Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 280 Valeria arrived at Etoile's office after 90 minutes. She sent Selena to her play in her office and then carried her things to Kayla's office. After discussing the matter with Kayla, they both decided to withdraw from the bidding. It was not because they lacked any confidence in their designs. They poured their hearts into their work, but they simply could not compete with Reiya Design's underhanded tactics. With ZeroMuses backing them up, and Wendy being Sebastian's sister-in-law, it was practically the Grant Group's family business.

Reiya Design could afford to work for free, but Etoile could not. Etoile had spent too much effort on their work to offer it for free, and they also had many employees to support. The next day after Etoile pulled out, Stellar Design and another five design firms also withdrew from the bidding conference. Everyone would have gladly given it a try if it had been a fair competition. With Reiya Design pulling such a blatant trick like offering to work for the Grant Group for nothing, none of the other design firms were foolish enough to stay around.

---- Valeria and Kayla busied themselves with the company's move into Exice International. On Friday night, when the Grant Group's bidding conference was about to take place, Zion invited Valeria out for dinner instead. They met for dinner at a fancy restaurant , which was filled with the melody of a violin. The performer on stage also moved with grace. Awaiter pushed a cart over and set down a bouquet of pink roses in front of Valeria. Valeria took a look at the flowers and saw that they were in full bloom and carried a rich fragrance. "Thank you, Mr.

Lancaster." Zion replied, "Valeria, you don't have to be so formal with me. We've known each other for so long now. Why don't we change the term of address?" She knew that he had romantic feelings for her, but she did not reciprocate them. She also had no desire to look for a relationship at that moment. All she wanted to do was to stay by Selena and Margaret's side, do her work well, and watch Etoile grow one step at a time. Zion smiled elegantly and continued , "Alright, I won't force you." He lightly patted the back of her hand as he spoke.

---- It only lasted for a single second before she pulled away, but that fleeting touch of her smooth and delicate skin was enough to get his heart racing. Valeria did not even dress up for the occasion. She had come straight from the office ina simple blouse and a pair of jeans. It was simple and clean. Zion stared at her. For him, a beautiful woman like Valeria did not need to dress herself up. Just a single smile from her was enough to draw the attention of everyone present. What amazed him most was that Valeria was already 30 years old, yet she was still in her purest form.

Zion had plenty of experience with dating, but he had yet to succeed after pursuing Valeria for an entire year. Just the momentary touch of her hand had left him restless. He then spoke up. "Val, I heard that your daughter , Selena , underwent heart surgery. The chief surgeon of the cardiology department at Broburgh City Hospital is an old friend of mine. Ican bring you to meet him." Valeria replied, "Please don't trouble yourself for this. Selena is currently in good health. Thank you for your kind intentions, Mr.

Lancaster." After sitting down, Sebastian's dark eyes were fixated on Valeria's back. He was not far away from her, just about five tables away. His ---- gaze deepened as he stared at her faint smile on her side profile. Sebastian appeared calm on the surface, but he was raging with emotions within. Standing beside him was Calvin, who felt extremely helpless. Calvin had been working for Sebastian for just over two months. However , his ability to read the room had already been honed to the absolute extreme. It was all because Sebastian's desire for Valeria was just way too obvious.

Anyone who could hold the position of being the CEO's assistant for so long was no fool, and Calvin certainly was not one. He pulled out his phone and called a certain number while he silently counted the time in his head. Zion's phone started ringing two minutes later. After answering the call, his expression showed that it was a matter of great trouble as he stood up from the table. "Val, something urgent just came up. I have to go now. The bill's already taken care of." He then left the restaurant ina hurry. Calvin then lowered his head and asked, "Mr. Grant, should 'we go and greet Ms.

Neal?" Sebastian's voice was low and hoarse. "She probably doesn't want to see me."