Chapter 1

At the Nexus Technologies bidding event.

Chloe Brooks was glancing around nervously, her anxiety so palpable that it even started to affect Ryan Mitchell. "Stop fidgeting, Chloe. People might think our company isn't professional. Look at Isabella; she's so calm."

"You were the one who said our chances of winning are slim and that I should just treat this as a learning experience. Now you're embarrassed by me?" Chloe huffed, then glanced over at Isabella Carter.

Isabella's expression was serene, appearing far more composed than Chloe.

Chloe gave Isabella a thumbs-up just as the host announced that the group president would be coming on stage to speak.

Suddenly, everyone was on edge.

"Who?" Chloe asked.

"Christopher Harrison," Ryan stammered uncertainly.

While the project was significant, it didn't seem important enough for the CEO of Nexus Technologies to attend in person.

"I'm really lucky today. I didn't expect to see the CEO of Nexus Technologies. He's even been on the Forbes list," someone from another company couldn't help but remark.

All eyes turned to Christopher under the spotlight, with his handsome features and distinguished aura.

Dressed in an expensive suit, his every move exuded an undeniable authority. He scanned the room briefly before speaking, "Welcome to Nexus Technologies' bidding event."

The room erupted in applause.

Christopher spoke only a few words before leaving the stage. Chloe watched his retreating figure with envy.

"I wish he was my boyfriend. Hey, Isabella, why were you looking down the whole time? Didn't you want to see him?"

Isabella finally looked up and smiled, "I was handling some work."

Ryan, satisfied, said, "Take note, Chloe. You need to be more serious about things."

Christopher's appearance had the whole room buzzing. After all, this bidding event was just for a tech pavilion, not something that would typically warrant the CEO's presence.

The bidding continued, but Ryan wasn't too nervous. As Chloe had pointed out, their company, while decent, couldn't compete with the local giants.

The host invited the responsible party to announce the bidding results.

Ryan whispered, "Don't be discouraged. There will be better projects in the future."

"The winning company is Vertix Atelier," the person in charge announced.

Chloe was stunned. "What? Isabella, what's the name of our company again? I forgot," she asked.

Isabella frowned slightly, then relaxed, "Ryan, it seems we won."

Ryan was too excited to speak, only managing to stand up when the host prompted him.

Isabella glanced at the stage, a fleeting thought crossing her mind about the man who had spoken earlier.

Could it be his doing?

But she quickly dismissed the idea.

In the past, their only interaction had been as a customer and a store clerk.

Besides, he had publicly humiliated her.

And she didn't want to see him again.

Other companies, though disappointed, came over to congratulate them. After all, it was just one project in a vast industry with plenty of opportunities.

Ryan, coming down from his high, pulled out his phone to message the company group.

[Everyone, let's go out for dinner tonight.]

[The company will cover the bill.]

Megan Campbell, who was on a business trip, responded with a question mark, to which Ryan replied: [We won the Nexus Technologies project!]

Megan retracted her message, then replied in the group: [Have a great meal and enjoy it.]

She added: [Isabella, you and Chloe have the afternoon off. Find a nice restaurant and buy some gifts. Everyone's been working hard and deserves some encouragement.]

Isabella replied with a smile: [Got it.]

That evening at the Azure Palace Hotel.

Ryan, having had quite a bit to drink, was surprised to run into Christopher in the hallway on his way back from the bathroom.

Though a bit tipsy, he knew he wasn't mistaken and immediately went up to greet him.

"Mr. Harrison, what a coincidence to see you here."

Standing next to Christopher was his assistant, Mike Scott. Mike stepped in front of Ryan and then turned to Christopher, "He's the manager from Vertix Atelier. They won our project at today's bidding event."

"That's me," Ryan said, feeling bold from the alcohol.

"Mr. Harrison, everyone from my company is here having dinner. They all look up to you. Could you give us some guidance? It would make them so happy and help us understand the project better."

Ryan instantly regretted his words, the influence of alcohol paling in comparison to the intensity of Christopher's gaze.

Christopher's eyes narrowed slightly behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his already stern features becoming even more intimidating.

Mike, used to such situations, thought Ryan was being overly bold but maintained his politeness. "Mr. Mitchell, I'm sorry, but Mr. Harrison..."

Before he could finish, Christopher spoke, "Your company's team is all here?"

Ryan stammered, "Yes, Mr. Harrison. Our company is small, not many people. I'm an idiot for saying something that might have offended you. Please forgive me; blame it on the alcohol..."

To his surprise, Christopher calmly said, "I have some free time. We can talk. This project is important to our company and shouldn't be taken lightly."

Ryan, experiencing a double dose of excitement in one day, could hardly contain himself.

In his mind, he screamed, 'Megan, you have to come back and see this! I've got Christopher himself to give us guidance!'

Mike was momentarily stunned, wanting to remind Christopher of other engagements, but his professionalism kept him silent.

Ryan carefully led the two men to their private room.

When they entered, all eyes turned towards them. Ryan scanned the room and pointed to the empty seat beside Isabella.

"Isabella, move over. Mr. Harrison is here to give us some guidance. Everyone, give him a warm welcome!"

Chloe was in the restroom, so Isabella picked up her utensils to move to another seat rather than just shifting over.

But before she could, a tall figure had already taken the seat beside her.

Christopher sat down next to Isabella, his calm gaze fixed on Ryan. "No need. I'll sit here."

Isabella remained silent.

As she turned, her elbow knocked over a wine glass, nearly sending it crashing to the floor.

She scrambled to catch it, but someone else grabbed it just in time, preventing it from shattering.

She muttered a thank you, then looked up and met a pair of deep, familiar eyes.

Christopher set the glass back down and turned to Ryan, seemingly not recognizing her at all.

Isabella let out a complicated sigh of relief.

'Thank goodness he doesn't remember me.'