Glades Horne left the Side Hall, and James Horne remained seated on the couch. Only when Glades's voice drifted from the stairs did the smile on James's face freeze. A flicker of pain, mingled with a subtle chilliness, crossed his deep-set eyes.

「Stylish Attire Fashion Store.」

Rachel Bailey sat at the entrance of the main store, a bit bored. Her business was slow. Although she no longer had to worry about chases from city inspectors, Adele Horne hadn't yet found out about her partnership here. Renting this small spot to set up her stall meant paying rent daily. When business was good, she didn't worry about the rent, but on slow days, the hefty sum pained her.

During the day, few people were out shopping, so she had barely any customers. Business only picked up at night when the streets grew crowded. The clothes inside the main store were better quality than hers, and although they were more expensive, customers seemed to prefer them.

Turning her head, Rachel looked enviously at the bustling scene inside the main store. About a dozen customers were browsing clothes, and the other shopkeepers were patiently haggling with them.

She turned back to her own pile of clothes, a defiant glint sparking in her eyes. One day, when I've made enough money, I'll upgrade the quality and price of my clothes too, and then others will envy me!

A Land Rover pulled up to the curb in front of the Stylish Attire Fashion Store.

Rachel glanced over instinctively and saw Hansen Ruiz, dressed in white, stepping out of the car. He wasn't wearing a white suit today, but his fondness for white was evident: a white long-sleeved shirt, white straight-legged pants, and black leather shoes. He still looked every bit the dashing Prince Charming.

"So, Rachel, how's business?" Hansen Ruiz asked as he emerged from the car, offering a warm smile. His features weren't conventionally handsome, but his genial smile made him strikingly eye-catching.

Looking at that smile, Rachel always wondered. What abilities does this constantly grinning man really possess to take on the heavy responsibilities of the Valence Group and alleviate Glades's burdens? He seems as gentle as jade, yet people fear him no less than they fear Glades.

"Are your eyes on the top of your head? Are you trying to mock me?" Rachel pursed her lips and retorted irritably. Not even half a customer in sight, and he's asking if my business is good? I'm just renting a few square meters in front of someone else's store for a large table. I don't even count as an independent business owner, let alone a 'boss'!

"Haha, how would I dare mock you?" Hansen Ruiz chuckled. He walked over to her clothing table, casually flipped through some items, then stepped in front of her. Bending down slightly, a teasing smile played on his lips as he looked at the seated Rachel. "Have you eaten? I'm off work and heading to dinner. How about it? It's on me. Fancy joining?"

"Come on, if you want to invite me to dinner, just say so," Rachel couldn't help but laugh. "Dressed like that, you don't look like you just got off work from an office."

"Haha, alright then, Rachel. I'd like to invite you to dinner. Will you grace me with your presence?" Hansen Ruiz stood up straight, still chuckling.

People inside the main store were watching him curiously. Noticing their stares, he shot them a fierce glare. In front of Rachel, his expression was always gentle. However, when he glowered at those onlookers, his gaze turned as cold as ice. He exuded the same commanding aura as Glades, making them quickly avert their eyes, not daring to look at him and Rachel any longer.

"I don't have time," Rachel said. She wasn't playing hard to get; she was telling the truth.

Evening was approaching, which meant night, and her customers, would soon arrive. Her business only picked up after dark. How could she find time to go for a meal with Hansen Ruiz, even if it was free?

She had been waiting all day for these few profitable evening hours. Making money is definitely more important than having a free meal with him, she resolved.

Disappointment flickered in Hansen Ruiz's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He slipped his hands into his pants pockets, a gesture that made him appear somewhat languid. With a superior air, yet a coaxing tone, he looked down at Rachel. "How about I get someone to watch your stall for you?"

"No, thank you. You go ahead and eat. Thanks for the offer, though," Rachel instinctively refused. There's something odd about Hansen Ruiz inviting me for a meal, she couldn't help but feel.

"Really? Don't tell me you skip meals?" Hansen Ruiz's eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint flickering within them. Rachel didn't notice the change in his eyes. She pointed to a Fast Food Restaurant across the street. "Look, there's a fast-food place right there. I can just cross the road and get takeout. But fast food is pretty expensive these days; the cheapest meal is 8 yuan."

Hansen Ruiz looked where she pointed and saw the Fast Food Restaurant. It was a small place, quite busy due to its low prices. Danger flashed in his eyes again, but he said nothing more. Pursing his lips, he turned and walked away.

Rachel was puzzled by his abrupt departure. He seemed angry. But why would he be angry for no reason?

Hansen Ruiz got into his car and drove off.

Rachel's gaze followed his car until it disappeared. His sudden appearance hadn't fazed her or caused any ripples in her thoughts. In her mind, Hansen Ruiz's visit was just a minor interlude. It's over and done with, she concluded.

Night began to fall, and the streets grew several times busier than they had been during the day.

The business at Stylish Attire Fashion Store picked up, and Rachel's stall also started to see some life.

She was no longer sitting idly but stood in front of her stall, watching customers browse her clothes, preparing bags for them, or haggling over prices.

"Miss, I'll take ten of these," a woman suddenly said, approaching the stall. She casually picked out ten items of clothing and handed them to Rachel to pack, not even glancing at the price tags. She was very direct.

Ten items!

The moment Rachel heard the number, a cheerful smile spread across her face. "Alright!" she responded quickly, grabbing a large bag and packing the ten items for the woman. The customer handed her 400 yuan and walked off.

Since she was now renting a legitimate spot to do business, Rachel had raised the price of her clothes from 30 yuan to 40 yuan per item.