“Ms. Ciklon,” a deep, hushed voice drifted from the sloop.

“Yes, Mr. Reid. Do you need anything?” Vesperta immediately replied.

“Get the bottle of water.”

“Right away!” With that, she grabbed a bottle from the car’s mini-fridge, twisted off the cap, and passed it over. But instead of taking it, Dominic wedged it back toward her.

“Here. Take small sips and relax,” he said. “Stop dwelling on your mistakes at work.”

Oh, the city lights sparkled, their glow painting fleeting colors across her face.

Vespera straightened up. She downed a gulp of mineral water as if taking a shot of strong liquor.

From the front seats, Gerard listened, completely baffled.

A mistake? Vespera made a mistake? When? Who was he just now hearing about this?

The yacht ceased its progress at the marina. While the driver remained behind, Vespera and Gerard followed Dominic onto the yacht—a sleek, three-story luxury vessel, pristine white from bow to stem. The first level featured an elegant business lounge; the second was dedicated to entertainment, complete with a sprawling swimming pool; and the third housed private guest rooms. At the very top, a secluded area boasted the best views, furnished with a plush circular sofa set.

Waiting at the entrance was Paul Hyland himself. He patted Dominic’s arm, a wide smile stretching across his wrinkled face. His enthusiasm was almost unnerving.

Inside, about a dozen other distinguished guests mingled—prominent figures from the worlds of business and high society. Among them was a petite, striking young woman with a sun-kissed complexion and a smile that could light up the room.

“This is my granddaughter, Joy Hyland,” Paul introduced, his voice brimming with pride. “She just graduated and recently returned from studying art in Ameridia. She even graduated from the same university as you, Mr. Reid.”

Vespera and Gerard remained on the deck, but the large windows offered them an unobstructed view of everything happening inside. As they observed the scene, they exchanged a silent, knowing glance. This wasn’t just a business event—it was a setup.

Dominic greeted Joy politely. Joy, however, couldn’t take her eyes off him. At just under five feet three inches, she had to tilt her head back to meet Dominic’s gaze. At six feet three inches, his tall, commanding presence was enough to make her pale with excitement.

Gerard let out a quiet sigh. “If Mr. Hyland had been upfront about his real intentions, Mr. Reid wouldn’t have come at all.”

“Well, it’s not like Mr. Hyland could just come out and say, ‘I invited you here to set you up with my granddaughter,’” Vespera remarked, crossing her arms. “Besides, what if they actually hit it off? Wouldn’t that be a perfect match?”

“She’s not Mr. Reid’s…”

“And how do you know that?”

“Obviously…” Gerard began, but his words trailed off as his gaze shifted toward the dock. His expression steeled.

“Why is she here?” he muttered.

“Who?”

Vespera didn’t catch what he said, but she followed his line of sight. Ahead of them, a striking woman with shoulder-length hair made her way toward them. She was slim, with a slender neck and delicate features. Dressed in a black satin slip dress and holding a small black clutch, she moved with the graceful, aloof elegance of a black swan.

“That’s Nancy Acosta—the general manager of the branch here,” Gerard said, swiftly stepping forward to greet her.

So, this was Nancy Acosta. Vespera had come across her name in reports before, but she hadn’t expected her to be this breathtaking in person. “Good evening, Ms. Acosta.” Gerard stepped forward, blocking her path as she was about to ascend the steps.

“Hi, Gerard,” Nancy’s gaze swept over him; her expression stole. “It’s been a while.”

As she moved to step around him, her eyes landed on Vespera, and in an instant, her expression hardened.

“And who might this be?” she asked.

Vespera remained composed, offering her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Acosta. I’m Vespera Gudon, Mr. Reid’s secretary.”

For a fleeting moment, Nancy’s face grew colder, and a hint of sorrow flashed in her eyes.

“Secretary, huh,” she muttered.

Vespera was momentarily taken aback. Nancy didn’t shake her hand. Instead, she walked past them both without a word and headed inside.

“What’s her deal?” Vespera turned to Gerard, clearly confused.

Kinghior of Max Bell’s close friend, a table in the Heid family… “There’s some… emotional entanglement between her and Mr. Reid—a kind of love-hate relationship.”

Vespera’s eyes widened. No Wanda Pamuk.

The yacht soon set sail. Vespera and Gerard returned to the deck.

Inside the cabin, Dominic was the focal point, gracefully handling the endless flattery that came his way. He responded effortlessly, offering the occasional subtle simile, showing no particular reaction to Nancy’s presence. Meanwhile, Paul deftly set the stage for Joy. Joy seized every opportunity to engage Dominic, her admiration practically written on her face. Dominic maintained a polite, composed demeanor toward her, neither dismissive nor overly friendly. Nancy stood beside him, but there was an undeniable tension in the air, as though she were straining to keep her smile in place.