Chapter 311

The night had fallen, and the city lights began to glow.

A black Maybach pulled up smoothly in front of the Imperial View Hotel. A valet rushed forward, respectfully accepting the car keys.

Dominic Atlante opened the car door for Vivian Laurent with gentlemanly grace. She wore an emerald green velvet gown that made her skin glow like porcelain.

They walked side by side into the grand lobby. The chandelier's light cascaded over them, casting a picture-perfect silhouette.

"I heard their French cuisine is quite authentic," Dominic murmured, leaning slightly toward her ear.

Vivian smiled faintly. "Then I shall savor every bite."

Just behind them, a silver Bentley came to an abrupt stop.

Ethan Roscente was about to exit when a familiar figure caught his peripheral vision. He froze.

Vivian.

Beside her stood an unfamiliar man in an impeccably tailored suit, exuding effortless elegance.

They stood close. The man said something that made Vivian cover her mouth with a delicate laugh.

Ethan's fingers tightened unconsciously on the steering wheel, the leather creaking under his grip.

By the time he regained his composure, they had disappeared through the revolving doors.

"Mr. Roscente?" His assistant Simon Eisner prompted quietly. "Mr. Zhang and his team have arrived."

Ethan took a deep breath, forcing his gaze away.

In the conference room, several business partners sat stiffly in their seats.

"Regarding this project..." Mr. Zhang began, only to notice Ethan's distracted expression.

The man's sharp profile looked even more severe under the lighting. He kept fidgeting with his lighter, his eyes drifting toward the door.

Beads of sweat formed on Mr. Zhang's forehead. He gritted his teeth. "We're willing to concede two additional percentage points."

Silence.

"Three points!" Mr. Zhang's voice trembled.

Ethan suddenly stood up.

The room held its breath.

"I need a smoke." He walked out without looking back.

From the far end of the corridor, the faint sound of piano music drifted.

Ethan stood at the corner, his gaze locked on the ornate wooden door.

A sliver of warm light escaped through the crack. He could almost hear the delicate clinking of cutlery inside.

Who was that man?

Why did Vivian smile at him like that?

Countless questions swirled in his mind. Ethan reached for a cigarette, only to find his hands shaking slightly.

He crushed the cigarette violently in his palm.