Chapter 6 It Was Him

Splendor Company was once a prestigious name in embroidery, famed for its handcrafted designs that had once captivated everyone in Rixwood. But as machine weaving gained popularity and the Dawson Group actively suppressed the competition, the delicate art of hand embroidery faded into obscurity. Reviving the brand now required substantial investment and innovation.

Vanessa reached out to every company they had worked with before, only to find that Phil had already ensured none would dare to invest.

In her moment of desperation, an idea struck her-she could seek investment from Alan Fuller, the heir of the Fuller family.

Falcon Group, the top corporation in Rixwood, was nothing more than a subsidiary of the Fuller empire. The family's true power lay in Trocton, where their influence spanned countless industries, leaving competitors far behind. If she could win Alan over, she might still stand a chance.

Alan was currently on vacation in Rixwood. Vanessa knew she couldn't waste another moment-this was her only shot, and she had to take it.

That evening, Vanessa's close friend arrived with exciting news. "Vanessa, my family's resort in the suburbs has been completely booked by Jase Fuller of Falcon Group for tomorrow. They're hosting the Fuller family heir. You can't let this chance slip by."

Vanessa's eyes sparkled with newfound hope.

Early the next day, she chose a simple but sophisticated white dress and made her way to the resort.

Just as she arrived at the resort's entrance, a car pulled up unexpectedly. The door opened, and out stepped a man in a pink shirt alongside a woman.

Vanessa's eyebrows furrowed slightly; she recognized them both immediately.

One was Jase, Falcon Group's CEO, and the other was Dayna.

Her sister clearly had a talent for manipulation, managing to charm not only Connor but also Jase.

"Vanessa, what a coincidence! You always skip our gatherings, yet here you are. Do you fancy some suburban fishing as well?" Jase arched a brow, his tone light but teasing.

He knew of Vanessa's influence but hadn't anticipated her turning up at this secluded spot.

Vanessa offered a calm smile. She didn't bother masking her true intent. "I've heard Alan is here. Would you mind arranging for me to meet him?"

Her approach was direct, but before Jase could reply, Dayna cut in, "Vanessa, he doesn't meet strangers. Don't bother wasting your time."

"Is that so?" Vanessa's smile grew faint. "I wasn't aware you'd been appointed as his spokesperson, authorized to speak on his behalf."

"You!" Dayna snapped, her eyes narrowing with an icy glare as she prepared to fire back.

"That's enough, both of you," Jase interjected, his gaze shifting between Vanessa and Dayna, a sharp, calculating glint flickering in his eyes.

He had brought Dayna along because she vaguely resembled the woman in Alan's photograph. But now, seeing Vanessa, he realized her likeness was even more striking.

It didn't matter who fit the role better; as long as Alan was pleased, Jase stood to gain significantly.

With that in mind, Jase chuckled. "Vanessa, since you've come all this way, it'd be rude to turn you away. Let's all meet him, shall we? Frankly, if you manage to put him in a good mood, whatever you're after could be yours in no time."

"I'll take you up on that," Vanessa said, her smile calm but purposeful. Meeting Alan was her priority; everything else could be worked out later.

Dayna's expression soured instantly. She wanted to intervene, but it was too late. Frustration simmered beneath her composed exterior.

Jase's laughter boomed. "Right this way, Vanessa."

Minutes later, they reached the resort's indoor fishing lounge.

After knocking, they stepped inside. A man sat before them, his back turned, casually swirling a glass of wine in one hand.

Jase's voice, now deferential, broke the silence. "Sir, may I present the Dawson sisters? I figured things might get a bit dull with just the two of us, so I invited them along to brighten the mood."

At those words, the man slowly turned. Vanessa froze the instant she saw his face.

He radiated an air of effortless authority, his presence commanding the room. His face was flawlessly handsome, with sharp, chiseled features that seemed almost divine. A single mole beneath his eye added an irresistibly alluring touch.

The esteemed heir of the Fuller family was unmistakably the same man with whom she had shared a passionate night.

Vanessa stood rooted to the spot, her face betraying utter disbelief.

She desperately clung to the hope that it was simply a coincidence, a lookalike.

But then, his voice-cold and mocking-shattered her thoughts. "Vanessa, why are you shaking?"

His piercing eyes remained fixed on her, their intensity sending a shiver down her spine.

Vanessa forced a weak smile. That voice alone erased any lingering doubt-it was him.

Her usual composure crumbled as her mind spiraled into chaos.

The memory of hurling that wad of cash at him in the hotel came rushing back. If she could turn back time, she'd gladly swallow the money rather than let it land in his hands.