Montlais Winery was bustling again.
Chen Qian sat in the small conference room outside the study, with account books, inventory codes, and procurement contracts spread out before her.
Handling accounts of this scale for the first time, her fingers were stiff with nervousness.
The sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from the other end of the corridor.
Isabella walked over.
Seeing Jiang Lin standing beside Chen Qian, her gaze paused for a moment between the two of them.
Chen Qian immediately stood up.
"Mrs. Montclair."
"Are the accounts going smoothly?"
"Mr. Jiang just helped me correct them."
"He certainly knows how to take care of people."
Jiang Lin looked at Isabella.
"Are you looking for me?"
"The bank has sent a formal response."
She handed him the document.
"Miss Claire, an editor from an art magazine, hopes to come to the winery tomorrow to interview you."
"Interview me?"
"She wants an exclusive interview with the young man who brought a dormant masterpiece back to light."
"Well written."
"She also attached her photo."
Jiang Lin took the document and opened it.
"The bank can continue to be pressured; strive to nail down the eighteen-month extension."
"Alain says the same."
"Then let Alain do the pressuring."
"You aren't going?"
"I have to process the London materials tonight."
"Is it the London materials, or Miss Claire's interview?"
"Mrs. Montclair, you're asking like an interrogation now."
"I am the actual controller of Montlais Winery, so of course I need to confirm the consultant's schedule."
"Just a consultant?"
"A core partner."
"Then arrange it according to the standards of a core partner."
"If Claire wants an interview, she can. But it must be tied to Montlais Winery, that painting, and the Asian orders."
"What about an exclusive interview?"
"Not necessary for now."
Jiang Lin looked at Chen Qian.
"You send the accounts to Alain first."
Chen Qian nodded immediately.
She stood up with the documents and left.
When passing by Jiang Lin, her footsteps paused slightly, and she whispered.
"Mr. Jiang, I left the coffee on your desk."
Isabella watched her back.
"She relies on you a lot."
"Normal."
"You saved her?"
"It was just a casual act."
"Are you always so casual about it?"
"What do you want to ask?"
"Do you care about Chen Qian?"
"Why would I care?"
"That sentence usually means you do care, Mr. Jiang; you are too confident right now."
"I wasn't this confident the day before yesterday."
"So should I feel proud of my investment?"
"You can."
"Are you this attentive to every woman in trouble?"
"It depends on the value."
"Value?"
"Some people are worth saving, some are worth investing in, and some are worth collaborating with."
"And me?"
"You have all three, plus one more thing."
"What?"
"Worth betting on."
"Do you know that talking like this is dangerous?"
"I know."
"Especially dangerous for women."
"Then it depends on whether she dares to listen."
"Jiang Lin, don't be so quick to treat me as something you've already obtained."
"I have never thought that way."
"Really?"
"You are harder to get than the winery."
The phone on the desk rang.
Isabella withdrew her gaze and answered the phone.
"This is Isabella."
Martin's voice came from the other end.
"Mrs. Montclair, Mrs. Wendell's private secretary from London is calling, hoping to speak with Mr. Jiang."
Isabella looked at Jiang Lin.
Jiang Lin nodded.
Isabella pressed the speakerphone.
A standard, restrained, British-accented female voice sounded.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Montclair. Is Mr. Jiang with you?"
Isabella glanced at Jiang Lin.
"He is."
"Mrs. Wendell hopes to confirm whether Mr. Jiang accepts the meeting at the castle in three days."
Jiang Lin spoke.
"I accept."
There was a pause on the other end.
"There are some matters that need to be discussed with Mr. Jiang privately before the formal meeting, so a private afternoon tea will be arranged."
"Discuss what privately?"
"Paintings, the Wendell Family collection, and also, Mr. Jiang seems exceptionally good at saving noblewomen in distress."
"Please tell Mrs. Wendell that Mr. Jiang is currently a core partner of Montlais Winery, and his London itinerary is jointly arranged by Montlais Winery."
