Rhysand Lee Golden casually flipped through some papers and signed his name.
The investment wasn't huge—just over 200 million—but he'd leave it to Rain City Company to handle.
"Thank you, Young Master Lee Golden!" Collins raised his glass, grateful that Rhysand was helping him out.
Meanwhile, Master McGuire stood off to the side, practically glowing with excitement. "Thank you, President Golden! Thank you, Third Young Master! It's such an honor for my McGuire Family to collaborate with the Golden Group. I'm forever grateful..."
Mr McGuire had no idea how many favors he'd called in or how much money he'd spent to finally connect with Rhysand's family.
With this contract, the McGuire Family was about to rise to the top.
Rhysand's assistant eyed the situation with disdain.
The McGuire family had lucked out.
In Peak City, there were tons of people with more power and influence than Master McGuire, all waiting for a chance to work with the Lee Golden family.
Rhysand had only agreed to help to keep Callum Aimes on good terms.
"I have to go. You two can review the contract," Rhysand said, getting up from his chair.
---
In a different private room, the sound of a glass shattering rang out.
Young master McGuire slammed his drink down angrily and glared at Ariel Ocean.
"Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty?" Master McGuire sneered. "You're not the heir to the Ocean family anymore. Even if I do whatever I want to you tonight, you'll have no choice but to accept it!"
Ariel's face paled. Moments ago, McGuire had forced her to drink, but she'd refused.
Now, his attitude had turned menacing.
"Hailey told me herself," McGuire continued with a cruel smile, "that if I helped her close the contract, she'd sleep with me. And if she won't, you will!"
Ariel bit her lip, trembling in rage.
She never expected Hailey to stoop so low, trading herself just to secure a contract.
But what was even more disgusting was that Hailey had bailed on her promise, sending Ariel in her place.
Wasn't this outright betrayal?
Ariel lowered her eyes, trying to calm her racing heart.
Her delicate features looked more fragile than ever as she coughed lightly.
Her long black hair shimmered in the dim light, her graceful neck catching the faint glow.
Her thick lashes fluttered occasionally like butterfly wings, soft and alluring.
Master McGuire ogled her, his gaze roaming over her like a predator.
He licked his lips greedily.
"Ariel, you're gorgeous, but you married a lowly bodyguard. What a waste. If you stay with me tonight, I'll make sure you never have to deliver flowers again."
Ariel bit her lower lip, her eyes filling with quiet determination.
She cast a sorrowful glance at him, then quickly looked away.
Her timid expression struck a deep chord in McGuire, awakening something primal in him.
He leaned in, trying to touch her.
"You're really something, aren't you?" he muttered, his hand reaching for her thigh.
But before he could finish, Ariel suddenly coughed, doubling over.
She covered her mouth, her body shaking.
"Excuse me, I need the restroom," she said, standing up quickly and rushing towards the bathroom.
Master McGuire frowned but didn't stop her.
The bathroom was part of the private suite, so he wasn't worried about her running off.
He'd wanted Ariel for a long time, but hadn't found the right moment.
Now that she was down on her luck with no one to protect her, he wasn't about to miss this chance.
Inside the bathroom, Ariel locked the door and frantically dialed Rhysand's number.
But to her horror, his phone was off.
A wave of panic surged through her. She sent him a desperate text message, praying he'd see it soon.
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed from outside as the door shook violently.
"Ariel, if you don't come out now, I'll drag you out!" Master McGuire's drunken voice snarled through the door.
Ariel took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
Rhysand wasn't going to save her, so she had to rely on herself.
Luckily, she'd prepared for the worst.
A moment later, Ariel calmly emerged from the bathroom and walked over to the sofa.
She smiled softly at McGuire. "Brother McGuire, let's drink."
"Now you're talking," McGuire grinned, his mood lifting. "You should know that money makes the world go round."
Ariel waved for the waiter and ordered several bottles of alcohol.
Under the dim lights, her beauty became even more striking.
The more McGuire stared, the more he couldn't resist.
He moved closer, putting his arm around her. "Come here, baby. Why don't you let me take care of you?"
Ariel suddenly coughed violently again, covering her mouth.
After a moment, she pulled a tissue from her pocket and wiped her mouth.
When she tossed the tissue in the trash, a small streak of red was visible on it.
Master McGuire's expression darkened.
"What's wrong with you?" he demanded.
"It's nothing," Ariel mumbled, turning away. "It's just a little sickness. Brother McGuire, don't be mad. We still need your help with the Ocean Family contract..."
"Spit it out!" McGuire barked.
Ariel hesitated, then said softly, "I was diagnosed with a small case of tuberculosis last month. But it's not serious! I've been taking medicine—it's not contagious."
"What?! You're trying to kill me!" McGuire shot to his feet, stumbling back in terror. "Stay away from me!"
Ariel reached for him, but he swatted her hand away. "Brother McGuire, it's really not contagious! Please, don't walk away—"
"Get away from me!" McGuire yelled, fleeing the room like his life depended on it.
As soon as he was gone, Ariel's frightened expression vanished.
Calmly, she stood up and walked out of the room.
Earlier, while in the bathroom, she'd cut her leg with a shard of glass and used the blood to fake a coughing fit.
McGuire, who had always been paranoid about diseases, had fallen for it easily.
But Ariel knew she didn't have long. Once McGuire sobered up, he'd realize he'd been tricked.
Without wasting any time, Ariel hurried toward the elevator.