Chapter 281: What is Alexander Sullivan Doing at Rowan?

Bianca Lowe met Tristan Sterling’s scrutinizing gaze with composure.

Tristan Sterling’s handsome face was stern as he said, "I don’t need any guarantees. I need to see your abilities."

Bianca Lowe replied, "President Sterling, I understand."

Mark Chapman took Bianca Lowe to handle her onboarding paperwork. She would take over her new duties before the New Year to familiarize herself with the workflow, and her three-month probationary period would officially begin after the holiday.

Melissa wasn’t home.

The entire villa felt particularly deserted.

Rachel Royce and Tristan Sterling had little to say to each other. Tristan, however, would take the initiative to talk to Rachel, chatting about current news in their industry. Their relationship had become surprisingly calm.

The Sterling family estate had sent over two new housekeepers.

These two housekeepers knew their place and treated Rachel Royce with all the respect due to the young madam of the Sterling family.

This morning, Tristan Sterling left early.

Just as Rachel Royce was about to leave, she received a call from Tristan Sterling. "Have you left yet?"

"I was just about to," Rachel said.

"I left a document in the study," Tristan said. "It’s the one marked with a red tab. Could you bring it to me at the office?"

Red tabs were used for Cedarwood’s most important and confidential files. She was now on the complete opposite side from him, yet he still trusted her.

"You should have your assistant come get it."

"It’s fine," Tristan said. "If you’re not in a hurry today, just bring it over for me."

「Half an hour later.」

Rachel Royce arrived at the base of Sylanis Tower with the file in hand.

She called Tristan Sterling.

「A few minutes later.」

Tristan Sterling came downstairs himself. He spotted Rachel Royce in the lobby and, with one hand in his pocket, strode toward her. His gaze landed on her, his handsome features unusually gentle.

Rachel Royce quietly watched the man approach.

Tristan Sterling stopped in front of her, and Rachel handed him the file.

Tristan Sterling took it and said, "Thanks for the trouble. I’ll pick you up after work today for dinner."

"We’ll see," Rachel replied.

"Okay, I’ll call you this afternoon then."

Tristan walked her out of the building.

Her car was parked in front of the office building.

Tristan Sterling stepped forward and opened the driver’s side door for Rachel Royce. Before she got in, he added, "It’s been cold lately. Make sure to dress warmly so you don’t catch a cold."

The security guards who witnessed this were utterly stunned.

President Sterling was personally opening a car door for someone. His face, usually so stern and handsome, was incredibly gentle, while the woman’s attitude was cool and indifferent.

It looked for all the world like President Sterling was trying to win her over, a sight they could hardly believe. The woman looked familiar, too; they seemed to recall her coming to Cedarwood to discuss business before.

"President Sterling." A polite and flattering greeting came from ahead.

Rachel Royce paused as she was getting into the car and looked toward the speaker. It was Mr. Wallace from XX Innovation.

Mr. Wallace, of course, saw Rachel Royce.

Everyone in their circle knew that Rowan and Cedarwood didn’t get along. And this woman, Rachel Royce, was someone Julian Jennings relied on heavily. Yet he had just witnessed Tristan Sterling humbling himself before her.

He was shocked, but he didn’t let it show on his face.

「At the same time.」

Mark Chapman and Bianca Lowe were already at the entrance to greet someone.

Mr. Wallace walked right up to Tristan Sterling and shook his hand.

After the greeting, Mr. Wallace turned to Rachel Royce. "Miss Evelynn, I didn’t expect to see you here. You and President Sterling seem to be on very good terms. Could it be that Rowan and Cedarwood have some kind of collaboration in the works? Haha."

Rachel smiled faintly and exchanged a few simple pleasantries as they shook hands.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be on my way. I won’t disturb your meeting, Mr. Wallace."

Rachel got into her car.

Tristan Sterling said to her, "Drive safely."

As Rachel started the car and pulled away, her gaze swept over Bianca Lowe. Their eyes met for a moment. Bianca gave her a slight, respectful, and natural-looking nod and smile.

Rachel averted her gaze.

After watching her drive off, Tristan Sterling turned and entered the lobby with Mr. Wallace.

Rachel spent the morning at the offices of *Financial Weekly* handling some work.

In the afternoon, she went to Rowan.

Joanna Sutton found her to sign a document. After they had discussed work, Joanna suddenly said, "Alexander Sullivan is here at Rowan."

Rachel was startled. "What is Alexander Sullivan doing at Rowan?"

Joanna was clearly just as baffled. "I don’t know," she said. "It seems he just showed up out of the blue. I have no idea what he’s here to discuss. We’ll have to wait until he’s done talking with President Jennings to find out what’s going on."

The companies Rowan Capital invested in were direct competitors with Alexander Sullivan’s ventures. Combined with his connection to Tristan Sterling, there was naturally no business collaboration between their two sides.

Rachel hummed in acknowledgment.