Chapter 588
Everyone welcomed Benjamin warmly, raising their glasses in a toast.
Eileen took a sip from her glass, then took Gabriela from Benjamin’s arms, giving him the opportunity to mingle with the villagers. Benjamin was here on behalf of the company’s shareholders, so Eileen maintained a professional distance.
Once Benjamin had introduced himself, a question came from the crowd.
“Ms. Curtis, Mr. Nash, which one of you will oversee the village’s reconstruction plan?”
Without hesitation, Benjamin responded, “Ms. Curtis will lead the effort. She originated the plan and is the one in charge of the project.”
The questioner nodded in understanding. “So, Ms. Curtis will stay to oversee the project? If we complete it before the weather turns warm, we could attract a wave of tourists.”
The implication was clear: they hoped Eileen would expedite the transformation of their humble village into a thriving resort, bringing profits to the community sooner rather than later.
Everyone turned their gaze to Eileen, filled with anticipation.
Eileen averted her eyes and quickly glanced at the man sitting quietly nearby, his head bowed. The faint outline of a scar on Bryan’s forehead was visible—a reminder of the time he had saved her.
“I’ll leave with Mr. Nash once he finishes his survey here,” Eileen declared.
At this, Bryan looked up, but Eileen was addressing the slightly unsettled crowd with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll leave my top assistant here to make sure we complete the project as quickly as possible. Perhaps you could appoint someone from your side to liaise with us and take charge of the project moving forward.”
“That’s right. We need to execute this project flawlessly,” Benjamin added.
“But we’re just simple folks here in the village. There’s no one qualified to oversee such a project on our end.”
“We’re also at a loss with those design drawings.”
Several men with sunburned faces looked clearly distressed.
“Bryan understands design drawings,” Zelda chimed in, nodding toward the man next to her. Pride swelled in her voice. “When Ms. Curtis sent over the designs for the village rebuild, my dad consulted him. He was brilliant at weighing the advantages and disadvantages. I think he’s the perfect person to represent our village.”
As she spoke, she gave Bryan a gentle nudge.
A chilly aura surrounded Bryan, his eyes betraying no emotion. Despite his inscrutable expression, people could sense his displeasure.
“Okay,” Eileen replied quickly. “Mr. Nash, please arrange for someone to liaise with Mr. Dawson. Make sure the villagers’ interests are prioritized. Anything that comes up, relay it through Mr. Dawson.”
She repeatedly addressed Bryan formally as “Mr. Dawson,” each mention striking him like a sharp blade to the heart. Bryan clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure.
Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as Eileen, carrying Gabriela, and Benjamin walked away. He then lifted his head and stared at Eileen’s retreating figure. His eyes narrowed as he became lost in thought.