Chapter 66 Enthusiastic Percival

Chapter 66 Enthusiastic Percival

The setting sun cast a golden glow over the cold, hard glass facade of the Blackwood Heritage Group building, giving it a softer, more inviting appearance.

Maybe it was just psychological, but ever since Elara started working here, she found the building less intimidating and more welcoming when she left work around five in the evening.

Today was no different. She clocked out a little after five.

Seraphina was busy preparing for the new school year, so she hadn't been to the office lately.

Elara and Ethan walked out of the building together.

Ethan exaggeratedly twisted his neck, producing a series of light popping sounds like an old, creaky sofa.

"How about we find a spa and get a massage? I swear, a legit one!"

He pounded his chest, looking as if he was vouching for his integrity.

Elara rubbed her aching temples, a few strands of hair falling across her face. She shot him an exasperated look.

"In a place like Vossshire? Legit spas? If you go to one of those places, Sylvia will be the first to come after you, even before your family does. Save your money and think about how to win over Sophia."

Her voice was tired.

"Are you underestimating me? I..."

Ethan's grand declaration was cut short by a bright, cheerful female voice that carried just the right amount of surprise.

"Elara! Ethan! What a coincidence! I was just thinking about reaching out to you!"

They turned to see who it was.

Percival, dressed in a beige tweed suit and strutting in heels, walked gracefully from a recently parked luxury car.

Something was off. This wasn't the usual Percival. 

She had always looked down on Elara, seeing her as a competitor and even causing trouble for her. 

The last incident had angered Kieran, and it was only thanks to Harrison that things had smoothed over.

This had to be a setup.

"Percival."

Elara paused, her jaw tightening for a moment before she regained her usual calm demeanor and nodded slightly.

Ethan, on the other hand, reflexively grinned and waved, his voice booming, "Hey, Percival! With your entrance, even Vossshire's scenery has to step aside!"

Since starting in business, Ethan had picked up a knack for flattery and could spout all sorts of cheesy lines without batting an eye.

Despite the insincerity, he instinctively moved closer to Elara, ready to protect her.

Percival was momentarily taken aback but quickly laughed it off.

"You're growing up fast. If there's any business related to artifact appraisal, I'll definitely connect you."

She naturally moved closer to Elara, affectionately patting her arm as if they were old friends.

"You look exhausted. Kieran mentioned the competition, so you must be working hard. Take care of yourself."

Elara remained composed. "The Blackwood Heritage Group project has a tight schedule. I promised Mr. Blackwood I'd see it through."

"Yes, but you need to take care of your health too."

Percival chided gently, then seemed to remember something. "Oh! I almost forgot. I was chatting with Lila this afternoon and mentioned your friend Sylvia. I heard she started her own company?"

Ethan frowned and glanced at Elara.

Elara's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yeah, just a small startup. You seem well-informed, Percival."

Her tone was neutral.

"We're all in the same city. News travels fast. Didn't Kieran send a gift for her company's opening?"

Percival seemed to hint at something but didn't elaborate, waving it off casually. "Kieran's friends are my friends too. We help each other out."

"I was just looking at the media partners for the upcoming state artifact appraisal conference. It's a big event! Twitter, major portals, top influencers—it's a huge platform!"

She paused, her smile growing more sincere. "It's a great opportunity for exposure! Sylvia's new company could really benefit from this. I mentioned it to Lila, and he agreed to send a formal invitation to Sylvia's studio."

This was the first time Elara had seen Percival act this way.

It was disconcerting, and she couldn't figure out Percival's angle.

But she wasn't wrong. Sylvia's media company was new and needed clients and resources. Being invited to such a prestigious event would elevate her status and provide valuable connections.

Before Elara could respond, Ethan's eyes lit up, and he gave a thumbs-up.

"Awesome!"

Elara rolled her eyes.

She had underestimated his shamelessness. Even Percival raised an eyebrow, almost disgusted.

"You're helping Sylvia, so why not help me too? I can handle client resources myself. Just, you know, maybe find out about Sophia's family for me. Not that I'm..."

Everyone knew he liked Sophia from day one. He wasn't fooling anyone.

Elara quickly intervened, politely saying, "Thank you, Percival. Sylvia's startup could really use this exposure. I'll make sure she thanks you."

"No need to thank me. We're all in this together."

"Kieran's friends are my friends too. Helping you is like helping myself."

Elara paused for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. "If that's how you see it, then that's the best."

Elara had almost spelled it out.

A satisfied glint flashed in Percival's eyes, and her smile grew even brighter. "Good. I have to go now."

Ethan watched the car's taillights disappear into traffic, then muttered, "What's her angle? Just being nice?"

Elara's gaze followed Percival's car, her eyes cold and clear.

Their ride had arrived. She opened the door and got in, her voice clear and detached through the window. "Yeah. Get in. Sylvia's waiting for us."