It didn’t take a genius to deduce that a man capable of treating such an asset so lightly likely controlled numerous properties throughout the city.

Ashley had caught on to that fact almost immediately.

The more he considered her suggestion, the more impressed he became. Leasing one of his buildings would allow her company to operate under his watchful eye, giving him ample opportunity to monitor their activities and ensure they weren’t hiding anything from him.

At the same time, the proposal demonstrated an unusual level of trust. By willingly placing her business within one of his properties, Ashley was effectively declaring that she had no fear of him playing dirty or stealing trade secrets.

But that wasn’t the cleverest part.

Once her company became one of his tenants, they would, in a sense, fall under his protection. Anyone foolish enough to target them would inevitably be seen as challenging him as well. It was a subtle move that tied their interests together while making it advantageous for him to ensure their safety and success.

A truly clever girl.

Yet despite realizing that Ashley had skillfully maneuvered him into a favorable position for both parties, he found himself unable to feel annoyed. If anything, her sharp mind only made him more satisfied.

Intelligence, foresight, and the ability to negotiate without being greedy or short-sighted were precisely the qualities he sought in a business partner.

More importantly, Ashley knew where to draw the line. She was sharp enough to secure advantages for herself, but not so reckless that she would try to bite the hand that fed her or exploit her own allies. That balance was far rarer and far more valuable than mere cunning.

"Hmm..." The masked man pondered for a moment before nodding slightly. "Let’s have a look at this business proposal you’ve mentioned first. Once I’ve reviewed it, I’ll decide whether it’s worth pursuing further."

"As for the rental arrangement, I have no objections. I’ll have my people gather a list of the best locations available and let you choose for yourselves. After all, the most suitable location depends on the product you intend to introduce to the market."

Although the masked man hadn’t explicitly agreed to the partnership, the fact that he had so readily approved the rental arrangement was already a promising sign.

Ashley wasn’t disappointed by his reserved response. On the contrary, she was pleased. One of the main reasons she had come here today was to secure a foothold in the city, and now that objective was practically accomplished.

Her gaze drifted toward Gideon.

She knew he had come here for a similar purpose, but unlike her, she wasn’t sure whether the wager applied to him as well. More importantly, she didn’t know if the masked man would give him the same opportunity to state his terms and negotiate what he wanted.

As if sensing what Ashley was thinking, the masked man shifted his gaze to Gideon. "And Mr. Walker," he said, his voice calm and unhurried, "while my earlier wager was directed solely at Miss Gildenvale, seeing as you’re already here, why not put something on the table as well? Perhaps you’ll have an offer that catches my interest."

His tone was casual, almost indifferent, yet beneath those unreadable eyes lurked a depth as vast and unfathomable as an abyss. No one could discern what was going through his mind.

In that moment, Ashley couldn’t help but feel that Gideon and the masked man were cut from the same cloth. Perhaps only the two of them could truly understand each other’s intentions, ambitions, and the kind of men they really were.

Their gazes locked.

Neither spoke. Neither looked away.

The atmosphere grew tense as an invisible clash unfolded between them, a silent battle of wills that no one else could perceive. It was as though they were testing one another without exchanging a single word, probing for weaknesses and measuring the depths of the other. The standoff lingered for several long moments before Gideon finally broke the silence and spoke.

"I’m pleased to know that Mr. Lowe hasn’t forgotten about me." Gideon smiled knowingly.

The moment the name left his lips, Ashley caught a subtle change in the masked man’s demeanor. The arm he had casually draped over the backrest stiffened ever so slightly before relaxing again. It was a minor reaction, one that most people would have overlooked, but it was enough to tell her everything she needed to know.

Gideon knew exactly who was hiding behind the mask.

And judging from that fleeting lapse in composure, even Mr. Lowe himself had not expected Gideon to expose that fact so openly.

The atmosphere instantly changed.

The air grew heavy, and an invisible pressure descended upon the room, making it difficult to breathe. The easygoing mood from moments ago vanished without a trace, replaced by a tension so thick it could almost be touched.

A few seconds later, the bodyguards standing nearby stepped forward. With respectful bows, they positioned themselves between Ashley and the two men.

"Miss Gildenvale," one of them said politely, extending a hand toward the exit, "please allow us to escort you outside. Our master wishes to speak with Mr. Walker in private."

Ashley glanced between Gideon and the masked man. Neither objected. Their eyes remained locked on each other, neither willing to yield an inch. It was clear that whatever was about to be discussed was something they did not want a third party to hear.

Ashley rose without question. Gage and Gideon’s assistant immediately followed suit, leaving Gideon alone in the room. One by one, even the bodyguards stationed around the room stepped outside and took up positions in front of the door, as though they feared someone might interrupt whatever conversation was about to take place.

Only then did Ashley realize that the room was completely soundproof. Even with the guards standing right outside, they wouldn’t be able to hear a single word spoken inside. To test her suspicion, she focused her heightened hearing on the room, but all she was met with was silence. Not even her enhanced senses could penetrate the soundproof walls.

Since there was nothing they could do but wait, Ashley and the others moved to a nearby area and settled in, patiently waiting for Gideon to emerge.

As if her furious brother had finally found the perfect opportunity to confront her, Gage fixed her with a stern gaze. His handsome face was hard as stone, his lips pressed into a thin line while the muscle in his jaw twitched with barely restrained irritation.

"Ashley," he said in a low, dangerous tone. "Tell me, why did you go down there?"

Only then did Ashley remember that her brother was still angry.

She had been so pleased with herself after successfully closing the deal that the matter had completely slipped her mind. All she could think about was reporting the good news to her eldest brother and requesting a copy of the business proposal so she could review it later. Unfortunately, before she could do any of that, Gage had already cornered her.

Judging by the look on his face, there was no escaping this conversation, and Ashley had a strong feeling she wouldn’t be walking away from it unscathed.