"Mrs. Wendell is aware of this; she admires Mrs. Montclair's decisiveness during this crisis."
"Then she should also understand that I will not let a partner enter a debt-ridden British castle alone."
"I will convey this accurately."
Jiang Lin spoke.
"A private afternoon tea can be arranged, but Mrs. Montclair will accompany me."
"Mrs. Wendell might feel regretful."
"She can say so in person."
"Mr. Jiang, Mrs. Wendell says if you are truly as interesting as the rumors in Paris suggest, London will welcome you."
The call ended.
Jiang Lin said, "A private afternoon tea."
"The British like this."
"Private discussion."
"She wants to probe."
"Exceptionally good at saving noblewomen in distress."
"That sounds more like a provocation."
"You seem to be looking forward to it."
"You seem very unhappy."
"I just think Mrs. Wendell lacks boundaries."
"To make you evaluate her like this before even meeting, she is very impressive."
"Are you praising her?"
"I am evaluating an opponent."
"Is she an opponent?"
"Also a target."
"Jiang Lin, are you saying another woman is a target in front of me?"
"I once said the same about you."
"So should I feel it's fair?"
"You can feel that you are in the lead."
Isabella was stunned for a moment, then laughed in spite of herself.
"In the lead?"
"You are already a core partner, and she is still on the phone, Mrs. Montclair."
"Hmm?"
"Are you jealous?"
"Mr. Jiang, you had better drink less tonight."
"Why?"
"Because I'm afraid you'll keep talking nonsense."
Chen Qian stood at the door holding the documents.
She had come to deliver the account confirmation sheet, but hearing the last sentence, she froze in place.
Neither entering nor retreating was an option.
Seeing her, Isabella's expression instantly returned to the composure of a hostess.
"Miss Chen, is something the matter?"
Chen Qian blushed deeply.
"The, the accounts were sent to Mr. Alain; he asked me to bring the hard copy over."
She walked in, placed the documents on the table, and dared not look at Jiang Lin.
Isabella watched her.
"Are you nervous?"
"No, Mrs. Montclair."
"Mr. Jiang just taught you that after entering Montlais Winery, what people see is Financial Assistant Chen Qian. So stand up straight and speak clearly."
"Mrs. Montclair, the first batch of funds for the Asian orders has been accounted for according to Mr. Alain's requirements. The deposit, tax reserves, shipping insurance, and available cash have all been listed separately. The consulting service fee will not go through the winery's accounts for now, pending a formal structure."
After finishing, she pushed the documents over.
Isabella flipped through them.
"Well done."
"Thank you, Mrs. Montclair."
"Stay for dinner at the winery tonight; Martin will arrange your room."
"I can stay here too?"
"You are now the temporary Financial Assistant of the winery; Pierre might make an issue of what happened to you in Belleville last night, so it is safer to stay at the winery."
"Thank you, Mrs. Montclair."
"Mr. Jiang taught you well."
"Does this count as my credit?"
"She learns faster than you."
Dinner was arranged in the small dining room.
Isabella did not hold a formal banquet, just had Martin prepare seats for four people.
Her, Jiang Lin, Chen Qian, and Alain.
Alain had wanted to refuse.
He still had many documents to process.
But since Martin came to invite him personally, he had no choice but to sit down.
Dinner was very simple.
Roast lamb chops, vegetable soup, cheese, and a bottle of 2008 Montlais second-label wine.
Chen Qian sat very stiffly, barely knowing how to use the knife and fork.
Just as Jiang Lin was about to remind her, Isabella spoke first.
"Start from the outside."
Chen Qian immediately followed suit.
"Thank you, Mrs. Montclair."
Isabella said:
"You don't need to be too nervous here."
"Montlais Winery needs people who can work right now; etiquette can be learned slowly."
Alain smiled.
