Chapter 798: Both Sides Are Testing Each Other

"What do you think?"

Gregory was satisfied with Gavin, so whenever there was a tough decision to make, the two of them would discuss it together first and hash out a preliminary plan.

Even after hearing everything Gregory had to say, Gavin's expression remained completely calm.

"From an investment standpoint, I think it's viable."

Even though Gregory had laid out the entire discussion—everyone's opinions, the final vote by show of hands—none of it swayed Gavin's decision.

Gregory was a little surprised. Gavin hadn't even taken much time to think it over.

"Can you be more specific? Why does your investment analysis say she's not bluffing, but actually has real value?"

Gregory voiced his confusion.

Gavin thought for a moment. "Otto's judgment alone is practically a seal of approval for investment. But there's also something you might not know, Father—she seems to have connections with several corporate CEOs. Not because she's a pretty girl, but because her charisma and intelligence genuinely attract these people.

If she's that smart, she wouldn't say something reckless about this and bring trouble down on the Day Group. Also, since everyone's against it this time, how about I use one of my personal ventures to feel out the Day Group? Get a sense of what they're really about. What do you think, Father?"

"Good. Let's do it your way."

Gregory nodded.

The two talked shop for a while longer.

Considering Gavin had just flown back from overseas after more than ten hours in the air, Gregory didn't keep him much longer.

But just as Gavin was about to leave, Gregory seemed to remember something and called him back.

"I've recognized a new sister for you. Meet her when you get a chance. She saved your mother's life—she's a clever girl. I had her sit in on today's meeting."

To an outsider, Gregory's words might sound casual.

But Gavin knew him. Gavin had a calculating mind and hated anything that felt out of his control.

So when he'd first heard that his mother had nearly been in danger and was saved by some girl, he'd already had her investigated.

The investigation turned up nothing suspicious. Her background was clean—just an orphan.

But that was exactly the problem. A background 'too' clean was more likely to be hiding something.

"Understood. I'll get along well with this new sister. As long as she truly saved Mother out of kindness, she'll never lack for comfort and wealth in this life."

But if this person showed up out of nowhere and was already involved in decision-making, that was fine—if she had no ulterior motives.

The danger was if she 'did' have ambition. Then there might be someone pulling strings behind her.

"With you here, I don't have to worry too much."

Only then did Gavin leave the study.

The moment he stepped out and headed toward his room, he nearly collided with a girl wearing a skimpy nightgown.

Fortunately, Gavin's reflexes were sharp. He sidestepped her.

Raina had just wanted to take a walk—mainly to see what Gregory was still doing up so late.

She hadn't expected to run straight into a man.

Judging by his build and presence, it wasn't Gregory.

She tried to dodge quickly, but ended up taking a tumble anyway.

And the guy wasn't exactly a gentleman—instead of catching her by the waist to keep her from falling, he'd moved out of the way even faster.

"Who are you?"

Gavin heard the voice—a sweet, girlish voice.

He asked the question, then remembered what his father had just mentioned about a sister. He couldn't help but ask again, "Are you Patricia?"

---

Raina had just been wondering who this tall, young, and ridiculously handsome man was doing in the house.

Now that he'd said her name, and remembering that Gregory had a son, her quick mind put it together immediately—this had to be her brother in name.

"Hi, Gavin. Sorry—what a way to make a first impression. You must think I'm ridiculous."

As Raina spoke, she was sneaking glances at him.

She'd looked into Gavin's background before. She'd heard he was a man with a calculating mind, but she hadn't dared dig too deep for fear the Mitchell family would notice.

She'd meet him eventually anyway.

In her imagination, he'd be somewhat brooding.

But he was actually quite handsome.

He had this upright, almost formal air about him—completely different from what she'd expected.

Still, his eyes were sharp and penetrating, as if he could see right through anything.

After apologizing, Raina withdrew her gaze and tried to grab the railing to pull herself up.

---

But her leg was hurt from the fall, and she really couldn't get up on her own.

"Sorry. My leg's a little weak."

Raina didn't directly ask for help.

But they were both smart people. Gavin didn't come off as completely cold-hearted—he extended his hand. "I'll help you up. There are lights in the hallway. Next time, don't tiptoe around like that. If you'd run into someone else—someone without reflexes as fast as mine—you wouldn't be the only one hurt."

He sounded like he was showing concern, but really, he was delivering a veiled jab.

As expected, you couldn't judge by appearances.

Raina's wariness toward Gavin sharpened.

On the surface, she played docile. "You're right, Gavin. I'll remember that. I won't be so careless next time."

"It's late. Girls need their beauty sleep. Get back to your room and rest. I'm heading to mine too."

This first meeting was enough. Both of them had formed an initial impression of the other.

Raina returned to her room. She figured Gregory had stayed up waiting for Gavin.

But since everyone had already stated their positions and made a decision, it probably wasn't about the Day Group and Emily.

---

Because there was a battle to fight tomorrow.

Emily had made a series of preparations.

They say you shouldn't fight unprepared. People only see others' success—they don't see all the effort that went into it behind the scenes.

That part stays hidden.

Emily didn't expect to get a call at this hour.

She glanced at the caller ID.

It was Daniel.

Thinking back to how she'd drunkenly slept with him that night, then bolted the next morning without a word, she felt a pang of guilt seeing his name on the screen.

Emily decided to pretend she hadn't seen it and didn't answer.

On the other end, Daniel's entire presence radiated cold menace.

Why had he waited until so late to call?

Because he'd been conflicted, hesitant. He'd been waiting for Emily to reach out first, but that clearly wasn't going to happen.

She'd used him up and then ran off.

For him, that was humiliating.

Was his technique bad?

Or what?

Watching surveillance footage today hadn't been enough to satisfy his longing. He wanted to hear her voice.

He hadn't expected Emily to have the audacity to hang up on him.

Daniel let out a cold laugh—no warmth reached his eyes, only a dangerous edge. He dialed again.

Emily stared at the incoming call and felt annoyed.

Adults understand these things.

Not answering means you don't want to answer.

If someone wanted to pick up but missed the call, they'd call back.

This unspoken understanding didn't need to be said out loud. Why didn't he get it?

Emily hung up again.