Chapter 10 The Best
Penelope had the classic beauty of a Solaran woman—pure and serene, evoking an undeniable sense of comfort.
No sooner had she taken a seat than several men were drawn to her aura, drifting over one by one to ask for her phone number.
Of course, whether or not they got her number was up to Lana, who screened each man meticulously. She started with age and name, then proceeded to background and occupation. Even after several rounds, none of the suitors met her satisfaction.
Penelope sighed, "Lana, aren't we just trying to find someone who looks good? You don't have to be this picky."
"Who said so?" Lana's eyes flashed with determination. "Even if we're picking based on looks, there still has to be a standard. We can't let just any random guy get close to you. What if he turns out to be dangerous?"
Penelope could only manage a wry smile.
It hadn't even been half an hour, yet she was already exhausted. The past few days had left her sleep-deprived, her mind tangled up with thoughts about Ajax.
Penelope stifled a yawn, her fatigue taking over, and struggled to stay alert as her friend's enthusiasm refused to wane.
Just as she was fighting another wave of drowsiness, Lana suddenly grabbed her wrist, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh my gosh, Poppy! Look over there! That guy is gorgeous!"
Yawning mid-motion, Penelope turned in the direction her friend pointed.
When her gaze landed on the tall man in a sharp suit, his features as cold and striking as a carved statue, she inhaled sharply.
"He's so handsome! Better than any celebrity!" Lana kept shaking Penelope's arm in pure exhilaration. But as she realized the handsome stranger was walking straight toward them, her voice rose with disbelief. "He's coming over here!"
Penelope's eyes widened in shock, her lips parted in a wordless gasp. She was so rattled she couldn't string together a single coherent sentence.
Because the man Lana was gushing over... was Ajax.
He was approaching her, each step calm and measured.
Their eyes met, and Penelope felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her entire face stiffening in disbelief.
Ajax was the kind of man who commanded attention effortlessly. His mere presence lit up the room, and every woman there turned to steal an admiring glance.
The moment he entered, whispers spread, cheeks blushed, and hearts quickened.
Now, as he approached Penelope, a few of those admiring women couldn't help but edge closer, hoping for a chance to catch his eye.
Expressionless, Ajax reached Penelope's table and took a seat across from her with a grace that sent a chill down her spine. His gaze, icy and piercing, made her lower her head hastily, too afraid to meet his eyes.
Lana, ever the quick thinker, leaned in.
"Hello, handsome!" she said, her eyes glinting with playful curiosity. "I'm selling my lovely friend here! She's smart and gorgeous, like you. But, you know, we'd love to hear more about your credentials first!"
Lana couldn't help but marvel at the man's striking good looks. Everything about him screamed luxury—his designer suit, the aura of elegance. He seemed so far removed from the average guy, almost too good to be true.
If today's mission hadn't been to help Penelope find a match, Lana might have considered flirting with him herself.
Ajax's lips curled into a smirk, one that was almost wicked. as he glanced at Penelope.
"I own a company with over 380 subsidiaries," he began, his voice casual yet commanding. "I have private estates, a personal island, hundreds of limited-edition sports cars, and even a custom-built plane. My net worth stands at 85 billion."
Penelope's heart leapt into her throat.
Lana and the others, who had inched closer out of admiration, were now utterly stunned, eyes widening. That kind of wealth was incomprehensible.
A man who was both devastatingly handsome and obscenely rich? How had they never crossed paths with someone like him before?
Lana nearly drooled, adjusting her glasses to get a better look. She glanced at Penelope, who sat there with her head bowed and a look that could almost pass for bashfulness.
Lana nudged her, whispering in awe, "This one's a total catch."
Penelope forced a dry laugh. Of course, he was a catch—this was Ajax Grimwald!
Lana quickly swallowed her excitement and, trying to stay composed, asked, "Do you happen to have a business card, sir?"
Without a word, one of Ajax's attendants, dressed in black, stepped forward and handed a card to Lana.
Lana adjusted her glasses again, examining the card intently. When she saw the name printed on it, her hands trembled.
'Oh my god!' she exclaimed inwardly.