Could this man really be interested in discussing a project collaboration with her?

Irene Spencer closed the documents in her hands. "I don’t quite understand."

"Please, Miss Spencer, go ahead and ask," Nathan Leafcastle said, his lips curving.

"Why... choose me?"

Nathan Leafcastle smiled. "Are you doubting yourself, Miss Spencer, or is there something else you’re unsure about?"

Irene Spencer’s smile was as light as a breeze. "Just curious, that’s all."

"Actually, it’s quite simple." Nathan Leafcastle put down his glass. "You may not believe it, Miss Spencer, but I’ve actually been a fan of yours. I admire your determination and fighting spirit, which also aligns with the Barker Group’s principles. I believe you’re a perfect fit for our project’s image. Of course, on a more personal level, I also hope to have the chance to collaborate with you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have personally invited you to dinner. After all, these things are usually handled by the Advertising Department. I just wonder if I’ll have that honor."

Despite his grand-sounding reasons, Irene Spencer could still discern something unusual from the expression of the man before her.

Irene Spencer knew men well. Since she entered the entertainment industry, various men had approached her, claiming to be fans while wanting to ’deeply communicate’ with her.

From their eyes, she could tell exactly what they wanted.

But the man before her, his eyes hadn’t once strayed to her chest or anywhere below her neck, which indicated he wasn’t interested in her body at all.

He claimed to be her fan, but his words carried no hint of ingratiation, and there was even an air of authority he couldn’t quite conceal. This was enough to prove that what he said was mere pleasantry.

As the president of such a large corporation, if he wanted her to work for him, a single word would have sufficed for the Advertising Department to handle everything.

Yet, he had contacted her personally and invited her to dinner. It was clear he had an ulterior motive.

What on earth did this man want from her?!

"Or perhaps," Nathan Leafcastle picked up his glass from the table, "Miss Spencer needs more time to think it over?"

"No need." Irene Spencer took her own glass in hand and, with a smile, reached out to him. "President Leafcastle, to a successful collaboration!"

She needed work right now. After all, she had recently been plagued by negative publicity. She had just managed to turn the situation around, and collaborating with Barker Group would only benefit her, with no drawbacks. Moreover, the remuneration they offered was quite generous. She had no quarrel with money. Turning down such an offer would be foolish! Besides, there was one more thing—she trusted her intuition. This Nathan Leafcastle definitely had other designs on her. She was very curious and also looked forward to it.

Nathan Leafcastle’s lips curled in satisfaction. He picked up his glass and gently clinked it against hers.

"To a successful collaboration!"

Following this, the two of them had a very pleasant conversation.

After dinner, Nathan Leafcastle even personally saw her to the stairwell.

Watching Irene Spencer’s departing figure, the Assistant spoke in a low voice, "I don’t know why, but I always feel that this woman is very calculating."

"She’s very smart. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to reach her current position in such a short time." Nathan Leafcastle slid his right hand into his pocket. "I like dealing with smart people."

"I’m afraid..." the Assistant turned his head, "she’s not the type to be easily controlled."

"It doesn’t matter." Nathan Leafcastle’s smile was faint. "That makes it more interesting."

"Do we need to tell Miss Jane about this?" the Assistant asked.

Nathan Leafcastle’s brow furrowed, his tone turning cold. "As President Barker, can’t I even make a small decision like this?"

...

...

Good night, my little princesses!