His secretary entered, saying softly, "Mr. Douglas, Miss Smith has arrived and wishes to see you."

Vanessa?

Leonel replied nonchalantly, “Send her in."

Moments later, Vanessa entered.

This wasn't their first encounter, but their interactions had been scarce. Vanessa had found it hard to believe Leonel, an adopted child of the Fowler family, would invest in the Smith family. Besides, as the contract signing drew nearer, Leonel displayed no signs of retreat.

Vanessa, having her own agenda, chose to seek an audience with him.

She had dressed particularly elegantly today.

But Leonel was in no mood to appreciate it.

He seemed preoccupied until Vanessa called out multiple times, jolting him back to reality. “Apologies, Miss Smith, what were you saying?"

Vanessa gazed at the business magnate before her.

She was flipped.

True, she harbored affection for Edwin, but over the past six months, Edwin had put her through the wringer.

He'd already wedded another woman and even started a family.

Now, Vanessa wanted a potent ally. She had set her sights on Leonel, who was both handsome and affluent. Despite lacking a powerful lineage, she aimed to have a hold over him.

Vanessa took the initiative. “Lunchtime is approaching. Would Mr. Douglas fancy joining me for a meal?"

Leonel eyed her pensively.

Vanessa's intentions were transparent.

Rather than being drawn to Leonel himself, she seemed more intrigued by the wealth he carried.

But Leonel wasn't taken with her.

He was about to decline when his phone rang, and he picked it up.