The Next Morning — At the Hotel entrance.
Luxury cars lined up at the entrance of the Grand Crest Hotel — Porsches, Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys.
One after another, they stopped in front of the hotel, and the guests who stepped out were all people of influence — top investors, CEOs, and heirs from some of the most powerful families in the state.
The hotel valets couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"Man, we get plenty of luxury cars here every week, but this—this is next level.""Cars worth half a million look cheap today. I didn't think a guy in a Porsche would ever look embarrassed, but here we are."
One valet blinked. "Wait, isn't that Ryan? What's he doing here?"
"Hold up—who's that woman with him? She's stunning! Is she… a supermodel?"
Another whispered, "That's his sister, Victoria — CEO of PanStar Group. First time I've seen her in person. She's even more beautiful than the photos."
Someone else gasped. "And that's Kevin Drake — the other of the two most famous heirs in Riverdale! What the hell's going on today?"
Ivan, and several members of the Auto Club and Platinum Circle also arrived.
The scene was breathtaking — it felt like half the city's wealth and power had gathered here.
Ivan, and a few others exchanged uneasy glances. Compared to the people here, they felt small.
Seeing Ryan, Victoria, and Kevin Drake in person was intimidating enough.
These were not just rich people — these were dynasty families, backed by both capital and political power.
Lewis whispered, "Even Victoria showed up. I heard she never attends social events in person."
Ivan nodded. "That just proves how big the Starlight Bay Project really is. Everyone wants a piece of it."
Lewis smirked faintly. "Or maybe Jason Carter's personal charm has something to do with it. Normally, her brother showing up would've been more than enough."
Ryan and Kevin Drake greeted each other politely.
"I heard," Kevin said with a hint of amusement, "that you gave the Bugatti Chiron you ordered two years ago to Jason Carter. That's quite a move."
Ryan smiled. "Trading a Bugatti for Jason Carter's goodwill? That's the best deal I've ever made. After the past couple of days, I'd say it was more than worth it. You weren't at the Platinum Circle meeting, but if you'd heard what's been going around, you'd have done the same."
Kevin didn't argue. He actually looked a little regretful.
Jason Carter was now the most influential figure in Riverdale City — the man overseeing the Starlight Bay Project, the Mayor's pet development plan. Everyone in the city wanted his favor.
And Jason's connections with both the current Mayor and the leading candidate for the next election made his position even more untouchable.
Just a glimpse of his influence had been enough to shake the city's business hierarchy.
Ryan and Kevin weren't fools — they were young, but they came from families that understood power. They both knew that giving up a car or even a few million was a small price to pay for a chance to connect with someone like Jason Carter.
Soon, everyone followed the hotel staff upstairs to the top-floor banquet hall.
Victoria found a seat by the window and sat down gracefully. Her assistant opened a laptop and placed it before her.
Without wasting a moment, Victoria began typing rapidly, reviewing financial data and sending out emails even as the event was about to begin.
Her focus was unwavering. It was clear — even surrounded by the city's elite, she was still the sharpest mind in the room.
Victoria's fingers danced swiftly across the keyboard—still working even in a social gathering.
She was 5'9", and in heels, her long, straight legs reached the height of most men's waists. Her waist was so slender it could be wrapped in one hand, and above that—curves that perfectly defined the phrase "slender branches bear abundant fruit."
Her face carried both Western definition and Eastern grace—high-bridged nose, deep-set eyes, bright pupils, and smooth porcelain skin.
Such beauty should have drawn every man in the room, yet none dared to approach her. Her aura was simply too commanding.
Ken Zhao leaned toward Ryanand whispered, "Your sister's still a total workaholic, huh? Still no boyfriend?"
Ryan chuckled. "Nope. You can try your luck if you've got the courage."
Ken shook his head quickly. "No thanks. One look from her and I'd melt. Seriously though, who could even get close to her? Don't tell me the rumors are true—that she's into girls?"
Ryan grinned. "If you want to know, ask her yourself."
He moved as if to drag Ken over, but Ken froze in panic, pulling back immediately.
Just then, the crowd near the entrance stirred.
"Mr. Carter."
"Mr. Carter."
"Mr. Carter."
Ryan and Ken turned instinctively toward the doorway.
A refined man stepped inside.
Behind him, on his left and right, walked two stunning women—but every gaze in the room was drawn only to him.
He wore no visible luxury brand, yet the tailoring and texture of his clothes were exceptional. His demeanor was casual, yet an unspoken air of quiet nobility surrounded him.
He was over six feet tall, with flawless proportions and features as if sculpted by the divine.
More than his looks, it was the calm, polished grace about him—like warm sunlight on a spring morning—that commanded everyone's respect.
In everyone's mind echoed the same thought:
"A gentleman like jade—elegant, unmatched."
Ryan and Ken were both tall and well-groomed, men of status and education. Yet, next to Jason Carter, they felt… smaller.
If they were nobles, then Jason was a crown prince.
Victoria stopped typing and turned to look. Her deep-set eyes lit up slightly.
When she'd first heard that Jason Carter had bought the abandoned industrial district and turned it into billions within days, she'd been intrigued. Her professional admiration had already raised her favor toward him.
But now, seeing him in person—he surpassed every rumor.
Victoria: Favorability +10 → 20.
Behind Jason, Olivia and Grace followed closely.
Olivia had seen this kind of deference before—but Grace was stunned.
Just who was Jason Carter, really?
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