When Left
CHAPTER 136

Chapter 136 The Dress, Returned

After hanging up the phone, Elissa couldn’t stop sneaking glances at me.

Puzzled, 1 asked, “Why are you looking at me?”

“I dunno, do you think the investor Morgan is introducing us to could be Christopher?”

“Impossible.” I replied, although a small part of me harbored doubt. “Christopher just got out of the hospital, and neither he nor Donald has mentioned anything about this.”

“Then who could it be?” Elissa mused, clearly baffled.

I shrugged. “We won’t know until we get there. Jacquar is such a small place; if it’s someone familiar, we’ll figure it out

soon enough.”

“That makes sense,” Elissa agreed..

Later, I swapped my casual clothes for something a bit more polished, throwing on a beige wool coat for the chill. Ready to solve the mystery, I headed to the dinner with Elissa.

The restaurant, booked by Elissa, was a testament to her prowess in social engagements, honed over many years in the marketing department.

Upon our arrival, a waiter guided us to a private room. Situated by the riverside, the room offered an enchanting view of the twinkling river lights from our dining table. The ambiance was both elegant and refined, and the menu showcased authentic Jacquar cuisine.

Morgan had already arrived.

With a warm smile, Morgan greeted us and immediately began probing Elissa, “You guys are quite familiar with today’s guest, right? I have a big project and really want to collaborate with their group. Later, you must put in a good word

for me.”

Elissa, never one to beat around the bush, asked directly, “Morgan, is it the Valence Group?”

Morgan frowned, shooting Elissa a baffled look. “The Valence Group? Are you out of your mind? Didn’t you and Ms. Royston both leave the Valence Group? Why would the Valence Group want to support a new brand and compete with

their own F&A?”

So, it wasn’t the Valence Group. That ruled out Christopher.

I exhaled a sigh of relief. If it had been Christopher, I would definitely need to back out, thereby forfeiting another Investment opportunity.

Elissa, mindful of my complicated history with Christopher, didn’t delve further into that subject. Instead, she cocked. an eyebrow and probed further. “I guess I was overthinking. So, give me a hint–which company is it?”

Morgan was straightforward. “The RF Group, which went public last month. Have you heard of it?”

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Chapter 136 The Dress, Returned

“The RF Group?” Elissa was a hit surprised. “The one that emerged abroad and became a huge conglomerate in just three years, that RF Group?”

The RF Group was reputed to be a financial Juggernaut, capable of erecting a commercial empire within a mere three years, yet the enigmatic mastermind behind it remained clusive, a shadow in the corporate world.

Morgan nodded knowingly. “Mind–blowing, right?”

“No way, you scored us such a big–time investor? Elissa gulped. “Isn’t this restaurant kinda low–rent for someone like that? Who’s coming today from their side?”

“The Executive President.” Morgan chimed in with a grin. “But you booked this restaurant just right. He’s been abroad for years and just got back. He must be missing the taste of Jacquar cuisine.”

Armed with this intel, both Elissa and I felt a twinge of anxiety. I gave Elissa’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “It’s all good. If they’ve reviewed our profile and still accepted this dinner, they’ve clearly seen potential in us.”

Despite the RF Group’s formidable stature, the prospect was not beyond reach–ambitious, yet attainable. What if everything fell into place? Even if it didn’t, we had nothing to lose,

Soon enough, the waiter’s voice resonated from outside. “Hello, this way, please.”

Then, the door to the private room swung open. In walked the waiter, accompanied by a young man. He was tall, appeared to be in his late twenties, with sharp, chiseled features that lent him a slightly exotic, possibly mixed–race look.

He exuded politeness. Noticing us already seated, he gave a slight bow. “Apologies, I underestimated Jacquar’s evening rush. It’s been a while since I’ve been back.”

“No worries, we’re just glad you could make it!” Morgan stood up and motioned towards us. “This is the Executive President of the RF Group, Daniel Martinez. Mr. Martinez, meet Elissa and-”

I had expected Daniel Martinez, given his lofty position, to exude an air of superiority, but he was remarkably down- to–earth. He even took it upon himself to refill our wine glasses.

Elissa and I exchanged bewildered glances but before we could process it, Daniel set the decanter down and cut straight to the chase. “Investment isn’t an issue, but RF Group’s stake won’t be insignificant. Are you both prepared for

that?”

“Yes,” I affirmed with a nod.

I had previously done my homework on investment scenarios, and it was common for the founders to end up with relatively small shares. However, given/our lack of capital, this was our only viable path forward.

Elissa, adept in negotiation, flashed a charming smile. “Mr. Martinez, we’re all jacquar natives here. Surely, you’ll leave us a bit of breathing room.”

Daniel, personable and showing a wisdom beyond his years, responded with ease, “Miss Wilson, we’ll cover the entire funding, but we require fifty–one percent equity. The only stipulation is that no matter how much Elevateloy evolves, any new investors must have RF Group’s approval.”

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Chapter 136 The Dress, Returned

Fifty–one percent. Less than I had imagined. Yet this figure was strategic, compelling us to cede control and decision- making authority.

Elissa grasped this as well. “And what about the daily management and decision–making of the company?”

“We won’t interfere, Daniel assured with a firm nod.

His

s words were a balm, alleviating our apprehensions.

With the equity and decision–making settled, the remaining details were effortlessly negotiated. Things progressed more smoothly than we could’ve imagined; all we had to do now was wait for RF Group to send over the contract.

On the drive home, as the cityscape blurred past, Elissa rested her head on my shoulder. “Do you think we’re too lucky?”

“Maybe?” I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Replaying the scenes at the restaurant in my mind, I suddenly realized what was wrong.

Daniel had looked oddly familiar.

Yet no matter how much I racked my brain, I couldn’t place where I had seen him before.

Elissa, noticing my preoccupation, poked me on the forehead. “Duh, when RF Group went public last month, his photo was everywhere. It’s not surprising you’ve seen him.”

Her explanation brought some comfort.

The driver first dropped me off at my building. After I got out, he took Elissa home.

As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I ran into Jerry, who had just opened his door. Hearing the elevator, he instinctively turned to look, raising an eyebrow, “Had some drinks?”

“Yeah, I nodded, suddenly recalling something. “Hang on a second!”

I dashed into my apartment, grabbed the freshly dry–cleaned dress, and returned to his door. “Here’s the dress, all cleaned and pressed,” I said, handing it over.

“What do you mean?” Jerry leaned against the door frame, his posture relaxed, like he was observing a spectacle.

I smiled, trying to brush off his scrutiny. “It’s the dress you lent me for the banquet last time. I had it cleaned. I meant to get it back to you sooner, but I hadn’t run into you, and then I had some urgent matters crop up.”

Jerry’s tone turned teasingly ambiguous. “Oh, you mean handling Christopher Valence?