Chapter 7
After three silent years, Tieline Design made a sudden announcement on Twitter: [The CEO returns. Tieline Design is set to embark on a new journey. Stay tuned.] Attached was an open invitation to the entire industry.
The real bombshell came when they announced that Ace would show up at their gala in three days.
The news hit during Sebastian’s meeting, where Zimmerman Group executives were arguing fiercely about a resort development project. Truman walked in the conference room and handed Sebastian Tieline Design’s official announcement, whispering, “Mr. Zimmerman, Ace is back.”
Sebastian stood up and declared, “Meeting’s over.”
The room got quiet. Truman explained, “Ace is gonna appear at Tieline Design’s gala in three days to release design rights through open bidding.”
Sebastian froze. “Tieline Design?”
Their old CEO just came back,” Truman said.
Sebastian frowned, “Since when does Tieline Design have anything to do with Ace?”
Truman shook his head.
Sebastian’s frown got deeper before he finally said, “Get ready for the gala.”
Ace was the legend of the design world. The Zimmerman Group won the government resort bid, but just three hours ago, Guzman Group snatched the renovation rights.
They made fun of the Zimmerman Group’s vision, saying they’d only give up the rights if Zimmerman Group showed them better designs.
Sebastian didn’t care at first, until he found out Guzman Group’s quote was three times the market rate. Now Ace’s sudden show up meant the Zimmerman Group might have a chance.
“Any news on Yasmine?” Sebastian asked.
“We’ve hit up the black market. Waiting for their price,” Truman replied.
Sebastian nodded. “Spend whatever it takes. Find Yasmine.”
After leaving the Zimmerman Group, Truman went straight to the black market to find a man.
The man nodded. “Should be easy. But I gotta check the price first.”
Truman said, “Money’s no problem.”
The guy laughed loudly, “You’re generous. Don’t worry; we’ll get you an answer in three days.”
After Truman left, the guy’s face got serious. He called Hayden. “Mr. Guzman, someone’s paying big bucks to find out where Ms. Guzman is.
After hanging up, Hayden rested his chin on his hand and watched Yasmine flip through Tieline’s financial records from the past three years. “Sebastian’s looking for you,” he said.
Yasmine didn’t look up. “Perfect timing. Let him chase ghosts for a while.”
Hayden could totally mess with Sebastian’s head. If he wanted to, he could whip up a hundred fake identities with perfect paperwork. A trace of sharpness flashed across his eyes as he stretched lazily.
He grabbed the document from Yasmine’s hands. “You’re not gonna figure out three years of messed–up accounts in one night,
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10:25 AM
10
Chapter 7
right? Let’s go home. Everyone’s been waiting.”
Yasmine pursed her lips. The truth was, she was still scared to face her family.
“Can we wait a bit longer?” she said after thinking it over. “I want to make a big comeback. At least let me help get rid of Bruce first.”
Hayden shook his head, sighing. “You’re still as stubborn as ever.” She was his only sister. Of course, he’d let her have her way.
Late at night, Hayden couldn’t take Yasmine’s workaholic mode anymore. He yanked her out of her chair. “No more work. You’re having dinner with me, now.”
Yasmine nearly tripped as he pulled her toward the elevator. Just as they stepped into the lobby, they ran into Ashley.
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