Chapter 439 - 435: Until Next Time

Megan Nash was taken aback. A flash of disappointment crossed her eyes, but she quickly composed herself.

"That’s all right, Mr. Jennings. I live nearby, so it’s very convenient for me to get back."

Since he didn’t seem to have any plans to continue their date, she felt there was no need to trouble him for a ride.

Randall Jennings could tell she wasn’t just being polite, so he nodded. "Alright, I’ll go settle the bill then."

In the restaurant’s parking lot, Megan Nash clutched her handbag and thanked Randall Jennings for lunch. "It was an honor and a pleasure to have lunch with you today, Mr. Jennings. You’re very different from what I imagined. This was a truly wonderful experience for me, and I’ll remember it."

Randall Jennings looked at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You don’t have to treat me like some larger-than-life figure," he replied softly. "Since we’re here on a blind date, my identity is just that of the man. You should be looking at me as a potential partner."

"I understand." Megan Nash gave an apologetic smile, looking abashed. "But you’re *the* Randall Jennings, and this is our first time meeting. I’m not that quick to adapt; I can’t just separate you from the image I have in my mind."

Considering Megan Nash’s words, Randall Jennings felt her sincerity and thought she had a point.

"That’s understandable. The first time is always filled with the most preconceptions." Randall Jennings nodded lightly, then he changed tack. "Well, I hope that by our next meeting, Miss Nash, you’ll be able to adjust a little and see me differently."

After all, if she kept looking up to him with reverence, they could never end up together. He wasn’t some idol on a pedestal.

When Megan Nash heard Randall Jennings say this, the smile on her face froze.

"Huh?"

She responded instinctively, her eyes filling with hesitation as if she had misheard him.

"What is it? Is there a problem?" Randall Jennings was confused by her reaction.

Megan Nash came back to her senses, her pretty face flushing involuntarily. She lowered her gaze, not daring to look directly at him, and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Jennings, did you just say... ’next meeting’?"

"I did," Randall Jennings said, then asked uncertainly, "Does Miss Nash feel we’re not a good match and that there’s no need to meet again?"

"No, no!" Megan Nash looked up and quickly denied it, saying urgently, "It’s just that before..."

She trailed off, but Randall Jennings just watched her, waiting for her to finish.

Megan Nash bit her lip in embarrassment but answered honestly, "I thought you weren’t interested in getting to know me better, and that’s why you were in a hurry to send me home. I thought we might have gotten coffee or seen a movie together or something..."

Randall Jennings paused, then let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Oh, so that’s what it was. I guess I should have been clearer, shouldn’t I? I was just in a hurry to get back to the office because I have a lot of important things to deal with today. It’s not what you thought. Actually, I think you’re very nice. We could try seeing each other again."

"Really? Th-Thank you." Megan Nash’s heart pounded with excitement. She felt the right side of her face begin to twitch uncontrollably.

’That’s right. A man like Randall Jennings... how could he possibly have as much free time as other people for walks, coffee, and movies?’

’Busy. That’s who he is!’

"Well, you should hurry back to your company then, Mr. Jennings. I’ll wait for you to contact me."

Randall Jennings didn’t hesitate. After saying "Alright," he turned and got into his car.

Megan Nash watched him leave, waving from a distance. Only after his car disappeared down the road did she clench her fingers in excitement.

「That evening」

Jasmine Sterling updated her daughter on the situation with Monica Coleman and forwarded Monica’s contact information. Without hesitation, Cecilia Sterling immediately got in touch with her.

After learning that Cecilia Sterling was indeed interested in acquiring her processing plant, Monica Coleman said she had a business trip the next morning but could meet Cecilia at the plant before heading to the airport.

「Early the next morning」

Cecilia Sterling went to the appointment as scheduled, and Blair accompanied her.

As soon as they walked into the processing plant, they saw a large crowd gathered up ahead. The people were clamoring over one another, all highly agitated, but the scene was so chaotic that Cecilia couldn’t make out what they were saying.

"What’s going on?" Blair asked, frowning in confusion.

Cecilia shook her head to show she didn’t know. She wasn’t in the mood to get involved in the commotion. Having been there once before, she more or less knew the way and led Blair to the three-story building where the factory director’s office was located.

In the office, Monica Coleman and the factory’s director, Director Lawson, had been waiting for some time.

"Miss Monica."

Cecilia greeted her warmly upon entering. She had already met Factory Director Lawson on her last visit, so she addressed him familiarly, "Hello, Director."

Monica Coleman was very happy to see Cecilia. She had a genuine fondness for the young woman. She quickly invited her to sit and asked Factory Director Lawson to pour them some water.

As he poured the water, Factory Director Lawson said, "Hah, if I’d known you knew our boss, Miss Sterling, I would have made a call on the spot last time."

Cecilia smiled at his words. "It’s alright. I didn’t know this plant belonged to Miss Monica either."

Monica Coleman was dressed neatly, clearly ready for a long trip. She had a flight to catch before noon to go abroad, so she didn’t have much time for pleasantries with Cecilia.

She got straight to the point. "Cecilia, I’ve told your mother all about this plant’s situation, and I’m sure she’s passed it on to you. Are you sure you want to buy it?"

Cecilia smiled and nodded. "If you’re willing to sell, Miss Monica, then I want it."

"But frankly, this plant doesn’t have many advantages or room for appreciation. What do you want it for?"

Monica Coleman was genuinely curious. Her impression of Cecilia was that she was a steady and reliable person, not someone who would make such a decision on a whim. Monica believed she must have a good reason.

Cecilia hesitated for a moment before answering somewhat conservatively, "I don’t have a specific plan for it yet. To be honest with you, Miss Monica, I just feel this plant has the potential to be valuable. It’s just my personal perspective on the market."

"Miss Monica, you and my mother are good friends. I really want your factory, but I don’t want it to cause any unpleasantness between us down the line. So, whether this plant makes a profit or a loss, we must both agree not to hold any grudges."

She couldn’t tell anyone that the entire Sunstone District was about to appreciate in value, but out of respect for the relationship between Monica and her mother, Cecilia still gave her a well-intentioned hint. But that was all.

If Monica Coleman chose not to sell, she absolutely wouldn’t force the issue.

But Monica Coleman just smiled. "Cecilia, you underestimate your Miss Monica. To tell you the truth, I’m only here today because you’re the buyer. If it were anyone else, I would have left the entire transaction to Director Lawson without even asking about it."

A single processing plant like this was truly nothing to Monica Coleman’s Aurelian Group.