Chapter 582 Sebastian Uses His Handsome Man Strategy
Aqua Vista City was a coastal metropolis, known for its vibrant, luxurious urban vibe, making it the top economic hub in the country.
With its booming economy, officials here kept a close eye on business activities.
There were strict investigations, crackdowns, public reports, and even a network of hackers.
Keeping a low profile with wealthy businessmen could save ambitious officials a lot of unnecessary trouble.
However, officials changed every year, and those who truly remained incorruptible were few and far between. The entanglements between officials and wealthy businessmen, both overt and covert, direct and indirect, were always present.
Nightfall was the best cover; it could hide many things that couldn't be seen in the light. Nocturnal animals remained highly alert, lurking in corners, waiting for the right moment to strike.
This was the rule of the game in the world of fame and fortune. Those who master it could rise to power, while those who didn't may never know what hit them.
Sebastian sat in his Bentley, elegantly adjusting the cuff of his pristine white shirt, a blue diamond cufflink subtly visible against his black suit.
Wealth was an invisible force, equivalent to power. Those who used it wisely could control others' fates, but a slight misstep could lead to being manipulated by others.
Sebastian's eyes, sharp and daring like a falcon's, held a deep, penetrating gaze.
This was the first time Bill had seen Sebastian like this, but it left a lasting impression.
Bruce's house by the river appeared modest and simple from the outside. At first glance, the small villa seemed unremarkable, but Sebastian immediately recognized it as the former residence of a high-ranking official. In terms of market value, this house was worth a fortune.
Bill opened the car door and explained, "Mr. Kingsley, this house is under Mr. Cooper's daughter's name. After returning from studying in Gallonia, she started a fashion company. It's said she bought this house herself."
'Really? She bought it herself? For a property with such value, it's not something she can just buy on a whim.' Sebastian thought to himself.
Then he nodded, acknowledging but not responding.
Sebastian had investigated Bruce's daughter. She owned a fashion company with average business performance but excellent financial flow.
A closer look would reveal the true nature of the company.
There were many ways to launder money, and Bruce's meticulous approach showed his caution.
Corrupt officials were common, and wealthy ones were not rare either. But to execute corruption so meticulously was indeed rare.
With this in mind, Sebastian had a rough idea of the situation.
"Where's the gift I asked you to buy?"
"Here it is, Mr. Kingsley. You want me to go in with you, or should I wait out here?" Bill asked, holding out the gift box.
Sebastian glanced at the box. "No need. Wait outside and call me in an hour."
"Got it, Mr. Kingsley."
Sebastian adjusted his tie and walked towards the villa.
Inside, the villa was indeed impressive. The chandelier at the entrance was expensive but not flashy.
Sebastian's eyes quickly scanned the room, spotting Bruce surrounded by guests.
Standing tall at the entrance, occasionally brushing past guests, Sebastian slightly furrowed his brows and handed his invitation card to the man at the door.
"Mr. Kingsley, please come in."
Sebastian nodded. Bruce was thorough, even ensuring security at a birthday party. Attention to detail like this usually indicates a guilty conscience. This guy wouldn't be hard to deal with.
Bruce was currently enjoying drinks with a few colleagues, laughing heartily when he noticed the tall figure in the crowd.
His grip on the wine glass tightened, his worldly-wise eyes narrowed slightly. "Mr. Kingsley? What brings you here?"
Sebastian smiled gracefully. "Mr. Cooper, you must have forgotten me already? It's your birthday tonight, and I happened to be in Aqua Vista City, so I came to pay my respects. Surely, Mr. Cooper isn't unwelcome to my visit?"
Sebastian rarely spoke so politely to anyone, and it was even rarer for him to smile throughout, his smile not reaching his eyes, adding an unspoken intimidation.
With the hall full of guests, Bruce couldn't speak harshly directly. Moreover, Sebastian's status demanded some caution.
So, he followed Sebastian's lead and laughed, "My memory must be failing me. I invited you but forgot. My apologies, haha, I must be getting old, forgetting such small things."
Sebastian smoothly continued, "Mr. Cooper, you're focused on the major issues of Aqua Vista City's long-term stability. What's a minor detail in comparison?"
Hearing Sebastian's opening remarks, several wealthy businessmen from Aqua Vista City, who had been observing him, were already eager to approach.
As Bruce and Sebastian eased the atmosphere, a few people couldn't hold back and approached with their wine glasses.
"Haha! Indeed, Mr. Cooper is carefree and straightforward, not bothered by minor details. Mr. Kingsley, I heard you're staying in Aqua Vista City recently. Are you looking to invest in any business?"
"The stock market has been volatile lately. I saw on the news today that your wife's company just acquired Lawrence's assets. Your wife is truly impressive!"
"Mr. Kingsley, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard your name countless times. This toast is for you."
