Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3633

He had saved a seat next to him. Marina walked over and sat down as Jared introduced her to the rest of the table. "This is the youngest and most beautiful CEO of the Evert Group, Marina Evert."

Marina exchanged pleasantries with the group, completely ignoring the piercing gaze drilling into her from across the table as she calmly settled into her chair.

Counting Marina, there were ten people in the room. Half of them were from out of town. The other two locals didn't know Marina personally, but they knew of her relationship with Carson. They had heard rumors about the broken engagement, and seeing the cold distance between the two of them now confirmed that the gossip was true.

"Ms. Evert, I've been looking into your project recently," Jared said with a friendly smile. "The prospects are solid, but the required investment is quite large. I'll need to discuss it with the board."

Jared was in his early thirties, dressed sharply with immaculate hair. He looked quite young to have climbed to such a high executive position. Though his demeanor was humble and polite, there was a shrewd, worldly gleam in his eyes.

Marina offered a slight nod and a professional smile. "Of course. I've brought the detailed proposal for you and your team to review so you can get a comprehensive look at the scope."

Jared accepted the documents and set them aside. "Perfect, I'll definitely review these. Tonight is also a great chance to introduce you to a few other executives, which should make any future collaborations smoother."

Jared had done his homework. He knew the Foster family had previously backed the project. Tonight's dinner was specifically hosted to honor Carson. Jared had invited Marina solely to test the waters and gauge Carson's attitude toward the whole ordeal.

If Carson intended to block the project, Jared certainly wasn't going to cross him. There was no way he'd risk working with Marina in that scenario!

The out-of-town executives, charmed by Marina's youth and beauty, intentionally aggressively encouraged her to drink. After a few rounds, Marina had already downed seven or eight glasses. Jared, seemingly still trying to read Carson's reaction, made no move to intervene.

Fortunately, Marina had a high tolerance. Her eyes remained perfectly clear, without the slightest hint of intoxication.

This was the first time Carson had ever seen Marina at a business dinner. It was a stark contrast to her usual bright, straightforward demeanor. Her smiles were calculated and impeccably poised. She didn't act arrogant despite being a corporate heir, nor did she act subservient despite needing a favor. She fired back answers with effortless grace, expertly fielding almost every topic thrown her way, and offered insights that frequently drew looks of genuine admiration from the men around her.

He watched Jared's eyes light up more and more the longer he looked at Marina, and his own brow furrowed.

From what he knew, Jared was single and had never been married.

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