Chapter 43: His date?

A few days later, an unexpected guest showed up at the Magnolia Crest.

When Sienna descended the stairs, she could see the back of the person’s head, seated on Callahan’s right.

When Sienna saw who the person was, she was surprised, "Victor Adams?"

"It’s an honor to be recognized by you, Miss Qing," The man smiled and immediately, flowers seemed to have bloomed around him.

Sienna looked at the man in surprise.

Leon, who had been buried in food so far, suddenly snapped his attention back to the people around the table, "You have never been so enthusiastic while greeting me?" The man dropped all formalities at this moment.

Only then did Sienna notice his presence. By now, Sienna knew that Leon’s and Callahan’s relation ran deeper than it showed on the surface. So, she wasn’t surprised to see him there as well.

"That is different. Victor is not just the young mayor of Amethyst City, he is charming and charismatic. He isn’t known as the nation’s golden boy for nothing," Sienna shrugged.

Victor’s smile was brighter this time as he turned to Leon, "You hear that? Don’t be jealous!"

"Hah..." Leon rolled his eyes so hard they nearly popped out of the sockets, "People are actually fooled by white lotuses. Don’t tell me you have a crush on him too?" he turned to Sienna again.

Suddenly, dark clouds rolled above the dining table. Callahan quietly glanced at Sienna.

Victor and Leon looked at Callahan before they too, turned to Sienna.

Sienna, unaware of the attention on her, nodded, "Of course, I had a crush on him when I was young and saw him on TV."

"It should be when I was standing beside my father while he gave a speech," Victor beamed.

Sienna nodded, "You got it right. I think I should have your autograph to remember this fateful day."

"And we can click a picture to remember this great encounter, Sisi..."

Thunder roiled around the place and the temperature dropped, "The tech district’s access will take another year or so," Callahan’s calm voice cut through the enthusiastic chatter.

Victor’s sunflower aura wilted immediately, "Didn’t you say it would take a month or so?"

Callahan looked at the man and enunciated each word nonchalantly, "An unexpected delay."

Victor paused, looked at Sienna before looking back at Callahan. On his charming face, a hint of interest flickered.

Callahan and Victor went to his study for some work matters.

On the dining table, Sienna and Leon were the only person left, "Have you three been friends for a long time?"

"Who is friends with them? I am way out of their leagues."

Sienna laughed.

A crafty look suddenly crossed Leon’s face and he put his spoon down before pulling out an invitation from his suit jacket, "Oh, I nearly forgot to mention... Although you must be aware of the dress code and other stuff by now, you should still keep this invitation with you.’’

Sienna blinked.

Leon’s expression shifted, "Oh, you’re not going with Callahan to the charity gala?" he asked, genuinely surprised.

Sienna glanced at him, "Was I supposed to?"

Leon opened his mouth, then seemed to think better of it. A faintly amused look crossed his face as he leaned back in his chair.

"Nothing. I just assumed you were his date... I guess I was mistaken," He let the sentence trail off.

Sienna did not ask him to finish it. She simply glanced at the invitation before looking away.

A few minutes later, Callahan returned with Victor. Their conversation carried on quietly as they approached the dining table.

Later, when they left the villa, Callahan approached Sienna, "You’re coming with us."

"I have my own car."

Callahan paused, "I’ll drop you on the way."

"No need,’’ Her answer was light, almost casual.

In the black Maybach, Leon lowered his eyes, hiding the faintest hint of a smile.

"You are courting death," Victor sighed.

"I was bored. Watch this play out, it will be interesting," Leon gave him a look.

Callahan watched as Sienna got in her car and drove off, and a hint of confusion crossed his handsome face.

Half an hour after Sienna reached Qing Horizons, her phone lit up from a few texts from ’Personal Demon’ but Sienna didn’t open them.

Just in a few days, Qing Horizons had already become a different place.

There was still a long way to go, but the first round of repairs had begun, the staff were finally moving with some purpose, and Sienna had spent most of the morning buried in reports.

Linda entered with a folder tucked beneath her arm, "There is one more matter you may want to know about."

Sienna looked up from the document in front of her, "What is it?"

"The charity gala tonight."

Linda placed the folder on her desk. "Qing Empire should have received an invitation. Since we haven’t heard anything from them, I suspect they’ve already selected their representatives.

It’s not surprising we haven’t heard from them but with you here, I thought they would at leastl consider..."

Sienna raised a brow. Charity Gala again? "That’s unfortunate,’’ she didn’t let her thoughts show.

"It would have been a useful opportunity for Qing Horizons," Linda said, "There will be quite a few influential people attending."

Sienna leaned back in her chair, considering it, "There will be more opportunities in the future. Remaining patient in a period of turbulence is the key. One gala doesn’t decide the future of a company."

Linda nodded, "I understand."

Just as she was about to leave, Sienna stopped her, "The others are uncertain about me even if they are following my orders. Why do you seem to have no doubts?"

Linda studied her for a moment before she said, "They don’t know what you’re capable of yet. For someone who has been by the President’s assistant for years right after graduation, you are more than what they perceive."

She paused before adding, "I intend to be wherever I see the most potential."

Sienna met her eyes and nodded, "You can go."

Linda gave a small smile before leaving.

Once the door closed behind her, Sienna picked up her phone.

She made a call, "Help me arrange something."