "Alright." As long as he was happy, she didn't mind.
Just half an hour later, Matthias's phone rang again. When he glanced at the caller ID, his expression twisted into something between disdain and smug satisfaction. Celeste already knew who it was—another familiar face eager to jump on their project.
"Who is it?" she asked.
Matthias grinned. "Beck."
"Also looking to collaborate?" she guessed.
"Most likely."
Matthias and Beck had never been close. Like Jorge, Beck ran in a different circle—the Harper family, powerful in both politics and the military. They were always well-informed. And just like Jorge, Beck had accepted Wynn, the mistress, into his circle. To Matthias, Beck was even more detestable.
Celeste said simply, "Answer it." She didn't want Matthias to act out of spite. So he picked up.
As expected, Beck's intention was the same as Jorge's—a partnership. After explaining himself, Beck said, "I'm currently out of town on a business trip. I'll be back in Baumond tomorrow at noon. How about dinner tomorrow night?"
Matthias's voice was flat, almost dismissive. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Harper, but our project is still in early development, and the company has a lot on its plate. I really won't have time tomorrow. Maybe next time."
"How about Thursday?"
Matthias replied coolly, "I might not be available then either. But if I am, I'll be sure to contact you."
Beck, knowing that their company was in high demand, reluctantly agreed. "Alright, I'll be waiting for your call."
After hanging up, Matthias slapped the table and burst into laughter. "That felt great!"
Celeste smiled with him. But then Matthias's laughter faded, and he looked at her with a curious expression. "Do you think Trevor might also want to collaborate with us?"
Yoda Vision and Innova Tech were technically competitors, but competition didn't rule out collaboration. Their new projects had several overlapping aspects that could make a partnership beneficial.
Celeste responded calmly, "I don't know. But we should focus on the project itself. Personal grievances can be set aside."
"I get it." Matthias knew that a little bit of attitude was fine, but when it came to serious business, he never acted on impulse. Truth be told, he was even looking forward to a call from Trevor.
But that call never came.
Instead, his phone rang repeatedly—all from people wanting to collaborate. None of them were Trevor. And just before the end of the workday, an unknown number flashed on his screen. He answered.
A voice spoke first. "Mr. Yoder, correct? I'm Harvey Locket, Wynn's father."
Matthias stopped in his tracks. He pulled the phone away slightly and whispered to Celeste, "It's Harvey."
Celeste looked at him without saying a word. But Matthias knew her too well. With others, they could set aside personal grudges for business. But when it came to the Locket family—there was no need for that.
He put the phone back to his ear, his smile sweet but his eyes cold. "Oh, Mr. Locket. What can I do for you?"
Harvey's intentions were the same—collaboration. After listening, Matthias responded diplomatically, "I understand, Mr. Locket. If your proposal is a good fit, we'll definitely consider it. You can rest assured about that."
Harvey wasn't stupid. He could sense the emptiness behind Matthias's politeness. He tried to invite Matthias for a meal, but Matthias declined, claiming to be busy, and hung up.
Turning to Celeste, Matthias scoffed. "I can understand Jorge and Beck being the first to get wind of this—they come from the top elite families. But the Locket family...?"
The Locket family was an outsider in Baumond, barely established. If they had caught wind so early, it could only mean someone had tipped them off—likely Trevor or Beck.
Matthias's good mood was ruined. But he knew that Celeste probably felt even worse. So he said, "Let's go. Your senior has plenty of money—I'm taking you out for a feast!"
But Celeste wasn't as upset as he thought. She had already made peace with so many things. Those people no longer had the power to shake her. Besides, this time, she was the one holding the reins. She had nothing to worry about.
She smiled. "Thank you."
And with that, the two of them walked out together, ready to leave the noise behind—at least for one night.
---
**Reader's Impressions & Star Rating:**
This chapter was a masterclass in high-society politics—a delicate dance between personal grudges and business necessity. I loved seeing Matthias's restrained anger and Celeste's unshakable calm. The contrast between them is beautiful. And the cold shoulder given to Harvey Locket? Absolutely satisfying. The tension is building beautifully.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
**Next Chapter Prediction:**
Trevor hasn't called yet—and that silence is deafening. I predict he's waiting for the perfect moment to make his move. But with Celeste holding the trump card, this might be the moment she finally gets the upper hand. Expect fireworks when he realizes he's no longer the one controlling the game.
To listen free the next reviews chapters, please access website novelsaudio.com and search keyword: The Breaking Point of Love or click the link in the description of this video or if you want to listen or read full the The Breaking Point of Love please access website goodnovel.com