"Miss Chen did a good job on the accounts today; there were fewer errors than my intern assistant would make."
Chen Qian was flattered.
"Thank you, Mr. Alain."
Jiang Lin picked up his wine glass.
"Did you hear that? You are useful, so you can stay."
Chen Qian looked at him, with obvious gratitude in her eyes.
This look was seen by Isabella.
She slowly cut a small piece of lamb chop.
"Mr. Jiang is very good at making women feel useful."
"This shows that I am good at discovering value."
"I hope you can maintain this ability in London as well."
"Are you worried about Mrs. Wendell?"
"I am worried that you are too good at discovering value."
"Mrs. Montclair, people with high value naturally attract each other."
"Including Mrs. Wendell?"
"Including you."
The dining table suddenly went quiet.
Chen Qian looked down at her plate, but her face turned red.
Alain put down his glass and pretended to study the wine label.
Isabella's fingers holding the knife and fork paused for a moment.
Jiang Lin said this too naturally.
So natural that it didn't seem like flirting.
But the more it was like that, the harder it was to handle.
She gently put down the knife and fork.
"Jiang Lin, after tonight, you had better return to your own room."
Jiang Lin said, "I was staying in the guest room anyway."
"Very good."
She picked up her wine glass.
"Then keep it that way."
Chen Qian couldn't help but purse her lips, almost laughing out loud.
Isabella looked at her.
"Miss Chen."
Chen Qian immediately sat up straight.
"Mrs. Montclair."
"Is it funny?"
"No!"
"You can laugh if you want to."
Chen Qian panicked even more.
Jiang Lin also couldn't help but laugh.
Isabella stood by the window, holding half a glass of wine.
"That meal just now, it's been a long time."
Jiang Lin walked to her side.
"What?"
"Like a normal life."
She looked out the window.
"After my husband died, there was always one less person at the dining table."
"Debts came, lawyers came, banks came, relatives came; every meal at the winery felt like a pre-war meeting."
Jiang Lin did not speak.
Isabella continued:
"There is still a possibility for this place to become a home again."
Jiang Lin looked at her profile.
The light fell on her eyelashes, adding a faint touch of vulnerability to her mature and refined face.
She quickly put away this emotion and turned to look at him.
"But you cannot turn my winery into a shelter."
"Chen Qian is useful."
"I know."
"So you kept her."
"I kept her because she is useful, and also because you need a clean Chinese Financial Assistant."
Isabella paused for a moment.
"And one more thing."
"What?"
"I want to see if the women you save will all look at you like that."
Jiang Lin smiled.
"You really do care."
Isabella did not deny it this time and took a sip of wine.
"I hate losing control."
"So do I."
"But you are making me lose control."
Jiang Lin's smile faded slightly.
The distance between the two was very close.
Outside the window was the night, behind them was candlelight, and the aroma of wine slowly dispersed in the air.
Isabella looked at him.
"Jiang Lin, how much do you actually want?"
Their gazes intertwined.
"A lot."
"Including women?"
"Including."
"You are honest, at least."
"You said you don't believe in kindness without a reason."
"I also don't believe in a man's ambition without a reason."
"Then are you still willing to continue investing in me?"
Isabella was silent.
"I have already invested too much; I cannot stop now."
Before Jiang Lin's eyes, pale golden text appeared silently.
【S-Rank Destiny Target: Isabella de Montclair】
【Trust Level: 84 → 87】
【Emotional State: Vigilant, Dependent, Possessiveness Awakening】
【Destiny Relationship: Core Partner】
【Hidden Tendency: Unwilling to share dominance with other high-value women】
【Notification: Harem Shuraba Route has been unlocked.】
Jiang Lin looked at the words "Possessiveness Awakening," and his heart stirred slightly.
Isabella suddenly said, "You are distracted."
"No."
"Every time you have a secret, your eyes change."
"You observe too closely."
"Because I need to keep an eye on my investment now."
She put down her wine glass and walked past him.
