The phone rang in the room, and she walked back in to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Sally, it’s Dad. I just tried calling your cell but got no answer. Everything okay?"

"The phone wasn’t with me, Dad. What’s going on?"

"The bidding for the Jade River project is about to start. How are your preparations coming along?"

"We’ve already discussed it at the meeting. This time, we’re planning to partner with Ashton to bid for this project together."

"Have they agreed?"

"Not officially yet, but we’re working on it."

"Good!" Bernardy Dalton was pleased with this answer. "Ashton is the leading real estate company in the Imperial City, and their connections and funding are no small matter. If you can partner with them, this project is almost guaranteed to be successful."

"That’s exactly what Nathan said, which is why we’re considering partnering with Ashton."

"This time, Nathan did well. Business is business, and personal feelings shouldn’t get in the way," Bernardy Dalton’s tone had a hint of laughter. "Where’s Nathan? I want to have a word with him."

"He just stepped out for something."

"Never mind then. When he gets back, tell him not to take my previous attitude to heart. Everything’s ready on our end. Once the Jade River project is settled, your mother and I will start preparing for your wedding."

"Thanks, Dad!"

Sally Dalton hung up the phone with a smile, turned around, and walked into the changing room. Noticing the floor-length mirror in the corner, she stepped up to it, examining her face. Imagining herself in a wedding dress, walking into marriage with Nathan Leafcastle, a joyful smile appeared on her face.

Suddenly, a strange discomfort hit her chest. She raised her hand to cover her mouth and rushed into the bathroom, retching over the sink but bringing nothing up.

After washing her face, she looked up at her reflection, her brows slowly furrowing.

She reached out and gently pressed her lower abdomen.

Could it be...

...

...

In the luxury suite at the International Hotel.

Nathan Leafcastle smiled as he shook hands with the partner that Smith had introduced. Following some brief pleasantries, the three of them took their seats.

"I’ve already heard from Smith about your plans, Mr. Leafcastle. We’re very interested in working with you." The partner shrugged slightly. "However, I have one question. How can you assure us, Mr. Leafcastle, that you’ll fulfill your promises?"

Nathan Leafcastle retrieved a document from his briefcase and handed it over. "There are penalty clauses for breach of contract."

The partner took the document, glanced at it, and then passed it to Smith.

"This isn’t enough!"

"Then what else do you want?" Nathan Leafcastle asked.

"As far as I know," Smith smirked lightly, "Mr. Leafcastle holds 8% of the shares in Barker. We want you to use these shares as collateral."

Nathan Leafcastle shrugged lightly. "But... this wasn’t part of our original terms."

"Mr. Leafcastle," the partner spoke in somewhat broken Chinese, "If you don’t agree, I’m afraid we’ll have to decline."

"Mr. Leafcastle!" Smith also chimed in with a smile. "You must understand that this time we need to move at least five billion in assets, which means we’ll have to sacrifice a lot. If you don’t show some sincerity, we won’t be able to convince others."

Nathan Leafcastle’s gaze lingered on their faces for a moment. After a few seconds of hesitation, he finally nodded.

"Alright, I agree. But you must also agree to one condition: this must be kept absolutely confidential without any leak of information."