Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 272 The hostess led Valeria into the private dining room. Nancy wasn't allowed in as all assistants and staff were gathered in the room next door. The space was a standard business banquet hall with a single round table that could seat 20 people. The walls were also lined with wood panels. By the time Valeria arrived, everyone else was already seated, so heads turned toward her. She steadied herself, forcing a polite smile as she walked in. She introduced herself, "I'm Valeria Neal, the design director of Etoile. Kayla had to bow out last minute due to illness.

My apologies for being late." The man sitting at the head of the table lifted his gaze to look at Valeria, who was walking in from the door. It had been three years, and she looked almost the same. Most of the seats were already taken, with only a few scattered spots left open. As Valeria walked in, wondering where she should sit, Zion stood up and called out to her, " Val, over here." When Valeria walked in, she only gave the table a quick glance. She hadn't expected Zion to be there, let alone sitting right next to Sebastian.

---- Ina setting like this, with Zion stepping in to ease the moment for her, it wasn't like she could turn him down. She gave a small nod, walked over, and took her seat. She knew the rules of these dinners, even though it was Kayla who usually attended such events. Since Valeria was late, she apologized according to the rules before taking her seat. The rush of the alcohol made her cough. Zion immediately handed her a glass of water and said, "Take it slow." Valeria thanked him softly.

Three seats down, a man's low, detached voice broke the silence, "Let's begin." As the dinner wore on, Valeria kept her glass untouched except for the one she'd downed when she first arrived. Most of the people at the table were familiar faces-other designers and industry folks. A few leaned in, trying to toast her, but Zion stepped in each time. "She doesn't need to be drinking so much tonight ," he said. Then, he turned to me. "I'll have my driver take you home later." Valeria replied, It's fine. My assistant is here. She can drive." "Don't worry, Val.

I'll make sure you have an edge in this round with Grant Group." Zion lowered his voice. ---- She wanted to tell him there was no need to do so. The contract was already either lined up for Reiya Design to take, and she was just a placeholder. If it really came down to a fair competition instead, she trusted her own designs enough. However, Zion had already turned toward Sebastian. "Mr. Grant, this is Valeria, Etoile's design director." Sebastian tapped his fingers on the table in a steady rhythm. He had been drinking, but his gaze was steady, sharp.

As he turned his face slightly, his gaze locked with hers. The bright overhead light carved shadows into his hollowed cheeks, a hint of sickness beneath the sharp lines of his face. Up close, even the custom suit hung too loosely on him, as if he had lost too much weight. When his hand extended, the veins stood out. Valeria rose to take it, her eyes flicking aside as her fingers brushed his ina brief, polite clasp. His voice was low, resonant. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Neal." She forced a small smile and replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Mr.

Grant." After the brief exchange of pleasantries, Valeria started to withdraw her hand, only to feel his fingers catch hers. "Ms. Neal and Mr. Lancaster... you two seem acquainted." As Sebastian spoke, he finally let go, his hand falling back to his side. ---- However, his fingertips brushed ever so lightly on the release, a trace of deliberate ease in the motion. His lips curved into a faint smile as he looked toward Zion.