Chapter 54
That evening, while Lucy was focused on revising blueprints, she received a call from Sean.
He explained that he was currently out of town and suggested that regarding the design drafts, she could either coordinate directly with Kingsley tomorrow or wait until he returned.
After hanging up, Lucy thought of her son, Seven. She didn't want to wait a single day longer.
She asked Emma to contact Shane to finalize a meeting time with Kingsley.
Not long after, Emma replied: [Any time after 10:00 AM works.]
Seeing the message, the stone hanging over Lucy's heart finally settled. She threw herself back into work, revising drafts until well past ten at night.
At that same hour, Kingsley's social engagement was still ongoing. However, tonight's occasion involved government officials.
Kingsley raised his glass of clear liquor to clink with the Planning Commissioner beside him. The liquid swirled in the glass, catching fragments of light. His fingers brushed the crystal, a faint smile touched his lips.
He spoke, his tone steady and calm, "Commissioner Knox, thank you and the bureau for finalizing the Eastborough District. I'd like to propose a toast to you."
Commissioner Knox made a gesture of polite decline, but the glasses had already clinked. He took a sip before smiling. "Don't mention that, Mr. Sherwood. The Eastborough District is a key public infrastructure zone for this year's planning. The ratio of schools to community hospitals in your design proposal meets the requirements perfectly. It's solid work."
Kingsley set down his glass. His finger tapped the table edge with apparent casualness, but his eyes were clear. "Rest assured, Commissioner Knox, we won't deviate from the planning requirements. We start geological surveys next month and will have the foundation laid before winter. It won't affect the district's schedule."
Commissioner Knox nodded, his words carrying a deeper meaning. "Keep a close eye on the subsequent permit procedures. If anything comes up that needs coordinating, feel free to reach out anytime. Let's strive to make the Eastborough District a beautiful 'model site.""
Kingsley nodded, his tone remaining cool and devoid of excess emotion. "We'll push through the follow-up permits as a top priority. If we need to coordinate with anyone, we'll go through the proper channels We're going to make sure Eastborough becomes a model site."
By the time the dinner broke up, it was nearly 11:00 PM.
Shane returned to the private room after seeing the guests off. He immediately saw Kingsley leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed. Several empty bottles of high-end liquor sat on the table.
Shane clicked his tongue silently; these officials certainly knew how to enjoy.
"Mr. Sherwood?" Shane called out tentatively, softening his steps.
Kingsley opened his eyes slowly. He pressed his fingers against his throbbing temples, his face showing signs of exhaustion.
Seeing this, Shane asked quickly, "Should I have someone bring some hangover tea?"
"No need. Let's go." Kingsley stood up, grabbing his suit jacket and phone from the chair.
Shane followed briskly, suddenly remembering something. "By the way, Mr. Sherwood, Miss Mason called many times asking if you could go over to have her birthday cake after you finished here."
"Tell her I'm not done."
Kingsley's tone was flat. He pressed the elevator button and walked in.
"Okay," Shane replied.
In his heart, however, he couldn't
help muttering: "Joyce is clearly too idle. She called nearly twenty times and sent many messages. If not for this job, I would have blocked her
number ages ago."