At the nine o''clock dinner meeting, Vanessa found herself ying a part for her father. Although she had been reluctant toe, she had to perform well to maintain the rtionship with her father''s major client.


    "Mr. Yeaton, you''re a lucky man! I''ve heard both of your daughters are as beautiful as angels, and seeing Vanessa today, she certainly lives up to the name!" a manager-level man eximed.


    At that moment, a middle-aged man in his early forties sitting next to Vanessa raised his ss. "Yes, Manager Brown is right. Miss Shannon is not only beautiful but also an internationally renowned pianist. She''s incredibly capable. I''m very impressed."


    Vanessa smiled, her red lips curving as she clinked her ss with the man beside her. "You''re too kind, Mr. Langley."


    Rnd also raised his ss with a smile. "Mr. Langley, here''s to you."


    Frankie Langley, a man in his early forties whose figure had softened from years of business dinners, was still a significant figure in Ashford City as the founder of Novum Tech. Vanessa knew she couldn''t afford to be dismissive.


    He was the man her father needed to charm tonight, his biggest client at the moment.


    Frankie''s eyes roamed over Vanessa, his interest undisguised. "A woman with both beauty and talent like Miss Shannon is truly a rare find."


    Vanessa smiled demurely. "A young entrepreneur like yourself, Mr. Langley, is the one I truly admire. Let me toast you again."


    Frankie was pleased. "Miss Shannon, you honor me. Cheers."


    Across the table, Rnd watched his daughter and Frankie, a flicker of delight in his eyes. It seemed bringing his eldest daughter along was a good idea after all.


    Frankie''s gaze on his daughter was telling. He used to think his daughter was useless, but now he realized she could be his most valuable asset.


    Just then, having held the same position for a while, Vanessa wanted to stretch her legs. As she did her foot brushed against someone''s leg. under the table. Frankie, sitting beside her, immediately gave her a suggestive look.


    Vanessa knew it was his leg she had touched. She smiled faintly and said softly, "My apologies, Mr. Langley."


    Under the lights, Vanessa''s eyes


    sparkled with a flirtatious charm, and Frankie found himself


    met


    momentarily captivated. He was a married man, but his wife was just a


    homemaker. At that moment)


    Frankie''s soul waspletely


    ensnared by Vanessa''s smile.


    Frankie let out a heartyugh. "Tonight has been wonderful! Come on, everyone, eat up!"


    After the meal, Rnd quickly made his exit, feigning illness. As he left, he pped Frankie on the shoulder. "Mr. Langley, I''m entrusting my daughter to you for a ride home. Is that alright?"


    Frankie understood Rnd''s meaning and readily agreed. "Of course, not a problem. Don''t you worry, Mr. Yeaton. I''ll make sure Miss Shannon gets home safely."


    Soon, everyone at the table began to


    leave with various excuses. After Frankie''s assistant also stepped out, Frankie''s hand finally came to rest on Vanessa''s shoulder


    Shannon, it''s gettingte: I''ll take you home."


    Vanessa gave him a seductive smile. "Thank you, Mr. Langley."


    A message notification sounded on Vanessa''s phone. She nced at it; it was from Rnd. "Vanessa, Mr. Langley is interested in you. Remember to seize the opportunity and build a connection."


    As they stepped outside, Vanessa deliberately swayed, her body leaning softly against Frankie. He quickly caught her, his hand conveniently wrapping around her waist.


    "Miss Shannon, are you drunk?" Frankie asked with feigned concern, a triumphant glint in his eyes.


    "I''m a little dizzy," Vanessa said, touching her forehead as she subtly freed herself from his grasp.