Chapter 534 The Invitation
A sudden void opened in Sarah's heart, and she knew it was just her imagination playing tricks again.
Hadn't she experienced the same sensation just yesterday?
But by the time she snapped out of her daze, the elevator doors had already closed, and the chance to get a clearer look at the man was gone.
Bob had already walked a few steps ahead. Noticing Sarah still rooted to the spot, he doubled back and called out to her, "Ms. Miller, what's wrong?"
Sarah glanced at him and replied, "It's nothing."
It was just a side profile that bore a striking resemblance to Antonio.
After confirming the direction they needed to go, she said, "Let's go."
They quickly found the private room they were seeking, now vacated by the Harrington team.
The mayor's last name was Howe.
Sarah hurriedly approached him with a smile, "Mr. Howe, have I kept you waiting?"
Mr. Howe broke into a hearty laugh, perhaps feeling apologetic.
"Ms. Miller, you're right on time. I'm the early bird here," he said as he took a seat and poured a cup of coffee for Sarah. "I should be the one apologizing to you."
Sarah waved her hand dismissively. "You're too kind, Mr. Howe. Please, feel free to speak your mind. I shouldn't be making you apologize."
"You're a spirited young woman with boundless potential."
Mr. Howe truly admired her, but the Pine Mountain project wasn't just under the scrutiny of the capital—it was a national concern that would affect countless ordinary citizens.
Thus, the selection process for the plan was competitive.
Although the search for a collaboration had not been opened to public tendering, the process was even more stringent.
Valencia Inc. had been the most promising candidate, and choosing Valencia Inc. had seemed like a done deal.
No one expected the Harrington Group to emerge with a proposal that was even more compelling.
Mr. Howe got straight to the point. "About the Pine Mountain project, the Harrington representatives got here before you and showed me their plan. If executed as proposed, the outcome would be perfect."
Valencia Inc.'s proposal was exceptional too, but Mr. Howe had his preferences.
As Sarah listened, a chill settled in her heart.
After having been so explicitly clear, it was evident that the project was destined for the Harrington Group.
All the groundwork laid over the past two months had been for naught.
But that's business—victory and defeat were par for the course. If you were bested in skill, you should accept defeat gracefully.
"It's okay." She maintained her smile, genuinely expressing, "It's disappointing, for sure, but they must have earned it. I hope we can collaborate if there's another opportunity in the future. I'll be sure to come up with the best possible plan."
Mr. Howe's gaze upon her held even greater admiration. "Definitely!"
After politely excusing herself, Sarah and Bob left Savoury Pavilion.
...
That very afternoon, the Harrington Group's collaboration with the government to develop Pine Mountain was announced to the public. Along with this, they released all non-classified details of the project proposal.
James walked in with his laptop and showed Sarah the news.
"Ms. Miller, they've obviously been preparing for quite some time. A project proposal like this couldn't be so well-polished in less than a few months."
"How long it took them isn't what matters." As Sarah flipped through the proposal, she felt a hint of disappointment but no sense of injustice. "What's important is that our proposal really can't compare with theirs."
'No wonder Mr. Howe reached a conclusion so swiftly.'
She wouldn't have needed to think twice if she had been in his position.
James nodded. "I'm guessing Mr. Harrington Jr. himself might have worked on this proposal secretly."
Sarah glanced up at him but said nothing.
"Alright, now that this chapter is closed, let's not dwell on this project anymore." She closed the laptop. "Let's focus on the other work at hand."
"Of course, Ms. Miller." James took the laptop she handed him when he suddenly added, "By the way, Ms. Miller, there's an email forwarded from the front desk. It's an invitation."
"An invitation?"
"It's for a gala hosted by the Harrington Group. They've invited you to attend."
Sarah hummed in acknowledgment. Her earlier intuition was correct; the Harrington Group was likely looking to expand aggressively into the capital's market, and this gala was a key to unlocking its high society's doors.
Families like the Harringtons were sought after by many. Tonight's event would undoubtedly be bustling.
Usually, Sarah had no interest in such affairs, but today was different. She found herself feeling a touch curious about the Harrington family.
"Push back my appointments for the evening. I'll attend this one."
"Understood, Ms. Miller." With that, James left the room.
Checking the time, Sarah grabbed her purse and stood up. She needed to find a place to freshen up before heading to the gala.
…
As Sarah drove home, she could already hear intermittent giggles emanating from the playroom. The sound was so contagious that it lifted the corners of her mouth into a smile without her even realizing it.
She chose not to interrupt the kids, heading straight to her own bedroom instead.
Tonight's gala was a big deal, brimming with high-profile guests, so her choice of gown couldn't be taken lightly—it had to embody the prestige of Valencia Inc. and the J&K Group.
While rummaging through her wardrobe, still undecided, her phone rang. It was Brian.
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