Chapter 27

Golden sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating Vivian Laurent's desk. She closed the project proposal and tapped her fingers lightly on the cover.

The bidding venue buzzed with activity. Representatives from major real estate companies exchanged pleasantables in tailored suits. The arrival of Triple Six Realty went virtually unnoticed.

Vivian sat quietly in a corner. Dressed in a beige blazer with her hair casually tied up, she looked like a fresh-faced newcomer.

"I heard Roscente Group is determined to win this time."

"Of course. They've been preparing their proposal for three months."

Whispers floated through the air. A faint smile touched Vivian's lips as she opened her folder.

When Roscente Group took the stage, thunderous applause erupted. Their general manager delivered an eloquent presentation with polished 3D renderings.

Vivian was the last speaker. By the time she approached the podium, many attendees had already begun packing their documents.

"My vision for this land parcel is..."

Her cool voice filled the auditorium. Vivian didn't use slides, simply describing her concept in straightforward terms.

The room gradually quieted. Some took notes while others exchanged murmurs.

"...That concludes Triple Six Realty's proposal."

Scattered applause followed. Vivian bowed calmly and returned to her seat.

When the government representative announced Triple Six Realty as the winning bidder, the room erupted in shock.

"What company?"

"I've never heard of them!"

Vivian walked composedly to the signing table. Her signature flowed across the document without hesitation.

Outside, early summer breeze greeted her. Vivian took a deep breath and dialed a number.

"Isabella, we did it."

An excited shriek came through the phone. "I knew it! You're amazing, Viv!"

Meanwhile, chaos engulfed Roscente Group's real estate division. The sweating general manager called Ethan Roscente.

"Mr. Roscente...we've been outmaneuvered."

Ethan's pen scratched across the document he'd been reviewing.

"Find out who did this."

Simon Eisner soon reported back. "It's a newly established small company. The legal representative is Li Ming."

"Dig deeper." Ethan's eyes darkened. "I want to meet the real owner."

Night fell over the glittering city. Vivian and her team celebrated at downtown's hottest bar.

"Drinks are on me tonight!" Erin raised her champagne glass.

Vivian clinked glasses, amber liquid swirling in hers. She didn't notice the piercing gaze observing her from the VIP section above.

Ethan swirled his whiskey, brow furrowed. He barely registered Felix Valdemar's words beside him.

"What's caught your eye, Ethan?"

Setting down his glass, Ethan's attention locked onto a familiar figure in the first-floor booth.

"How interesting."

Vivian threw her head back to drink, her pale neck gleaming like pearl under the lights. Her unrestrained laughter contrasted sharply with her usual composed demeanor.

Ethan's eyes narrowed. Suddenly remembering something, he pulled out his phone and called Simon.

"Send me Triple Six Realty's registered address."

A cold smile curved his lips when he saw the familiar location. Adjusting his cufflinks, he stood.

"An old acquaintance requires greeting."

Vivian had just set down her glass when a chill ran down her spine. She turned and froze.

Ethan was cutting through the crowd, coming straight toward her.