The Husband I Loved for Eight Years Never Loved Me-Chapter 63: Married?

Chapter 63: Married?

The summit would last for three days.

Rachel Royce was busy backstage, coordinating with the organizers of the financial summit.

Around nine o’clock, attendees began to arrive and check in.

Rachel accompanied the head of the financial regulatory authority to greet the guests, acting as their translator.

Today, Rachel wore a pink blouse paired with gray, straight-leg suit trousers. Her hair was tied back in a low ponytail, and her makeup was clean and tasteful. Her striking appearance and capable, professional demeanor drew the attention of many.

Julian Jennings and Ian Quinn arrived at half-past nine.

Julian was dressed in a light gray suit. He carried himself with a straight posture and a steady gait. A smile graced his handsome, refined features, and he exuded an air of supreme elegance and gentleness.

Ian, in a royal blue suit, looked a bit more roguish and flamboyant.

The director went forward to exchange a few words with the two men, and Rachel offered them a small smile.

"You’re working hard today," Julian Jennings said to Rachel.

Rachel smiled faintly. "Let me show you in."

Meanwhile, Tristan Sterling stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the venue. The area was crowded, but his gaze immediately locked onto a tall, elegant figure.

As he approached, the trio was walking into the conference hall.

The director of the authority saw Tristan and strode over to shake his hand and exchange greetings.

An employee led Tristan into the hall. His seat was in the middle of a row, next to Julian’s, with three empty seats between them.

Rachel sat in the seat right beside Julian, her posture poised and dignified.

Julian sat back on the sofa with his long legs crossed. As he spoke with Rachel, his eyes were fixed on her face, listening intently to her every word, his gaze filled with admiration and gentleness.

The three of them seemed to be enjoying a pleasant conversation, the atmosphere harmonious and relaxed. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

As Tristan Sterling sat down, Rachel noticed him. She could clearly feel his cold, intense gaze glance in their direction.

Julian noticed, and turning to look, he saw the newcomer. He then rose to his feet, and Ian Quinn and Rachel stood up and walked over as well.

Julian and Tristan shook hands and exchanged greetings.

Rachel followed with a greeting of her own, her tone clearly formal. "President Sterling."

Tristan looked at Rachel, his gaze sweeping over the ID badge she wore before he gave a slight nod.

Just then, someone else came over to greet Tristan and the others.

Rachel didn’t linger. After bidding them farewell, she left.

At ten o’clock, the reporters and photographers were in position.

All attendees had arrived.

Rachel walked onto the stage with a microphone to deliver the opening remarks for the summit. Facing a crowd of the industry’s top figures, her speech was professional and clear, and she switched seamlessly between two languages.

Standing on the stage, she radiated a confident glow that naturally drew all eyes to her.

"Next, please welcome the President of the XX Financial Regulatory Authority, Mr. Howard Fowler, to give his address."

President Fowler walked onto the stage and stood at the lectern to deliver the opening welcome speech.

The theme of today’s summit was "Navigating Change, Forging Ahead."

The main summit would explore key trends in macroeconomics, trade, and the digital sphere, as well as the most prominent opportunities and risks in various financial markets, asset classes, and regions over the next few years.

During the session, several leading figures from both domestic and international industries were invited on stage to analyze and discuss these topics.

Among those invited were Julian Jennings and Tristan Sterling.

As the moderator, Rachel was key to guiding the conversation.

When facing Tristan, she remained just as calm and professional.

At one point, Tristan and Julian had a disagreement on a particular issue, causing the atmosphere to grow tense. Rachel deftly steered the conversation to another panelist.

The morning session concluded at half-past twelve.

It was Rachel’s first time hosting such a large-scale summit, and her performance was flawless. Her exceptional professionalism and ability earned her praise from Howard Fowler.

Rachel responded with modesty and grace.

Just then, Howard Fowler saw Tristan Sterling approaching and went to speak with him, with Rachel at his side.

Tristan’s gaze fell on Rachel. "Miss Evelynn’s performance was quite impressive."

Rachel replied, "You’re too kind, President Sterling."

Howard Fowler smiled and said, "Evelynn only recently returned to the country. I’m sure she’ll have many more dealings with you in the future, President Sterling. I hope you’ll look after her."

A faint smile touched Tristan’s lips. "But of course."

A staff member then led Tristan to the dining hall.

All the attendees were seated for the meal.

Rachel, however, ate with the event staff.

During the meal, Rachel received a phone call. She stepped out of the dining hall and saw a familiar figure. The cold, imposing aura that usually surrounded the man had softened.

She looked closer and could faintly make out the image of a little girl on the man’s phone. Hearing the girl’s lively, sweet voice, Rachel’s heart skipped a beat.

Tristan Sterling was on a video call with Melissa Sterling.

Melissa had just finished lunch and was resting on the sofa. "Daddy, there’s a pretty lady behind you."

Hearing this, Tristan turned around to look.

The moment Tristan turned, Rachel had already composed herself. As their eyes met, she offered a polite smile, then raised her phone to her ear and strode away.

Once she was a safe distance away, Rachel leaned against a wall, took a deep breath to calm her emotions, and then redialed the number on her phone.

It was a work-related call.

「Ten minutes later.」

After finishing her conversation, Rachel started walking back toward the dining hall, only to see the man standing not far away.

Rachel’s grip on her phone tightened. She walked forward and stopped in front of Tristan. "President Sterling."

Tristan’s gaze swept over the ring on her ring finger. He asked abruptly, "Are you married, Miss Evelynn?"

Rachel froze for a second, instinctively glancing down at the ring on her finger.

Over the past two years, she had attracted more and more suitors. Lacking the extra energy to deal with them, Rachel had simply bought a ring for herself. While it didn’t fend everyone off, it was enough to deter some.

She lowered her hand, her clear eyes calmly meeting the man’s gaze. "Yes. Is there a problem, President Sterling?"

’Compared to five years ago, she was a completely different person now.’

’She had returned to the country once two years ago, and even Wendy Royce hadn’t recognized her at first glance. It was even less likely that Tristan Sterling, who had never paid her any mind, would.’

Even so, as she met the man’s sharp, deep eyes and inscrutable handsome face, her heart couldn’t help but tense up.

Tristan’s expression was indifferent. His voice was low as he said, "Just asking."

With that, he turned, stuck one hand in his pocket, and strode back toward the dining hall.

Rachel remained where she was, only moving after his figure had receded into the distance.

「After the luncheon.」

There was a press interview session.

In the afternoon, the internal seminars would continue.

Everything finally wrapped up at seven in the evening.

The guests began to depart in their cars.

After getting into his car, Tristan Sterling received a call from Mark Chapman.

"President Sterling, about the music box—it was commissioned by Rachel Royce."