**Chapter 39** “It’s been tough, Voc,” Avery admitted, her voice heavy with uncertainty. “I truly believe launching a self-driving program right now would be a lost cause. Even the most sophisticated technology pales in comparison to the brilliance of the human mind. If I can’t place my faith in the program, why would investors even consider it?” “C’mon, don’t be so defeatist! Many investors dive into projects driven by creativity rather than pure practicality,” Voc urged, a spark of enthusiasm lighting his tone. “There’s a party tonight. Everyone attending is an heir of affluent families. Why not join me? You might just encounter someone who’s eager to invest!” “Count me out!” Avery huffed, a disdainful scoff escaping her lips. “What good will I do among a bunch of spoiled rich kids? It’s the self-made moguls—the first-generation millionaires—I need to connect with.” “They’ll be there too! It’s worth a shot,” Tammy chimed in, trying to persuade her friend. “I’m not keen on going either, but my dad has forced me into a blind date. Just come along to lend me some moral support, okay?” “Fine,” Avery relented, surrendering to her friend’s insistence. As the clock struck 7 p.m., Tammy maneuvered her car up to the five-star hotel that loomed elegantly against the evening sky. “Once we step inside, let’s split up. It’ll make it easier for you to scout out potential investors,” Tammy suggested, her confidence unwavering. Avery nodded, replying, “And I remember that you’re here for your blind date. I refuse to be the third wheel.” Tammy giggled, humor dancing in her eyes. “Keep your phone handy. I’ll message you when I need an escape!” “Sounds good,” Avery said, steeling herself for the night ahead. With that, the two friends entered the opulent hotel, each slipping through different doors that led into the sprawling ballroom. Avery, navigating the mingling crowd, opted for a glass of juice and settled into a quiet corner, hoping to catch a glimpse of Tammy’s date. She could only imagine the background of the man her friend's family had set her up with. The Lynch family might not be publicly listed, but their department store empire was legendary across the country. Avery’s curiosity burned: was he handsome? How old was he? What was his personality like? Just as she pondered, a strikingly familiar figure entered her line of sight—a handsome face that sent her heart racing. Wait… was that Jun Hertz? That name sent a jolt of recognition through her. She had met him during a meeting at Tate Industries, a brief encounter that left a sour taste in her mouth. Setting her glass down, Avery quickly texted Tammy. Avery: (What’s your date’s name? He looks familiar.) Tammy, in the midst of playful banter with Jun, glanced at her phone as it buzzed to life. A smirk tugged at her lips as she read Avery’s message. Tammy: (Jun Hertz. Do you know him?) Avery’s heart quickened at the unexpected turn of events. Avery: (I do!!!) Tammy’s curiosity piqued. Tammy: (What’s with that reaction? Did something happen between you? I can step aside!) Avery: (No, not like that! I don’t know him well, but he reportedly has about two hundred million dollars in his account!) Tammy gasped in disbelief. Tammy: (Holy sh*t! Is he that wealthy? No way! He just graduated from college not so long ago. How could he have amassed that much?) Avery paused before texting back, her mind racing with the implications. Avery: (He plans on buying my dad’s company.) Tammy: (What?! I need a moment to digest this information!) Avery: (Keep our acquaintance under wraps! There’s something off about him, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.) Tammy: (Leave it to me! I’ll uncover the truth!) Unbeknownst to them, Jun, realizing Tammy was absorbed in her phone, glanced around the banquet hall and his gaze landed on Avery in her secluded corner. What on earth was she doing here? This gathering was meant for singles, but Avery was a married woman. A smirk crept across Jun’s face. He quickly pulled out his phone and fired off a message to Elliot. Jun: (Hey, Elliot. Your wife’s at a singles party in the Celestial Hall at Regency Hotel. Several guys appear to be quite taken with her... Did you let her out to have some fun?) A chilling excitement tinged the air as the night unfolded, promising unexpected twists and turns.