Chapter 2491

chapter2491

Three days later, at precisely 3:00 PM, the Salvador Corporation and KS Group were scheduled to hold a grand signing ceremony in the banquet hall of the Salvador Hotel.

Once the agreement was signed, it would officially mark the partnership of KS Group and the Salvador Corporation for the A5 project.

The moment the news broke, media outlets from all over flocked to the hotel, eager to attend the press conference.

Ten minutes before the event began, the hall was already ablaze with activity. Cameras, tripods, and microphones were aimed squarely at the stage. With the two powerhouse corporations joining forces, it was a grand spectacle.

After the host's opening remarks, Grant and Bella stepped gracefully onto the stage, one from the left, the other from the right.

In an instant, the pair was engulfed by a barrage of blinding flashes.

Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, Grant gave Bella a faint, composed smile before pulling out her chair with gentlemanly poise.

Bella's long lashes trembled slightly, but she sat down with calm grace and confidence.

Though she knew the man was acting for the cameras, she was a seasoned businesswoman, perfectly capable of keeping her emotions hidden, just like her father, Wyatt Thompson.

Hushed whispers came from below the stage.

"Wow... Mr. Salvador is such a gentleman. He's the future heir of the Salvador Corporation and the eldest son of Chairman Salvador. Even with such a distinguished status, he personally pulls out Ms. Thompson's chair. He must really value this partnership!"

"Value the partnership? Please. He's clearly taken a liking to Ms. Thompson herself! No man can resist beauty!"

"Ms. Thompson used to be Justin Salvador's ex-wife, remember? They even reconciled for a while and almost remarried. But Grant Salvador doesn't seem to mind at all. He's still wooing her publicly. If he actually marries her one day, wouldn't it be awkward running into his brother at every family dinner?"

"Awkward? Hardly. Some queens of the past marry the father first, then the son after the father dies."

"These rich families sure are messy... Bella Thompson sure is something. Are the Salvador brothers the only men left in the world or what?"

It was supposed to be a momentous corporate event. Yet, as always, the public's fascination centered on gossip between men and women.

Even though Bella was a brilliant and capable business prodigy, she was simply too beautiful.

The public's eyes always drifted toward her looks, and many assumed that KS Group's success came not from her intellect but from her beauty and charm. The two sat side by side, poised beneath the relentless glare of the cameras.

This collaboration was of extraordinary importance. Steven, who had originally been granted a long leave to spend time with his wife and children, returned early to stand guard by his boss, Ms. Thompson.

Together, Steven and Grant's secretary carried the contract up to the stage, setting it respectfully before Bella and offering her a pen with both hands.

Bella lowered her lashes and gently removed the cap of the pen.

"Ms. Thompson!" Steven's eyes widened as he leaned in to whisper urgently.

Bella froze for a second, then glanced down.

She had pressed too hard that droplets of black ink had splattered across her pristine white dress it was a small accident, but it was still embarrassing.

After all, in such a high-profile event, even the tiniest mistake would be magnified endlessly by the media.

She was not afraid of what people thought of her. But she was worried that an ungraceful moment might tarnish KS Group's image.

Bella furrowed her brows ever so slightly, but her expression soon steadied as she calmly finished signing the contract.

However, an uneasy feeling crept quietly up her chest.

"Ms. Thompson-to a pleasant partnership." Grant rose first, his manner polished as he extended his left hand courteously.

Bella hesitated for a heartbeat before rising to her feet as well. She thought, 'Oh well, let them take their pictures.'

Gossip was like the wind. It was loud for a moment before it vanished. Bella was also accustomed to it after all these years.

But what she had not expected was

that after their handshake, Grant skipped the part of the ceremony

where they were supposed to face the cameras for photographs.

He kept his body slightly turned toward her, shielding her from the front view of

the reporters, eyes locked with hers.

Bella pressed her red lips together lightly, meeting his dark gaze that held the faintest smile.

It seemed he had noticed her predicament.

To spare her embarrassment, he had broken protocol, standing just so he was blocking the cameras from catching the front of her stained dress.

The signing was complete, and the hall erupted into warm applause.

Outside the banquet hall, the corridor lay empty and still.

Justin stood with his back against the light, looking solitary and cold.

The noise and brightness within the hall stood in stark contrast to the silence and chill beyond the doors.

Justin stared at the screen on the wall, at the image of Bella shaking hands with Grant.

His broad shoulders sank, as though bearing the weight of a mountain.