Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 706

Agnes shot a subconscious glance at Jared who was standing beside her.

His face was stone-cold, seemingly dropping the surrounding temperature.

Agnes quickly averted her gaze.

Count and Countess Alexandra greeted Agnes. They complimented her in English, "We've always heard Mr. Kearney mentioned Ms. Pritchard. Meeting you today, you truly are stunningly beautiful, a real gem indeed."

People around praised Countess Alexandra's eloquent English.

Agnes returned their greetings with ease.

Countess Alexandra was apparently close with Valeria, and she introduced Kearney to her.

Valeria was unfamiliar with Kearney. She had heard about eight major wineries competing for wine distribution rights.

The other seven wineries were essentially industry-leading behemoths with a long history.

But there was one she hadn't heard of.

It seemed to be a new riser, and she couldn't replace much information on it.

But it was particularly favored by Count Alexandra and had been her strong competitor.

Valeria always felt that this competitor was operating in the shadows, while she was in the light, unable to fully understand their methods.

Although the wine distribution rights had been set for her, she had expended a lot of effort behind the scenes. She was quite curious about the mysterious Mr. Kearney and couldn't wait to meet him. Meeting him today was somewhat different from what she had imagined. Those who could compete for Count Alexandra's wine distribution rights were usually industry leaders, mostly elder statesmen. Among the nine agents, only she, Valeria, and this Mr. Kearney were young.

Mr. Kearney was not dressed in formal attire. He was wearing a black trench coat and glasses, looking scholarly and harmless. But his overall cool and commanding demeanor indicated that he was a formidable figure.

Valeria greeted Kearney, "Mr. Kearney, I've heard so much about you."

"Ms. Thomas's name is the one that's renowned. It's an honor to meet you today."

Agnes silently stood by.

They were business people, their superficial flattery masking their real intentions, much like old friends who were emotionally deep and had long been apart.

But behind the scenes, they didn't know how many times they had backstabbed each other for their own benefit.

This was why Agnes disliked the business world.

She loved journalism because it was real. The truth was the truth, facts were facts, and there was no need to wear a hypocritical mask and fake a smile.

While Agnes was lost in thought, Valeria had already set her eyes on her.

Valeria seemed to smirk, "Seeing Ms. Pritchard here is quite a surprise. Ms. Pritchard, you are... incredibly charming. Every time I see you, it's always a big surprise."

Agnes caught the sarcasm in Valeria's words.

No wonder she said that. Having returned home for just a few days, she had entangled herself with Jared. Previously at the Thomas family gathering, Ryder had publicly announced that she was his fiancée. Now she had become Kearney's lover. Anyone would probably think she was a flirt, bouncing between different men.

Countess Alexandra seemed surprised, "Valeria, you seem to know Ms. Pritchard."

Valeria laughed heartily, "You could call us old friends. I just never knew that Ms. Pritchard was Mr. Kearney's lover."