Chapter 161: David’s Purpose

A few minutes later, David walked into the office with his assistant.

He carried two gift boxes in his hands, his face plastered with a smile. "Ms. Sterling, I feel terrible about this morning. I was driving way too recklessly."

"These are just a little something to help calm your nerves. Please, don't be shy about accepting them."

He sat down without waiting for an invitation, his gaze sweeping around the office. "Ms. Sterling, you've built such a recognized brand at such a young age. That's truly impressive."

"But then again, with Mr. Dickson backing you up, success was pretty much guaranteed."

The moment those words left his mouth, Skylar's brow furrowed ever so slightly.

What did he mean by "Mr. Dickson backing her up"?

So in his eyes, all her achievements were handed to her by a man?

She picked up her teacup and took a sip, her tone cool. "David, you're giving me too much credit. The company is something my team and I built from the ground up. First Spark got to where it is today because of our products and designs. It has nothing to do with Mr. Dickson."

"Ms. Sterling, you're too modest." David waved dismissively. "Everyone in Averton knows who Mr. Dickson is. Being by his side is a blessing."

"Let's be real—it's tough for a woman to make it in business. With Mr. Dickson protecting you, of course everything's going to go smoothly."

Every word painted Skylar as Reuben's accessory.

Disgust churned in Skylar's stomach.

Being sized up like some kept woman felt worse than getting rear-ended.

"You didn't come all this way just to tell me that, did you?" She set down her teacup, her tone growing distant. "Take the supplements back with you. We can handle the accident through insurance. No need for all this fuss."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly do that." David acted as if he hadn't caught her coldness. "Actually, besides apologizing, I wanted to visit Mr. Dickson."

"I heard Mr. Dickson's been getting into renewable energy lately. I happen to have a municipal renewable energy industrial park project on my hands—huge policy support. I was hoping to discuss a partnership with Mr. Dickson."

Finally, his real purpose.

Skylar understood immediately.

All this—the rear-ending, the house call—it was all to use her to get to Reuben.

Using such underhanded tactics to make connections. How pathetic.

"Reuben isn't here." Skylar's voice was flat. "He has his own company. If you want to discuss project partnerships, you can schedule an appointment at his corporate headquarters."

"I didn't want to be too forward." David rubbed his hands together. "An introduction through you would be much better than showing up on his doorstep. Besides, Mr. Dickson values you most. One word from you is worth ten trips to his office for me."

The moment he finished speaking, the office door swung open.

Reuben walked in.

Seeing David, he paused mid-step.

"Mr. Dickson!" David's eyes lit up. He rushed forward, extending his hand eagerly. "I've heard so much about you! I'm David from the City Council. I've been wanting to visit you for ages. Finally getting to meet you today!"

Reuben didn't extend his hand. "You need something?"

David's smile froze for a split second before quickly recovering.

"Here's the thing, Mr. Dickson." He rubbed his hands together, his face full of enthusiasm as he launched into his pitch. "The city recently approved a renewable energy industrial park project. Prime location, generous policy subsidies, three-year tax exemptions—we just need an investor with the right resources."

"You were the first person I thought of. If you're willing to come on board, we'd make an unbeatable team. It's a win-win situation!"

He thumped his chest in assurance. "You have my word—I'll handle all the paperwork. Everything will go smoothly. You won't have to lift a finger."

Reuben walked over to the sofa and sat down, casually draping his arm across Skylar's shoulders. "Sounds promising, but projects like this require long timelines and heavy investment. I'll need my team to conduct due diligence and assessment. Can't make rash decisions."

"Of course! Of course!" David was overjoyed, nodding eagerly. "Take your time reviewing it. If you have any questions, reach out anytime. As soon as you give the green light, I'll connect you with the best resources available!"

"Alright. If there's news, I'll have my assistant contact you."

A clear dismissal.

David tactfully stood up. "Then I won't take up any more of your time! Mr. Dickson, Ms. Sterling, I'll take my leave now. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

After a few more polite remarks, he left with a self-satisfied smile plastered across his face.

The office fell silent.

Skylar leaned back against the sofa, rubbing her temples. "That guy is so weird. He deliberately rear-ended me this morning to start a conversation, then showed up this afternoon with gifts. All that effort just to pitch you a project?"

Reuben picked up the project proposal and flipped through a few more pages, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "The project's real, but his purpose might not be as simple as discussing a partnership."

"You mean... he's connected to Holy Grace Church?"

"David's had a terrible reputation since he entered politics. Dirty hands. Ties to plenty of shady operations." Reuben tossed the proposal onto the table. "Holy Grace Church couldn't have expanded in Averton this fast without someone in politics running interference."

"I suspect David is their public-facing protection."

Skylar's heart sank.

If that was true, then today's rear-ending wasn't about pitching a project at all...

It was Holy Grace Church testing the waters, confirming her whereabouts—maybe even laying groundwork for their next move.

"So him showing up today—could he have had another motive? Like casing the place?"

"Whatever his motive, if he's bold enough to show his face, we won't have trouble tracking his tail." Reuben dialed Wolf's number, his tone ice-cold.

"Dig into David's entire social network. Focus on any connections to Holy Grace Church or Wilma. And that renewable energy project of his—tear it apart from top to bottom. I want to know every dirty thing hidden inside."

"Yes, Mr. Dickson."

After hanging up, Reuben turned around and took Skylar's hand, his fingertips gently tracing the back of it. "Don't worry. I've ordered the bodyguards to stay with you at all times. Try to avoid crowded places. Once we've got David figured out, we'll make our move."

Skylar nodded, though unease lingered in her chest.

Wilma and Zach were like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, tongues flicking as they watched, ready to strike at any moment.

This fight wasn't going to end easily.

Reuben seemed to read her thoughts. He gently pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice low and steady. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. No matter how deep they hide, I'll drag them out one by one."

Three days later, Reuben arranged a private dinner at the Skyline Hotel and formally invited David.

Officially, it was about the renewable energy project.

In reality, he wanted to observe the man up close—to see exactly what he was hiding.