A small smile appeared on Evan’s face.

"You’re welcome."

For the next several minutes, the two of them unexpectedly carried most of the conversation.

Aimy told him about the lilies from Grandma Margaret’s garden.

About Aunt Anna.

About her stuffed rabbit.

About how she wanted to become strong.

"Strong like Superman?"

President Evan asked.

She shook her head immediately.

"No."

"Then who?"

Aimy thought seriously.

Then pointed at me.

"Strong like Mummy."

For some reason, the answer caused the table to fall silent.

I looked down at my plate.

While across from me, President Evan’s gaze lingered on me for a second longer than necessary before he looked away.

"That’s a good choice."

His voice was unusually quiet.

And somehow, for the first time since meeting him, I couldn’t tell what he was really thinking.

After we finished eating, I tried to pay for the meal, but President Evan didn’t give me the chance.

Before I could even take out my card, he had already slid his across the payment terminal and completed the transaction.

Then he drove us back to the mansion.

When the car stopped in front of the entrance, I unfastened my seatbelt and stepped out with Aimy.

"Thank you for today, President Evan," I said sincerely.

He looked at me for a moment.

"There’s no need to be so formal, Alicia."

I blinked.

"We’re not at the office."

I was slightly taken aback by his words but quickly recovered.

Lowering my gaze to Aimy, I said,

"Say thank you to Uncle for today, Aimy."

Aimy looked up at him with a bright smile.

"Thanks, Uncle."

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"You’re welcome, Aimy."

He gently patted her head.

"I hope we meet again."

"You can come with us to the park next time."

The words left Aimy’s mouth so naturally that I nearly choked.

I immediately pulled her a little closer.

"Aimy, Uncle is busy with wo—"

"If you invite me," Evan interrupted calmly, "then I’ll definitely come."

I looked up instinctively.

For a brief moment, our eyes met.

A faint smile lingered on his lips.

Then he nodded slightly before getting back into his car.

After waving goodbye, he finally drove away.

I stood there for a moment, watching the car disappear down the road.

Trying to process what had just happened.

"Mummy?"

Aimy tugged lightly on my hand.

"What are you looking at?"

Her voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I shook my head.

"Nothing, baby. Let’s go inside."

Taking her hand, I led her into the mansion.

The moment we entered, Aunt Margaret hurried over.

"Alicia, what happened?"

Earlier, I had texted her asking her to tell the driver to collect my car and bring it home while Aimy and I found another way back.

"Aunt, we met President Evan at the park. He gave us a ride home."

"Evan Leister?"

Her voice carried obvious surprise.

I nodded.

Before she could ask another question, Aimy excitedly jumped in.

"Grandma, we also had pasta!"

Aunt Margaret laughed.

"Is that true?"

"Yes, Grandma!"

"Well, did you enjoy yourself?"

"A lot!"

"That’s wonderful."

She smiled before turning back to me.

"You both look tired. Why don’t you go freshen up and come back downstairs later?"

"Alright, Aunt."

I nodded and led Aimy upstairs.

For the rest of the day, Aimy enthusiastically told everyone about the park.

About the swings.

About the flowers.

And most importantly...

About President Evan.

By evening, e

ven Anna had heard the story several times.

"A park, lunch, and a ride home?"

She wiggled her brows dramatically.

"Sounds suspiciously like a date to me."

I rolled my eyes.

"It wasn’t a date."

"Sure."

"It wasn’t."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

I threw a cushion at her.

She burst into laughter while Aimy joined in despite having absolutely no idea what we were talking about.

Meanwhile, I simply thought President Evan had happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Nothing more.

Monday came quickly and, after breakfast, we left for the company as usual.

‎Today was the day of the conference that would decide the fate of the partnership proposal.

‎At exactly ten o’clock, the conference room filled with shareholders, executives, department heads, and several senior farmers who had been invited as representatives.

‎Their presence was necessary.

‎The farmers supplied the cotton that kept Whitmore Industries running, and today’s decision would affect their future just as much as the company’s.

‎Anna and I walked into the conference room and took our seats.

‎Once everyone had settled down, Uncle Herbert stood.

‎"Today, we’re all here to decide the future of our town," he began.

‎"As everyone knows, Rosewood has been facing several challenges over the past few months. The pest attacks have affected cotton production, the company has suffered losses, and our new clothing brand still needs room to grow."

‎He paused, allowing his words to sink in.

‎"The proposal for an external partnership has been brought forward as a possible solution. Today, we will hear the final presentation before making a decision."

‎His gaze shifted toward me.

‎"Director Alicia."

‎I stood up and walked to the front.

‎The large screen behind me lit up as I connected the presentation.

‎Taking a steady breath, I began.

‎"For decades, Whitmore Industries has remained independent and successful. However, the market is changing rapidly, and if we wish to continue growing while protecting the interests of Rosewood Town, we must adapt."

‎The next slide appeared.

‎"The partnership proposal focuses on three major benefits."

‎I pointed toward the screen.

‎"First, increased support for our farmers through stable purchasing agreements and improved agricultural resources."

‎Several of the farmers exchanged interested glances.

‎"Second, expansion opportunities for our new clothing brand through larger distribution networks."

‎The slide changed again.

‎"And third, access to advanced technology and investment that would allow Whitmore Industries to increase production while maintaining complete operational independence."

‎Murmurs spread throughout the room.

‎I spent the next several minutes answering questions from shareholders and executives.

‎Some opposed the idea.

‎Others supported it.

‎The discussion grew heated at times, especially when concerns about preserving Rosewood’s independence were raised.

‎Eventually, President Evan stood.

‎The room immediately fell silent.

‎"The proposal clearly benefits both the company and the town," he said calmly.

‎"The final decision should rest on whether we believe Whitmore Industries can continue growing alone under the current circumstances."

‎No one immediately answered.

‎The silence itself was enough.

‎After a few more discussions, Uncle Herbert finally called for a vote.

‎Ballots were distributed across the room.

‎A few minutes later, the results were announced...