"There's actually something I need to discuss. Alyssa just called me, inviting me over for New Year's Eve dinner at the Whitfield Manor tonight. But... I don't think I can make it today. Could you tell Alyssa that I won't be able to join tonight?"
Jared nodded. He then asked, "How's the project in Cloudsdale going? Is it all chewed up yet?"
"It's going smoothly, almost done. Couldn't have done it without your help."
"That's no problem at all. I've arranged a dinner with the director of the Bureau of Land Management. You should come along, it could be helpful for your progress."
"Alright then, I'll stay a couple more days in Willowbrook Town."
Jared and Valeria were discussing business matters which Agnes didn't quite understand. So she sat on the couch, reading a magazine.
After a while, it seemed like the business talk was over. At some point, Valeria had come to stand in front of Agnes. Valeria began, "Ms. Pritchard, may I have a word with you?"
Agnes nodded, and the two of them left Jared's office. They went to the end of the corridor.
There was a small, fan-shaped glass platform. From the window, one could see the entire cityscape. But the people who worked here were busy as bees. No one had the leisure to enjoy the view.
This place was unusually quiet. The two of them came to a stop.
Agnes quietly looked at Valeria.
A lot of things were quite coincidental, like her wedding, like that banquet.
Valeria spoke first, "Ms. Pritchard, I believe Jared has already explained certain things to you. But from my standpoint, I want to prevent any unnecessary issues and misunderstandings, so I want to clarify once more."
"What do you want to clarify?"
"Over these past four years, Jared and I have been nothing more than business partners. I have no personal feelings for him, and he feels the same towards me. Even our engagement was simply a business arrangement. I hope you don't misunderstand."
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