CEO's Secret Play

The appearance of Kingsly Scott drew all eyes, instantly reducing Rachel Foster and Jasper Reed, who were being interviewed a moment before, to unimportant supporting roles.

As Kingsly ascended the steps towards them, Rachel's face stiffened slightly, her nerves taut, and she involuntarily tightened her grip on Jasper's arm.

She knew Kingsly would attend this business summit and had been hoping all night to avoid crossing paths with him. But now, it seemed unlikely.

Rachel lowered her head slightly, knowing it was futile, yet hoping Kingsly hadn't noticed her.

Jasper sensed her tension and nudged her gently. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No..."

"You don't look well."

"I..." Rachel forced herself to look up just in time to see Kingsly's tall, dark figure stride through the hotel doors, and she exhaled a sigh of relief.

It seemed fate was on her side; thankfully, he hadn't seen her. He had mentioned feeling a sense of déjà vu with her, yet they had been just a few steps apart, and he hadn't even glanced her way. It was now clear that his words at the bridal shop were his usual tactics for pursuing women. Fortunately, she hadn't harbored any fantasies about him nor taken him seriously.

With her head held high, Rachel regained her composed elegance and softly said to Jasper, "Let's go."

"Alright."

Rachel finally breathed easy, unaware Jasper had observed all her subtle expressions when she saw Kingsly.

As expected, like every year, the government-hosted business summit was a front for selling land.

The land in question was the Shallow Bay Waste Disposal Site, notorious for its barren and desolate landscape. As large as twenty football fields, it had the potential for endless redevelopment opportunities. However, due to its remote location, it would not be lucrative for commercial purposes regardless of how developed it may become, presenting a challenge for the real estate industry.

Seated near the entrance on the right side of the makeshift central stage, Rachel and Jasper exchanged a knowing smile. They remained silent when the government announced the sale of Shallow Bay.

Whether it was past summits, today's prime city center plots, or the most barren outskirts, Silverstone Holdings, a moderate real estate group, was destined to remain spectators. However, Rachel was curious about which corporation would bid on this land this year. With this thought, she couldn't resist glancing at the central position.

Kingsly sat in the most prominent position at the venue, a person even the city government was cautious not to offend.

She wondered whether Kingsly, who never left a summit empty-handed, would be a mere spectator this year. If not, with his usual precise business acumen, would he bid on this unprofitable land?

Leaning back in his chair, Kingsly's dark, handsome figure relaxed, his legs crossed. He watched the stage with a faint smile as he leaned in to speak with someone beside him. Some people exude endless charm effortlessly in this world, and Kingsly is one of them.

Rachel's attention was entirely on Kingsly, and she completely overlooked the person beside him, the one Kingsly had just been conversing with, until the final government call for bids. That was when the young man beside Kingsly stood and raised a bidding paddle.

As all eyes turned to this young man, Rachel stood in shock. "Noah?"