Their politeness towards Sebastian created a mutual understanding among them. Some discreetly handed him business cards, while others sought his contact information.
"Gentlemen, tonight is Mr. Cooper's birthday. As for other matters, we can discuss them another day."
"Yes, yes, another day. How about a round of golf tomorrow, Mr. Kingsley?"
And so on, the conversation continued.
The businessmen of Aqua Vista City were no less ambitious than those of Aucester.
Amid the bustling hall, a clear, beautiful laugh suddenly echoed from the spiral staircase. "Dad, you're indulging again!"
Hearing the laugh, Sebastian stood elegantly with his wine glass, his demeanor low-key yet noble among the crowd.
Catherine Cooper, in a white evening gown, gracefully descended the stairs. The custom-made gown featured a deep V neckline and a fishtail hem, accentuating her slender waist. The floor-length skirt spread out on the stairs, and the white, elegant dress paired with a sapphire necklace made her look stunning.
The male guests were all captivated, while the female guests were full of envy.
Catherine was Bruce's only daughter, beautiful and talented, a woman pursued by countless elites in Aqua Vista City.
Many had sought Catherine's favor, but she had turned them all down.
Amid the continuous praise, Sebastian calmly shifted his gaze away.
Superficial and vulgar.
Arrogant and ostentatious, shallow.
This was Sebastian's assessment of Catherine.
"Catherine, everyone has been waiting for you. Come, greet your elders."
Catherine gracefully navigated through the guests, the scent of Chanel perfume making the men even more entranced.
Catherine, skilled in social interactions, had clearly grown up in such environments, adeptly greeting everyone.
Many men tried to win her favor, but she responded indifferently, her slender fingers holding a champagne glass, a Givenchy bracelet on her wrist, her jewelry sparkling wherever she went.
Ignoring the men who approached her, Catherine's gaze was drawn to a solitary figure.
He stood aloof behind the champagne tower, speaking to someone shorter than him, his chiseled face showing a faint smile. The chandelier's light highlighted his noble presence.
Exceptional and transcendent, compared to his magazine photos, the real Sebastian was even more dazzling.
Catherine felt a flutter in her heart, a sensation she had never experienced in her twenty-seven years!
"Mr. Kingsley, a pleasure to meet you. I didn't expect to see you here, or rather, I didn't expect you to honor my father's birthday party with your presence."
Sebastian, understanding her intent, slightly curved his lips. "Ms. Cooper, you're both talented and beautiful, attracting many admirers."
The implication was clear: it wasn't her father who drew him here, but her. Such a clever compliment, Catherine immediately understood.
His deep, wine-like voice was captivating, making her heart race!
"Mr. Kingsley, you certainly know how to talk, charming women effortlessly. You must be very popular with them."
Originally planning to subtly probe Bruce, Sebastian decided to adapt to the situation.
"I don't charm women; I just speak the truth." His cold eyes held a detached calmness, making him even more alluring.
Catherine laughed softly. "Mr. Kingsley, no wonder countless beauties pursue you. May I invite you to dance later?"
As she mentioned dancing, the hall was filled with the gentle sound of piano music.
Sebastian set down his wine glass, his lips curving upward. "No, inviting someone to dance is a man's job. How can I let you take the initiative?"
Catherine, attracted by Sebastian's outstanding appearance and his graceful words, felt delighted.
Such a man was rare and precious.
Sebastian's noble and elegant figure slowly bent down, extending an arm in an inviting gesture. All eyes in the hall turned towards them, making them the center of attention.
Catherine placed her hand in Sebastian's palm, the warmth of his touch making her heart race. "Mr. Kingsley, your wife is truly lucky to have married you. She must be the happiest woman in the world."
Sebastian's large hand gently supported Catherine's waist, and they began to dance gracefully to the music, under the watchful eyes of the guests.
"Ms. Cooper, you're too kind. Being with my wife makes me the happiest man. But tonight, I realized that happiness has no limit, only more..."
With a charming glance, Sebastian looked into Catherine's eyes with a hint of flirtation.
Catherine's heart skipped a beat, blushing at Sebastian's words.
"Mr. Kingsley, do you mean..."
Sebastian smiled. "Ms. Cooper is so smart, surely you understand?"
"Mr. Kingsley, you're a married man. Aren't you afraid your wife will be upset with such talk?" Catherine's fingers slowly traced down Sebastian's suit collar.
Sebastian subtly brushed her hand away. "Then, Ms. Cooper, could you teach me how to keep her from finding out?"
Their conversation, filled with innuendo, was clear to both parties. A single move from either could lead to a natural progression.
Catherine tilted her head. "Mr. Kingsley, my room is on the second floor. Later, I'll find an opportunity to show you my latest art collection. Would that be alright?"
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