Chapter 478:
The moment she laid eyes on him, she couldn’t look away.
Having spent her entire life in Grester, she had seen plenty of distinguished men. But none had ever captivated her quite like this.
It wasn’t just his chiseled features—his entire being radiated an effortless authority, an air of dominance that demanded admiration.
Carol openly studied Collin, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. Leaning closer to her brother, she whispered with curiosity,
“Jeffery, who is this fine gentleman?”
Anyone personally escorted by Jeffery had to be someone of extraordinary status.
With a knowing smile, Jeffery made the introduction.
“Mr. Riley, this is my younger sister, Carol.”
Jeffery turned to his sister and said, “Carol, this is the man I mentioned earlier—the founder of CR Corporation, Mr. Riley.”
Carol’s eyes instantly lit up, her gaze filled with admiration. “So, you’re the founder of CR Corporation!”
She had heard countless stories about the elusive and immensely wealthy man behind CR Corporation, one of the most powerful figures in Grester.
In her mind, she had always pictured Collin as an older gentleman with graying hair and perhaps a bit overweight. But reality completely shattered her expectations. Not only was he young, but he was also breathtakingly handsome!
Her curiosity deepened, and she took a step closer, her voice soft and teasing. “Mr. Riley, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Carol Lawson, but please, just call me Carol, like Jeffery does.” She extended her hand toward Collin, smiling charmingly, hoping for a handshake.
Collin’s expression remained unreadable as he briefly and politely shook her hand. “Miss Lawson,” he acknowledged in a cold and detached tone, pointedly ignoring her invitation to use her first name.
Furthermore, as soon as their hands touched, he withdrew his almost immediately, as though the handshake were an unnecessary formality.
Carol’s smile faltered for just a fraction of a second. Had he really brushed her off that easily? It was only a handshake—was there a need for such evident distance? Refusing to let it dampen her spirits, she quickly masked her disappointment.
If anything, his reserved demeanor only enhanced his allure. A man like this—aloof, unreadable, and immune to charm—was rare, and it made him even more intriguing to her.
A playful gleam flickered in her eyes as she tilted her head slightly, offering a sweet smile. “Mr. Riley, you’re even more handsome and refined than Jeffery.”
Collin’s brows furrowed slightly before quickly smoothing again. His voice remained steady as he replied, “Miss Lawson, this is our first meeting. That kind of compliment seems unnecessary.”
Then, glancing toward Jeffery, he added lightly, “Besides, if you keep this up, Mr. Lawson might get jealous.”
With CR Corporation and the Lawson Group on the brink of collaboration, Collin had no desire to offend Carol outright. Regardless of her advances, she was still the treasured daughter of the Lawson family.
Jeffery had been observing the exchange closely. Though silently exasperated by Carol’s behavior, he played along with Collin’s remark, pretending to be upset. “Carol, I’m standing right here. How could you say that in front of me?”
