Kylian Sutton's hand had just touched the smooth and delicate back of Ariel Morris's hand when she almost instinctively sprang up.
Before coming, she had known a little about Kylian Sutton being an old lecher; she had heard some rumors about his escapades in the circles, but she didn't expect him to be so blatant about it! It was truly disgusting!
Ariel Morris's strong reaction made Kylian Sutton somewhat displeased. He withdrew his hand that had been thrown off and placed it on his own leg, let out a cold chuckle, looked at Ariel with disdain, and said with a tone of contempt: "With your attitude, you still want to discuss cooperation with me? Do you think the Morris Clan is still thriving like before? Let me be honest with you, given the current situation of the Morris Clan, there aren't many people in City C willing to work with you! A nearly bankrupt third-rate company, and here you are, a once-affluent debutante pretending to be all high and mighty? If it weren't for your looks, I wouldn't even deign to meet anyone from the Morris Clan! And you still dare to dream of collaborating with Rivermark? Wishful thinking!"
A flash of embarrassment flickered across Ariel's face, but she quickly regained her composure. She picked up the contract on the table, smiled graciously at Kylian Sutton, and in an official tone said, "Since President Sutton has no intention of collaborating with the Morris Clan, then excuse me for the intrusion. Today's expenses are on me, President Sutton, I look forward to future cooperation."
With that, without even glancing at Kylian Sutton's reaction, she turned and left the private room.
Meanwhile, outside the door, Arlo Seys, who had been watching the entire time, quickly stepped into the adjacent hallway when Ariel stood up.
_
Ariel Morris walked out of the private room, her brows furrowed, staring at the untouched, brand-new contract in her hand, sighing heavily.
At this point, there was only one last step left.
She had been back in the country for only five days and had been busy dealing with the mess of the Morris Clan, flying around setting appointments to discuss partnerships. In the end, she hadn't landed a single contract, was constantly subjected to grievances, faces, and hadn't even had a proper meal, let alone enjoy the sights of City C as Kylian Sutton had mentioned.
She both loved and feared returning to this city.
Because here lay memories she dared not confront.
Ariel lowered her eyes, her fingers rubbing back and forth on her phone, her emotions unreadable.
For a long while.
So long that Arlo Seys, who had been secretly keeping an eye on her from the hallway, thought she'd gone blank, when suddenly Ariel, as if making a major decision, resolutely swiped open the dark screen.
The phone's screen light reflected, enhancing her fair, snow-like face as she stood by the private room door leaning against the wall, her brows and eyes looking like a painting.
Arlo Seys was entranced by that familiar face.
Eight years and she was still the same, unchanged even a bit.
Only that incomparable face had shed its immaturity, gaining an air of calmness.
The khaki trench coat highlighted her tall stature and excellent aura.
A delicate bracelet adorned her left wrist, and her long, slender white legs wore a pair of black high heels, exuding an air of a perfect socialite lady.
She raised the phone to her ear and softly spoke: "Vera, schedule an appointment for me with someone…"
Perhaps there were words from the other side, she paused silently for a while. Then Arlo Seys heard her voice breaking the silence, calm and indifferent.
"Schedule an appointment with the president of Era Enterprises… Arlo Seys…"
As Ariel spoke, she lifted her leg to walk, seemingly intending to leave.
The president of Era Enterprises… Arlo Seys…
The president of Era Enterprises… Arlo Seys…
The president of Era Enterprises… Arlo Seys…
Ariel had already left, and Arlo Seys watched her departing figure, her words from the call lingering in his mind, as coldness seeped into his heart bit by bit…
_