“What do you mean?”
“Justin is going to the business convention today, isn’t he? Don’t you think he’s hiding something from you since he’s not bringing you along?” Jolly was trying to provoke Rachel.
After Leroy proposed to Jolly, he left for the film set, and both of them couldn’t get in touch with each other as often anymore. Thus, the idle Jolly started focusing her thoughts on Rachel and Justin’s relationship.
“Why would you think that he’s up to something when he’s attending with my dad?” Rachel was unfazed by her provocation.
“Then it’s worth giving some thought to it. We know that your dad doesn’t like him very much, so he might take the opportunity to introduce Justin to someone else.”
“So you’re saying that my dad is a pimp?”
“Nah, I’m joking. I’m just really curious why they didn’t bring you along.”
“There’s nothing to be curious about. It’s because Julian will be there too.” Rachel’s gaze darkened.
After listening to Rachel’s reply, Jolly seemed to have made sense of the situation. Everyone knew that the wildfire incident was linked to Julian. However, they didn’t have the evidence, or else they would have reported it to the investigation bureau, and by then, Julian would definitely be charged. Since Lionel finally managed to reunite with his daughter, he would never let anyone hurt her. On top of that, Justin, who loved Rachel, would never let Julian get away with it as well.
Meanwhile, in Hotel Platinum, the business cocktail party was attended by numerous elites from various industries within Riverdale.
“Mr. Hudson, Julian’s resources in Riverdale isn’t as significant as he only manages half of the Burton Group’s assets. However, most of the management personnel on his side are leeches who rely on their existing resources to make ends meet so it won’t last long.”
Lionel nodded after hearing Justin’s words.
“I heard that you relocated half of the Burton Group’s assets to the northern division of Riverdale, hoping to set up a company there since the existing Burton Group in Riverdale is corrupted.”
“That’s my intention.”
“Justin’s intention to attend today’s event was to seek new business partners, and I will not let him have his way for the sake of Rachel.”
Hearing that, Justin didn’t try to stop Lionel since he had warned Julian earlier on that he shouldn’t hurt Rachel. However, because Julian had crossed the line multiple times by hurting her, Justin had decided to act on it.
“President Burton, Julian is here.” Assistant Beckham reminded them as they were in the middle of their conversation.
Everyone at the event turned to look at the entrance. Julian was seen entering the hall with a woman who was formally dressed in a suit. Justin furrowed his brows as he noticed that the woman was someone that he’d never met before.
“Justin, long time no see,” Julian greeted when he saw him. “I was planning to visit you at the hospital when I heard that you were hurt. Unfortunately, I have been busy on a business trip, and I’m only free these two days.”
“There’s no need for you to do so,” Justin replied coldly before introducing Lionel. “This is Mr. Brook.” Even though Justin guessed that Julian might be aware of Lionel’s true identity, Justin didn’t reveal it since Lionel didn’t comment on it.
“I’ve heard so much about you.” Julian stretched his hand out for a handshake humbly.
However, Lionel didn’t reciprocate. “I’m just a nobody. Instead, I admire you, President Peters, the newly appointed President of Burton Group in Riverdale.”
“Mr. Brook, you’re flattering me.” Julian retracted his hand awkwardly.
“There’s no need to be humble about it. I’ve heard about how flexible you are in your business dealings. No wonder you managed to win every business deal shortly after you took over Burton Group.”
It sounded like a compliment, but Lionel was implicitly mocking Julian. As a businessman himself, Lionel was aware of the different means that they would employ, but he despised the nasty secret deeds that Julian did. Although he was unwilling to give his daughter away to Justin, he’d never ever allow her to be with someone like Julian. Julian was embarrassed when he noticed Lionel giving him a contemptuous look.
“The winner takes it all. It’s a phrase that’s been used since the olden days and is applicable worldwide. I’m sure you know the reasoning behind the phrase.”
A woman’s voice was heard coming from behind Julian, attracting Lionel and Justin’s attention. Justin had been observing her since she walked in with Julian because he had never seen her with Julian before or heard anyone mention her. They were surprised by her presence.
“This is Miss Porter from Yatruinia. She’s in charge of the Department of Commerce.” Julian introduced.
Justin was surprised when he heard that.
“Yatruinia?” Lionel asked surprisedly.
“That’s right,” the woman answered calmly and with a smile. “Mr. Brook, you might not remember me, but we met a few years back at the state banquet when Lady Natasha was still with us.”
Lionel was skeptical about it since he didn’t remember seeing her. However, he was aware that a lot of people attended the state banquet, so he might not have recognized her even if they’d met.
“The secretary of the Department of Commerce?” Lionel looked at his man to seek clarification and was given a nod as a reply. Since there were a lot of scammers who were imposters, they had to do background checks on individuals who seemed suspicious.
“Please excuse me. I’ll be joining my friend over there.” Genevieve smiled and left with Julian.
“Mr. Hudson, have you met her before?” Justin asked after they left.
Lionel shook his head in reply.
“The Burton Group had never worked together with Yatruinia before.” Justin frowned.
“They might not really be working together. I never expected that person to be related to the royalty in Yatruinia.” Lionel’s gaze darkened as he clenched his fists.
Upon hearing that, Justin frowned as he wasn’t sure whether that person that Lionel mentioned was Julian or Miss Porter. The only thing that he was certain of was that Julian had the support of overseas political and business circles. Because of that, it wouldn’t be as easy as they’d thought to stop Julian’s business dealings.
On the other hand, Rachel was still lying in bed with her sheet mask on while Leroy’s new movie was being played on television. Jolly snacked on some potato chips as she watched the movie.
Suddenly, Rachel sat up and removed her sheet mask when she received a text notification.
“What is it?”
“I need to make a trip.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Janice wants to meet me.”
After Dillon’s death, Rachel’s identity as an undercover agent was exposed. Thus, she no longer had to hide her relationship with Janice anymore, and they were able to contact each other freely now.
“Did something happen?” Jolly sat up and asked worriedly.
“I have no idea, but I think that it’s related to ‘S’.”
“Let me go with you.”
“There’s no need. The fewer people who know about this, the better. Please pretend that you don’t know about anything and stay alert at home.” Rachel rushed straight to the bedroom to change her clothes and left Jolly outside of her bedroom.
The reason Janice looked for Rachel was most probably she had news about ‘S’. Sabrina would hold Rachel accountable for Dillion’s death and also the heavy losses that were incurred in the smuggling case, which happened half a year ago. Rachel knew that she had to pay for it sooner or later.