When passing by his shoulder, she paused.
"I will accompany you to London."
"I know."
"If Mrs. Wendell wants to see you alone, you can agree."
Jiang Lin was a bit surprised.
Isabella looked up at him.
"But after the meeting, you must tell me immediately what you discussed."
"Is this a condition?"
"This is the basic trust between partners."
"What else?"
Her gaze fell on his collar.
A button on his collar was undone, adding a bit of a young man's casualness.
Isabella reached out and buttoned that button for him again.
"And, don't let her think that Mrs. Montclair will only stand behind you."
Jiang Lin looked down at her.
"Where do you want to stand?"
She finished buttoning it and withdrew her hand.
"Standing beside you."
After speaking, she turned and left the small dining room.
Jiang Lin stood where he was, watching her back disappear at the doorway.
His phone vibrated.
Zhao Hong sent a message.
【Boss Jiang, Pierre has released new information.】
【He plans to expose you and Chen Qian tomorrow, claiming you broke into the basement last night, took away a young Chinese girl, and also that you have ties to gray-market intermediaries.】
【Should we handle it in advance?】
He replied.
【No need.】
Zhao Hong replied quickly.
【Not suppressing it again?】
【Tomorrow, have Chen Qian appear officially as the Financial Assistant of Montlais Winery.】
【And then?】
Jiang Lin looked at the night outside the window.
【Gather the evidence of Zhao Hong's past passport confiscation, debt collection, and introduction to illegal work.】
Zhao Hong did not reply for a long time.
After a while, he sent a message.
【Boss Jiang, I am involved in this.】
Jiang Lin replied.
【So you had better clean it up well.】
Zhao Hong replied with an ellipsis.
A few seconds later.
【Understood.】
Jiang Lin put away his phone.
At 12:20 AM, the phone rang.
Jiang Lin answered.
"Mr. Jiang, I am Victoria Wendell."
Jiang Lin leaned back in his chair.
"Mrs. Wendell."
"I hope you don't mind me disturbing you so late."
"I haven't slept yet."
"I guessed as much."
"A man who just pried open the first door in Paris shouldn't be willing to sleep so early."
"You are very well-informed, Mrs. Wendell."
"The British are good at waiting and observing; I saw the photo of you and Mrs. Montclair."
"How was it?"
"She is very beautiful."
"That doesn't need a photo to be proven."
"Mr. Jiang, you are more direct than the rumors suggest."
"You didn't call late at night just to compliment her, Mrs. Wendell."
"Of course, I want to confirm in person whether you will really come to Wendell Castle."
"I will."
"With Mrs. Montclair?"
"I will."
"You trust her very much?"
"She is my partner."
"Just a partner?"
Very light footsteps came from the doorway.
Jiang Lin looked up.
Isabella stood at the study door.
She was wearing a silk bathrobe, her long hair loose.
She heard the phone while passing by and recognized that woman's voice.
She didn't go in.
She just stood there, looking at Jiang Lin.
Jiang Lin said into the phone.
"Mrs. Wendell, you can ask some questions in person in three days."
Victoria seemed to sense something.
"Is Mrs. Montclair with you?"
"She is."
The person on the other end couldn't help but laugh.
"Give her my regards; I look forward to meeting her."
Isabella walked into the study, came to Jiang Lin's side, and leaned over toward the microphone.
"Mrs. Wendell, I look forward to it too."
"Then see you in three days."
"See you in three days."
The call ended.
Only the night and the sound of their breathing remained in the study.
Isabella straightened up and looked at Jiang Lin.
"You are really popular with noblewomen."
"This shows market recognition."
"Jiang Lin."
"Hmm?"
"Return to your own room."
"Now?"
"Now."
She turned and walked out.
Reaching the door, she stopped again.
"I will be present for Claire's interview tomorrow."
"Afraid she'll ask the wrong questions?"
"Afraid you'll answer too well."