Chapter 287

Chapter 287

She knew Silas was right. Every single point hit the nail on the head.

Her two years overseas dealing with these companies told her that Silas's analysis was spot-on.

But that's exactly why she felt even more frustrated.

Why?

She had been struggling abroad for two years, finally building up her connections and projects, yet Silas could sit here, flip through a few emails, and figure out the whole picture.

The gap was right there. She didn't want to admit it, but it was the truth.

"Why are you helping me?" Serena stared at him.

Silas met her gaze for a moment.

"No particular reason. Your project has problems, and I happen to have resources."

He pulled out his phone from his pocket, found a number, and turned the screen toward Serena.

"Their CEO's private number. You want it?"

Serena looked at those digits, her lips pressed into a thin line.

After a long while.

"Rex."

"Yes!" Rex responded reflexively.

"Get Jessica over here."

Rex made a call, and Jessica arrived two minutes later.

Serena sat up straight and started assigning tasks.

"Rex, you contact the first company. Set up a video meeting directly with their CEO."

"Before the meeting, redo our market data report and pull it out separately."

Rex scribbled notes frantically.

Serena turned to Jessica.

"You handle the third company. You've chatted with their marketing manager a few times before, the relationship's decent. Send an informal email tonight, keep the tone casual, just say we've noticed their concerns and want to schedule a time for a detailed discussion."

"Got it." Jessica nodded.

"As for the second company..." Serena's voice paused.

Silas filled in for her, "I can reach out to them today."

Serena paused, then said nothing more.

Rex and Jessica each took their assignments and left.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

Serena looked at Silas, and after a long time, finally spoke, "Thanks."

The word came out of her mouth dry and forced, as if it took great effort.

Silas stood up.

He didn't mention Aria again, nor did he say anything about "starting over."

When he reached the door, he stopped.

"Serena."

"Yeah?"

"Focus on the project first. If you need anything, come find me anytime."

Serena said nothing.

Silas opened the door and walked out.

After the door closed, Serena sat alone in her chair, staring at the string of numbers Silas had sent on her phone screen for a long time.

She raised her hand and rubbed her temples.

Two hours later.

Serena received a message from Rex.

[Director Serena, the CEO of the first company agreed to a video meeting tomorrow morning at nine!]

Soon, Jessica also sent good news.

Serena should have been happy, but somehow, she couldn't feel happy at all.

Why was Silas helping her? What was he really after?

A tangled mess of thoughts kept swirling in Serena's mind.

But no matter what, Silas had indeed done her a huge favor.

Serena sat in the room for a long time.

She went through the emails on her computer screen over and over, but all she could think about was how Silas looked sitting across from her, going through the documents.

He had helped her sort out the situation with three companies, given her the CEO's private number, and even personally reached out to the second company.

This favor was too big.

Serena didn't like owing people, especially owing Silas.

She picked up her phone, hesitated for a few seconds, then sent Silas a message.

[Free tonight? That western restaurant by the sea, my treat.]

Less than ten seconds after sending it, he replied.

[Okay.]

Serena stared at that "Okay" for a while, then put her phone face-down on the desk.

She needed to make things clear.

Silas had helped her, and she was grateful, but that was it.

Even if she lost the bet with Lisa, worst case she'd leave Synergy Global Corporation and start over.

It wasn't like she hadn't started from scratch before.

But she couldn't let this favor make Silas think there was still any possibility between them.

Seven o'clock in the evening.

The western restaurant by the sea wasn't crowded. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you could see the ocean.

When Serena arrived, Silas was already sitting by the window.

He had changed into a dark shirt with the sleeves rolled up to mid-forearm, with an untouched glass of red wine beside him.

Serena pulled out a chair and sat down.

The waiter handed over the menu. Serena had just opened it when Silas spoke.

"How do you want your steak cooked?"

"Medium-well."

Silas nodded to the waiter and ordered for both of them.

After the steaks were served, Silas picked up his knife and fork and naturally cut the steak in front of him into small pieces, then pushed the plate toward Serena.

Serena's hand paused.

She said nothing and took a couple of bites.

Silas also said nothing, quietly cutting his own portion.

Apart from the sound of silverware on porcelain plates and the occasional sound of waves, there was no other sound at the table.

Serena swallowed the steak in her mouth, unable to stand this weird atmosphere any longer.

She put down her knife and fork and looked up at Silas.

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

Silas stopped cutting his steak.

"Why are you helping me?" Serena's voice was very low. "Everything you did today, giving me the number, making calls, helping me analyze—what's in it for you?"

Silas looked up at her.

He looked at Serena for a while before speaking.

"I just wanted to have a proper meal with you."

Serena froze.

"It's that simple." Silas's voice was soft. "Nothing in it for me."

Serena's hand tightened around the napkin.

The words she had prepared circled in her mouth, but she still said them out loud.

"Silas, even if you helped me, I still can't be with you."

Silas's fingers rested on the rim of his wine glass, unmoving.

"We're already over." Serena stared at his face, forcing out each word. "It's never going to happen."

The background music in the restaurant kept playing.

Silas lowered his eyes, looking at the half-cut steak on his plate.

After a few seconds, he finally spoke, his voice so low it was barely audible.

"Can we not talk about this."

Serena didn't respond.

"Let's just eat." Silas looked up at her. "Just... a normal meal, okay?"

Just a normal meal.

Serena felt a tightness in her chest.

She didn't know what was going on with Silas today. From this afternoon until now, he was completely different from usual.

He just sat there, quietly looking at her.

Serena suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe.

She abruptly stood up, making a harsh scraping sound.

"You eat by yourself."

She grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair and turned to leave.

"I don't want to eat anymore."

Silas remained seated.

He watched Serena's back as she walked toward the door, saying nothing.

He picked up his wine glass and took a sip, his Adam's apple bobbing.

When Serena had taken three or four steps away.

There was suddenly a commotion behind her.