Jacob’s words broke the silent exchange between Aliana and Gavriel. She turned to Jacob with a faint scowl, questioning his intent.

While his concern was valid, the way he had voiced it made them sound like children unable to set aside their differences to focus on the bigger picture, and that did not sit well with her.

Before she could say anything, Gavriel shifted his attention to Jacob and replied, "Archon Group focuses on growth and stability, not petty rivalry. We can assure you that if the Van Empire can remain professional, we won’t have any problems. Unless... you are concerned about something else we are unaware of?"

Gavriel’s sharp gaze cut through Jacob as though dissecting him.

As Jacob clenched his teeth under that piercing look, Aliana’s soft yet firm voice finally broke in. "Of course, Van Empire aims for the same as Archon Group. I assure you, we are more than capable of handling any project with utmost professionalism and sincerity, regardless of its scale or... who we are working with."

Jacob turned to her in surprise. "But, Aliana-"

She cut him off with a stern look. "It’s fine. We will always prioritise the company above anything else."

Then, turning to Cillian and Gavriel, she added, "So, what do you say? Can we count on Archon Group’s cooperation?"

Cillian already knew what Gavriel’s answer would be. With a wide smile, he nodded. "You can count on it."

Mr Finn, who had been seated between them, broke into a broad grin and clapped his hands together. "This is brilliant! I’m glad this worked out. This certainly calls for a celebration!"

Everyone rose from their seats and exchanged handshakes, sealing the new partnership before heading out.

When the announcement was made that the two giants would be working on a massive project together for the first time in their history, it caused an immediate uproar.

Waves were seen rising higher in the stock market for both firms, pleasing the leadership of the two companies with the immediate success of their mutual decision.

With the auction coming to an end, the World Business Conference drew to a close.

The media was having a field day, seizing the opportunity to cover the breaking news of Van Empire’s collaboration with Archon Group on the construction of The Atlas Gateway. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

As the conference concluded, they managed to secure brief interviews with several company delegates, including Aliana.

While Aliana’s presence alone was already making headlines, it was Gavriel’s identity as the chairman of Archon Group that truly broke the internet. People were captivated by his striking features and intimidating aura, sending the public into a frenzy.

The media crowded around him, firing questions one after another, eager to learn more. What they didn’t realise, however, was that the man they were addressing was essentially a very well-dressed wall... one that occasionally spoke.

It went like...

"Mr Valentine! How do you feel about today’s historic collaboration?"

"It was... efficient."

"Efficient? That’s all?"

"Yes."

"...Right. Sir, the internet is calling you the most eligible bachelor alive. Any comments?"

"No."

"....."

"People are calling you and Aliana Vanderbilt the new power duo of the century. How would you describe your relationship with her?"

"Cooperative."

"...."

"Mr. Valentine-"

But before the reporter could complete his question, Gavriel cast a brief side glance at Cillian, the kind that clearly said ’handle this.’

Cillian, already on the verge of laughing, stepped in smoothly. "Well, I’m sure you all have plenty more questions for our chairman, but unfortunately, he has a prior engagement. Thank you for your understanding."

With that, Cillian effectively gave Gavriel the green light to walk away without so much as a backward glance.

When the clock struck eight, the gala was in full swing.

Guests were dressed in their finest, mingling as they discussed business and engaged in lighthearted conversation.

Aliana looked stunning in a pale silver-lilac strapless gown with a fitted, embellished bodice and a sleek, flowing silhouette. The sheer tulle train added a soft, dreamy touch, while her loose hair kept the look elegant and chic.

She stood by the French window with Nigel, enjoying a flute of champagne.

Two days without any ghostly encounters felt like a breath of fresh air, elevating her mood exponentially.

Nigel, who was also sipping a glass of champagne beside her, spoke in a low voice. "Boss, you have seemed to be in a good mood these past two days."

"Hm. Maybe it is because all the supernatural bullshit hasn’t bothered me for two days now," Aliana replied nonchalantly.

"Really? What made it stop?" Nigel asked with intrigue.

Aliana paused, contemplating how to answer. She was surprised by this latest development herself. Her last encounter with the supernatural had been in the hallway with Gavriel. After that, everything had come to a halt, making her wonder if it was just luck or if it was... him.

At the thought of him, her eyes scanned the ballroom, but she could not find him anywhere.

After his vague and rather absurd interview with the reporters, he had simply disappeared, making her wonder if he was the kind of man who avoided the limelight. Especially on a night like this, when everyone was eager to mingle.

She herself had been pulled into one conversation after another and had only just managed to steal a moment to breathe, signalling Nigel to come to her rescue under the guise of work.

Noticing her silence, Nigel prompted gently, "Um, boss?"

Hm?" Aliana snapped out of her thoughts.

"You went all quiet just then," Nigel stated, observing her closely.

"Ah, right. I don’t really know," she admitted. "But whatever it is, I’m glad. It’s helping me keep my sanity intact," she murmured under her breath.

Just then, a voice cut in, "Oh, don’t tell me we are responsible for disturbing your mental peace, Miss Vanderbilt."

Turning around, she found Cillian approaching with a warm smile on his handsome face.

"Mr. Pierce," she greeted with a smile. "Don’t worry, my days haven’t fallen so low that my rivals can disrupt my peace... not yet, at least."

Cillian let out a soft chuckle. "Noted. But I must correct you there. Don’t you think it would be rather rude to call us rivals when we’ll be working together far more closely from now on?"