Chapter 23: The Gentlemen’s Alliance

The office phone rang abruptly. Vera’s husband, Gap, glanced at it.

“Hello?” After a moment, he raised an eyebrow. “I see, got it… Of course, I have a social engagement tonight. You know, it’s a critical time…”

After a brief conversation, Gap hung up. He paused thoughtfully, then looked at the secretary, who soon understood his intentions. Wearing bright red high heels, she approached the sofa.

The Liston Group is a large company spanning multiple industries and is a pillar of Sabin City’s economy. Naturally, it faces overwhelming financial reporting demands every cycle.

As an outstanding audit accountant, Gap plays a crucial role. He is not local but relocated here for this job.

This is the most important moment in his life. The company plans management changes, including in the finance department.

He has always had a good relationship with management. The company’s deputy general manager told him that if he takes the next step, he could become a partner.

Even the lowest-level partner status would be a substantial leap in Gap’s social standing. If successful, within a few years, he could transition from middle class to high society.

His engagement tonight is not a typical social event discussing work in semi-public. It involves a bribe.

Growth always requires nourishment. Gap knows this well, and these resources are linked to numbers. He knows how to fertilize himself properly.

He sat by the sofa, calming the secretary while quietly instructing her on tonight’s overtime work.

Over an hour later, the secretary rested in the break room preparing for the evening, while Gap sprayed on cologne, hesitated, then picked up the phone.

“It’s me. Check everything about my wife and her company. I want all the information on this company. Also, find out what they did tonight…”

After hanging up, Gap’s expression was hard to describe. He half-sat at his desk, staring out the window before returning to the endless numbers and receipts.

Later, Lynch and Vera arrived at a decent restaurant on the edge of downtown.

“Decent” meant the place had a good ambiance without a long wait. They were promptly seated at a table by the window with a clear street view.

Richard and his two companions weren’t officially employed—just hired hands—so they didn’t join the welcome dinner.

“Ladies first,” the waiter said, handing the menu to Lynch, who smiled at Vera. His charm and gentlemanly gesture nearly fulfilled every woman’s ideal image of a man.

Maybe due to lighting or rising temperatures, Vera’s cheeks flushed. She looked at Lynch and didn’t object, taking the menu to order.

The menu was simple: one main dish with a colorful photo and descriptions of sides. Adjustments could be requested.

Vera quickly decided on fish fillet; Lynch ordered steak and a bottle of red wine.

While waiting, the atmosphere felt awkward. Vera avoided conversation; Lynch watched her, making her more uncomfortable, so she spoke first.

After thinking, she asked, “What made you start this business? I never thought exchanging coins could be profitable!”

She had registered over thirty thousand in coins all day, watching them convert back into bills. She sensed Lynch’s business might skirt some rules but wasn’t outright illegal.

No coercion or inducement existed. Anyone could exchange coins. Even the Imperial Company registration specifically listed “coin exchange business.”

The Social Services Bureau recognized it as a business, making it legitimate. Lynch had cleverly exploited a legal loophole.

He shrugged casually, “Look, we’re a service company. If there’s demand and a market, we provide service. We don’t do illegal things, don’t evade taxes, and don’t debate those grey areas. This business is actually good.”

His logic made sense. Vera wanted to ease the tension but instead felt Lynch was extraordinary.

Smart, well-positioned, thoughtful, and with the right attitude, he didn’t seem like a typical recent high school graduate entering society.

Before thirty, or after several bad relationships, women often judge men by looks and physique.

But after experience and maturity, they come to value talent and character.

Lynch was undeniably talented, charismatic, and handsome—a perfect match for modern women’s ideals.

In just one day, Lynch earned over two thousand—a company with only one hundred in registered capital, making more than twenty times its assets in pure profit on its first day. The speed of profit was terrifying.

What quickened Vera’s heartbeat more was Lynch’s intense gaze, humor, and assertive manner.

“You actually have a great figure…” Lynch’s remark surprised Vera. He glanced at the waiter bringing their plates, including her grilled fish.

Most people consider steak the main course due to tradition and easier availability.

Fish fillet is less common, especially in Sabin City, far from the coast.

Its recent popularity owes much to nutritionists who claim it’s healthier, lower in fat, and better for weight control.

Whether true or not is for experts. Lynch just thought Vera had a great figure, with no extra fat.

She touched her cheek shyly. “Really…” then fell silent.

The conversation returned to work and social topics, their rapport growing warmer.

Suddenly, Lynch noticed a headline.

He slipped quietly into a nearby alley, his face darkening.

This small episode didn’t spoil the mood. Their friendly celebration ended, and Lynch escorted Vera home, behaving like a true gentleman with no improper moves.