Chapter 67
No one knew just how smug Julian felt at that moment.
Seriously—Caitlin, that small-town nobody, thought she could compete with him?
Laughable.
Now, he wasn’t just the dark horse of the financial world-he was also the very first person in Silverhaven to land a partnership with Master Ninth himself.
Julian could picture it now: everyone in the conference hall must be green with envy.
Or so he thought.
Suddenly, Skyler’s voice cut through the air like a bolt of lightning, freezing Julian in place. The entire hall fell silent.
Because the company Skyler announced was, “Apex Game Studios p>
Apex Game Studios?
That couldn’t be right. Had he misheard?
Julian’s face drained of all color as he stared at Skyler in disbelief. “Um, Mr. Cumming… are you are you joking p>
Every head turned to Skyler, the same confusion mirrored on their faces.
Apex Game Studios was on the verge of bankruptcy! Why would Master Ninth pick them? How could Julian possibly lose to a company on its last legs?
It was absurd.
“I’m not joking,” Skyler replied, a bit bewildered himself. He didn’t understand why Gordon would choose Apex Game Studios, but it was his uncle’s decision, and he wasn’t about to question it. “Apex Game Studios won the bid p>
Julian’s legs nearly gave out beneath him.
He felt like the punchline of a cruel joke.
How could this happen? His proposal was by far the most innovative of them all. Why would Master Ninth choose Apex Game Studios?
Even Victor, who had actually won, looked completely stunned.
He’d believed in Caitlin, sure-but now that they’d actually won, he still couldn’t wrap his mind around it.
This was Sylvester Group, after all.
The number one name in business.
Beside him, Carlisle looked as if he’d just seen a ghost. To make sure he wasn’t dreaming, he pinched his own thigh so hard he nearly yelped.
Ouch. That hurt. It really hurt.
So this wasn’t a dream.
Realizing this, Carlisle nearly bounced on his toes with excitement. He never would have guessed that the mysterious Miss Kensington would actually help them land a partnership with Sylvester Group.
Victor was still trying to process everything when Skyler walked over and extended a hand. “Mr. Winslow, congratulations p>
“Thank you, Mr. Cumming,” Victor replied, still in shock. He stood up and shook Skyler’s hand. “Thank you, and thank Master Ninth for giving Apex Game Studios this chance p>
“If you’ll come with me, Mr. Winslow, we can sign the contract p>
“Of course p>
Victor hurried after Skyler, Carlisle right behind.
As they walked away, Carlisle couldn’t resist glancing back at Jasper and Julian, his expression practically radiating triumph.
Jasper wasn’t faring any better than Julian. His face had gone deathly pale, and he looked like he might faint at any moment.
They’d all expected Chandler Group to win the Sylvester contract and walk away as the biggest winners. Who could’ve predicted that, in the end, Apex would snag the deal?
What did Apex have that they didn’t?
Had leaving Apex really been such a mistake?
Before long, Victor and Carlisle found themselves following Skyler up to the executive offices on the 68th floor-so high it felt like they were standing among the clouds. From up here, the entire city stretched out below.
As Skyler approached, his assistant Maynard stepped forward and opened the office door. “Mr. Skyler, Master Ninth has been waiting for quite some time.” Skyler nodded, then turned to Victor and Carlisle. “Let’s go in.” “Thank you, Mr. Skyler,” Victor replied, nerves tightening in his stomach.
Neither Victor nor Carlisle could hide their anxiety. Master Ninth was a legend— never gave interviews, never accepted awards in person, always sending Skyler in his stead. No journalist had ever managed to snap a photo of him. Victor remembered hearing about a tabloid that tried; within two days, the entire operation had vanished without a trace.
The executive suite was massive, and it took several minutes to reach the CEO’s office. Skyler led the way, bowing slightly as he stepped inside. “Uncle, the
representatives from Apex Game Studios are here p>
Gordon gave a slight nod. “You may leave us p>
With that, Skyler slipped out, leaving Victor and Carlisle alone with the man himself.
Victor finally dared to look up-and was instantly stunned by the sight before him.
Gordon sat behind his desk like a king on his throne, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks. His features were striking, almost impossibly handsome, sharp as if carved from marble. Victor had always thought those TV dramas exaggerated the charm of their leading men; real CEOS, he figured, were too busy fighting their way through the business world to be this young or this attractive.
But seeing Gordon in person, Victor realized TV dramas didn’t even do him justice.
The man’s presence and looks put all those so-called heartthrobs to shame.
Victor had never met anyone-except Caitlin-who left him so thoroughly awestruck.
Steeling himself, Victor spoke. “Master Ninth, I’m Victor Winslow, head of Apex Game Studios. This is Carlisle Blake, one of our shareholders p>
Carlisle stepped forward, equally respectful. “Master Ninth, it’s an honor p>
Gordon stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and said, voice calm and cool, “There’s no need to be so formal. Please, have a seat p>
Victor and Carlisle exchanged a quick glance, then carefully sat in the chairs provided.
At that moment, Gordon’s secretary brought over a contract. “Mr. Winslow, Mr. Blake, here’s the agreement. Please look it over. If everything is in order, you can sign right away. If you have any questions, our legal team is at your disposal p>
The contract was three pages long, clear and straightforward.
After double-checking and finding no flaws, Victor picked up the pen and signed. He stood, looking Gordon straight in the eye. “Thank you, Master Ninth, for giving Apex this opportunity. I promise you-we won’t let you down p>