Chapter 428 - 424: Ignited and Extinguished

"It seems Miss Sterling is dead set on acquiring The Crimson."

Cecilia Sterling remained noncommittal. "At the very least, I’m more sincere than the others."

From just those few simple sentences in their first meeting, Julian Summers could already see how Cecilia Sterling was different from everyone else.

She looked young, but she was exceptionally calm and composed. Especially when faced with such a massive project, her attitude was remarkably nonchalant, a stark contrast to the cautious, calculating business people who planned every single move.

Especially when the topic of the price came up, her expression didn’t change in the slightest. It gave Julian Summers the distinct impression that she would accept any price he named without batting an eye.

"Since Miss Sterling is so sincere, I’ll be straightforward as well. Give me three days. I’ll get you a quote. Whether it works out or not will depend on if it’s meant to be between you and The Crimson."

Julian Summers didn’t beat around the bush. If he had to unload this mess, he’d rather sell it to the woman in front of him. At the very least, their conversation was comfortable—and she was easy on the eyes.

"Alright. I’ll come back here in three days to see you, Mr. Sullivan."

Cecilia Sterling stood up. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way. I have an appointment with one of the club’s instructors. I’m planning on getting a membership."

"You want to learn go-karting, Miss Sterling?" Julian Summers’s eyes lit up. It was rare for a woman to be interested in that sort of thing.

Cecilia Sterling nodded. "I just gave it a try, and it’s quite a rush. I don’t really have many hobbies, so it’s rare for something to make me want to learn it."

The mention of go-karting seemed to energize Julian Summers even more. He quickly volunteered, "Why look for an instructor? I can teach you!"

But Cecilia Sterling just looked at him and shook her head. "For now, I think it’s best we keep our relationship strictly professional. However, once I earn the same level of certification as you, Mr. Sullivan, I’d be happy to race with you."

"The same level as me?" Julian laughed. "Well, Miss Sterling, you’ve got your work cut out for you. I have a professional racing license. My kart is a professional-grade racing machine, and every single part was custom-made and cost a fortune."

Cecilia Sterling didn’t know how impressive a professional racing license was, but he certainly sounded accomplished.

"You’re clearly a pro, Mr. Sullivan. I’ll do my best."

Julian Summers had always taken great pride in his go-karting skills, and Cecilia’s words brought a smug look to his face. "Don’t worry about it. Just the fact that a woman like you is interested in racing already makes you stand out. You don’t have to go pro. It’s a great hobby for passing the time and unwinding."

The comment was a little too "clueless guy" for her taste. Cecilia Sterling simply smiled without replying, picked up her handbag, and said her goodbyes.

As he watched Cecilia Sterling’s retreating figure, Julian’s gaze grew distant, a smile playing unconsciously on his lips.

’They say chatting with a beautiful woman is good for the soul. Turns out it’s true.’

’He’d been so focused on go-karting these past few years that he hadn’t been on a date in what felt like forever. If Cecilia Sterling hadn’t shown up today, he might have started to think he’d become a monk.’

’It wasn’t that he was suddenly interested in Cecilia Sterling, specifically. She had just reignited his interest in beautiful women in general.’

But the next second, Secretary Grant finally arrived with a glass of ice water. Noticing Miss Sterling was gone, she asked in confusion, "Sir, where’s Miss Sterling—ah..."

Before she could finish, Secretary Grant tripped over her own feet, sending her stumbling forward.

Sitting on the sofa, Julian Summers had no time to dodge. His eyes widened in horror as he watched the glass of ice-cold water—ice cubes and all—splash directly toward his face.

SPLASH...

The entire glass of water splashed squarely onto his face, instantly extinguishing the spark of interest in beautiful women he had just felt.

Secretary Grant was sprawled on the floor, her hands clasped over her mouth in terror. "Sir..."

Julian Summers stared blankly at Secretary Grant. He wanted to explode, but he felt there was no point.

’Because this was just how Grant was.’ In his mind, she was a pretty vase; she could remember his preferences, but she couldn’t seem to do anything else right.

’And yet, he was used to it.’

Finally, he silently pulled out a couple of tissues to wipe the water from his face. "Go get someone to clean this up," he said, his tone one of resignation.

"Sir." Secretary Grant pointed between Julian Summers’s legs, her face blushing slightly as she whispered, "You’re... exposed again."

Julian Summers: "...Fuck!"

*

That evening, Jasmine Sterling hosted a banquet at Aetherium. She had sent invitations to all the wealthy socialites she knew, and to her delight, they all graciously accepted and arrived on time.

Inside the private room, each of the ladies had not only dressed to the nines but had also brought a gift.

Jasmine Sterling felt a little embarrassed. Her real intention in inviting everyone was to celebrate the opening of her new cleaning company and hopefully expand her business within their high-society circle with their help.

But everyone had been overly generous, bringing gifts to celebrate her company’s grand opening.

"Thank you all for coming today, and thank you so much for the gifts. I’d like to propose a toast."

Jasmine Sterling stood and raised her wine glass, her voice filled with sincerity.

Seeing her down the entire glass of red wine in a few large gulps, Monica Coleman quickly interjected, "Jasmine, we’re all friends here; you don’t have to drink like that. We know you’re passionate about starting your business, and we’re all here to support you. We are genuinely happy for you and your company’s launch."

"Monica’s right. Most of us, as wives and mothers, don’t have the same freedom. The fact that you have this kind of drive and ambition, Jasmine... well, we’re both envious and happy for you. We might not be able to do something like this ourselves, but we will absolutely support you."

"Exactly. From now on, we’ll use your company for our house cleaning."

"Jasmine, I already recommended your company’s app to my other friends. Everyone needs housekeeping services, so why shouldn’t you be the one to profit?"

"Good point. I’ll post about it on my social media right now to spread the word."

"I’m in a few mahjong groups with other wealthy ladies. I’ll help you promote it there, too."

Jasmine Sterling didn’t even have to ask. Right then and there, they all pulled out their phones to support her new venture.

Their social networks were clearly made up of the upper crust, and Jasmine’s company was positioned specifically to provide high-end housekeeping services to the wealthy.

Jasmine was so moved by their proactive support and enthusiasm that she found herself drinking a few more glasses without realizing it.

She was just so genuinely happy.

In the middle of the banquet, Jasmine got up to use the restroom. The alcohol made her steps a bit unsteady.

After leaving the stall, she stood at the sink and splashed some cool water on her face, which helped a little.

A man washing his hands beside her happened to glance at her in the mirror. He started, then said in surprise, "Ms... Ms. Sterling?"

Jasmine looked up, surprised. When her slightly tipsy eyes focused on the sharply dressed man beside her, she froze. "Mr... Mr. Jennings?"