The Master Programmer-Chapter 172: The Promise of Power 2

Jason Cross leaned back in his chair, the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. His sharp, calculating gaze flickered to the series of notes spread across his desk. A smirk tugged at his lips.

Today, everything felt aligned… productive, purposeful, and full of opportunities. This was just one of those days was it not?

He adjusted the cufflinks on his tailored suit, his reflection in the glass exuding power and ambition. The sound of his phone buzzing pulled him from his thoughts. A message from Samantha Ellis popped up:

[Meeting at Reno Ventures at noon.]

[Be sharp.]

[And handsome...]

Jason chuckled, his smirk deepening. "Always sharp and handsome, Samantha," he murmured under his breath. But before that meeting, he had something else to attend to.

The car dealership was bustling, the air filled with the faint scent of leather and engine oil. Jason strode in, his presence commanding attention. His sharp suit contrasted against the casual attire of the staff, and his head turned as he walked by. He spotted Celine Ellis standing near a sleek convertible, her golden hair catching the light.

Celine’s expression was distant, a faint sadness shadowing her otherwise radiant features. Jason approached with a wave, his charm radiating. He was going to make at least sure to leave her with a smile. After all, he knew the reason she was a bit saddened. This was good not only for his position inside her heart but for the rating she would give to Samantha.

That was the type of sadness that had despair inside it. It was because she could do nothing about her situation, and that was why she was looking like that.

"Hey," he greeted smoothly, his voice warm yet laced with intrigue.

Celine turned to him, her forlorn expression softening into one of mild surprise. "Jason. What brings you here?"

Jason leaned casually against a nearby car, his smirk widening. "We just saw each other yesterday, didn’t we? You’re already forgetting me?" His tone was playful, his words designed to lighten her mood and draw her in. And they worked perfectly.

Celine’s lips curved into a small smile, her eyes flickering with amusement. "You’re hard to forget, Jason. Especially since I saw you making out with my sister." Celine glared at Jason in mock anger, and Jasom gave her a cheeky smile, making her shake her head. "But seriously, what are you up to today?"

Jason had a smirk on his face but he understood her words perfectly. She was referring to Samantha, making sure to create a distance between her and Jason, while also possibly saying that she might just make sure to make Samantha aware of anything they speak of.

Jason straightened, adopting a thoughtful pose. "I’m here to buy a couple of cars. Gifts, actually. "

Celine’s brows lifted. "For women, I assume?" Even though she said these words, she had a smile on her face. Jason could see it already. He understood just why this dealership was so successful. If there was someone as intuitive and friendly and warm as Celine here, then there was no way things would go badly.

Jason chuckled, a low, confident sound that seemed to vibrate through the air. "Naturally. I’m a man of refined taste, after all."

Celine smirked and turned away, her figure outlined by the soft light filtering through the dealership’s windows. "Let’s walk while we talk."

Jason followed her, his eyes trailing her graceful movements. As they walked, she shared her insights on cars—what women might prefer, the balance of elegance and practicality. Her knowledge was impressive, and Jason listened intently, nodding occasionally.

He was letting her take the stage, and talk about the things she was interested in. And in a way, he was getting to know her to in the process of it all, after all, People revealed the best of themselves when there was light shining in their eyes when they were talking about the things they were most passionate about.

"You’re quite the saleswoman," he remarked after she had shown him two sleek models. "I’m almost tempted to buy the entire showroom. Actually, just give me the papers right now."

Celine laughed softly, her cheeks tinged with a hint of colour. "Well, let’s start with these two, shall we?" Jason gazed at this woman. She was so classy. Jason had just hinted at alleviating any financial difficulties she might have and she had brushed it all aside so calmly and carefully even while she may have been actually facing similar financial difficulties from her father.

It seemed there was something deeper at play for her, something Samantha might not even know. But Jason had to admit... She was really something special.

Jason nodded, his expression is serious yet warm. "I’ll take them. But I’d like them delivered… as surprises. At a specific date and a specific time. Can you arrange that?"

Celine smiled, pleased with the easy sale. "Of course. Consider it done. Especially for a special customer like you."

Their conversation took a more personal turn as they finalised the details. Jason glanced at her, his gaze thoughtful. "I’ve been looking around, and I’ve gotta say… You run a tight ship. How’s business, Celine?" Her smile faltered, and she looked away, her shoulders stiffening. Jason’s sharp eyes caught the subtle shift in her demeanour.

So there really was a problem… But it was not something financial.

"I… Business is business. There are many ups and downs... What can I say?" Celine said as she handed Jason a contract.

Jason turned to her his eyes sincere. "You… seem a bit down. If you’re willing to tell me about it, I’ll listen." Hearing those words come from the man who was making out with his sister while also having the company of two others only the day before, Celine gazed at him for a long time.

"My sister did say you had a charm about you… Fine, I’ll tell you." These words brought a smile to Jason’s face. And she smiled too before her face turned somber again.

"I inherited this dealership from my mother," she began softly, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and sorrow. "It was her dream, and she built it from the ground up. But now… the connections my father set up to help me are starting to suffocate me. The same people who once supported me are now trying to control everything. And it’s all leading me towards making a decision that will affect me for the rest of my life."

Jason sighed, turning to the cars as if considering them, then back to her. "I can tell you love cars. Your passion is evident in the way you talk about them. But you’re also practical and grounded. You’ve managed to keep things running despite the challenges. That’s no small feat."

Celine’s eyes softened, her lips parting slightly as if to respond, but Jason continued, his voice taking on a persuasive tone.

"If it’s about Business, then I can help. I’ve helped Samantha before," he said, his words deliberate, designed to instil trust due to the shared connection she had with her sister. "Not because I wanted something in return, but because I believe in her vision. Now, Reno Ventures is on the brink of a revival, and I’d like to think my support played a part in that."

Jason stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers. "If you want my support, Celine, just say the word. I promise you… you’ll have it. "

He handed her his card with a small, confident smile. "Think about it," he said, his tone softening. "No rush. Anyway, something tells me that with my connection to your fiance... I might end up helping you either way."

Before she could respond, Jason turned and walked away, taking the contracts with him, his stride purposeful. "I have to get to work," he called over his shoulder. "Your sister’s working me to death, as usual. Please tell her to take it easy on me from now on okay?"

Celine chuckled, shaking her head. "She has a tendency to do that," she murmured to herself, her fingers brushing over the card in her hand.

Was she going to use this card?

If she called him what would she say?

But still, as she turned her head back to Jason who walked away with a confident stride in his step, she couldn’t help but narrow her eyes. If Jason was really connected to the supplier of the Neural Flux PIll as Samantha said he was, then he should have made a ton of money from this, or maybe he might even be able to make a ton of money in the future.

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If so, then it was not bad to connect herself to him. As for this... She had left out a bit more... Her father had something of hers that she really wanted very badly. Even if the business problems could be fixed, she might still take the plunge just to get that thing back.

Celine sighed, her expression returning to that same emotionless one that was tinged with sadness as she turned and went back to her office.

Meanwhile, Jason hopped into his car. Well, it was time to head to the office. Today was a good day. Jason could feel it.

Nothing would go wrong for him today.

Jason would think back to this moment, to this feeling he had. And he would realise just how right he was. In all the wrong ways.