Chapter 70

AgroTech's vertical farming project has been in the works for over two months now. But just when things seemed to be progressing, GloryPath Capital, which had previously committed to co-investing, suddenly backed out. This put Benjamin Harris in a tough spot—now he had to scramble through the financial maze of New York, searching for new General Partners (GPs) or Limited Partners (LPs) to fill the gap.

This was AgroTech's Series B funding round, aiming to raise $200 million. While that amount isn't massive in the venture capital world, vertical farming is still in its early stages and full of uncertainties. Benjamin Harris is no stranger to risk, but even he knows that smart investors never go all in on a single bet.

Recently, he connected with a private investor—a billionaire and chairman of a major Los Angeles-based conglomerate. Coincidentally, the chairman was in New York to explore new opportunities. Seeing the potential, Benjamin arranged a dinner meeting at an upscale Manhattan restaurant, hoping to move the conversation forward in a city known for making deals happen.

He called Grace Li, asking her to join the dinner along with Aiden Thompson, since they were key figures in the AgroTech project. But Grace was tied up with due diligence on another project and had already flown to the West Coast with Olivia and Ryan for a business trip. They wouldn't be back for three days. That left Aiden Thompson to attend the dinner solo.

As the workday wound down, Scarlett Harris got wind of the meeting. Her heels clicked sharply against the office floor as she strode into the investment team's workspace.

"Aiden, you're going to that dinner with my dad tonight, right?" she asked.

Aiden set down the document he was reading. "Yeah, why?"

"My dad asked me to come along too—said it'd be a good learning experience for me," Scarlett explained. "He's busy with another meeting and will head straight to the restaurant, so I figured we'd go together. In New York, appearances matter. Arriving together makes us look professional and well-prepared."

"I'll just meet you guys there. I still need to go over some project materials," Aiden replied.

Scarlett raised an eyebrow and played her trump card. "My dad specifically said we should arrive together. You know how this city works—details matter. We can't afford to be sloppy in front of a potential backer."

Aiden hadn't expected her to bring up her father's request. Left with no choice, he nodded. "Alright, fine. We'll go together."

Scarlett glanced at the time. "Dinner's at seven. Let's leave by 6:20. I'll meet you in the parking lot. Make sure you've got the project highlights ready—we want to keep the momentum going."

"Got it."

After Scarlett left, Mike, who had been sitting nearby, leaned over with a smirk.

"Dude, are you really that clueless, or just pretending? You know what's happening here, right?"

Aiden shot him a quick glance, chuckled, and asked, "What are you talking about?"

By now, most of the office had emptied out, leaving just the two of them.

Mike gave him a knowing look. "Come on, man. It's obvious—Scarlett's got a thing for you. And in this town, connections like hers don't come around every day. Don't tell me you haven't noticed."

Aiden's expression didn't change. "I keep my personal life separate from my career. If I move up, it'll be because of my work, not because of office politics."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "Your girlfriend got better connections than Scarlett? Because let's be real, man—Scarlett's network could open doors most people spend years trying to get through."

"To me, my girlfriend is irreplaceable," Aiden said firmly. "And I'd rather earn my success than have it handed to me."

Mike chuckled, shaking his head. "Respect. But just saying, in this city, playing it straight doesn't always get you ahead."

At 6:15, Aiden Thompson finally shut down his computer and headed downstairs. He arrived at the parking lot right on time at 6:20.

Scarlett Harris, dressed in a white, round-neck mini dress, was waiting by her car. When she spotted Aiden approaching, she waved enthusiastically.

"Aiden! Over here! Hop in—we can't be late. You know how brutal New York traffic gets."

Aiden walked over, and Scarlett handed him the car keys.

"You drive," she said. "You're solid behind the wheel, and in this city, you need someone who's quick but smooth."

"You drive just fine."

"Oh, come on. Just take the wheel. I'll navigate and go over some project details with you on the way."

Aiden took the keys without further argument. It was an Audi. As soon as he opened the door, a strong wave of perfume hit him. It was a little overwhelming, but he kept his thoughts to himself. He got in, adjusted his seat, and started the car.

Scarlett settled into the passenger seat and glanced at him. "First time driving my car—how's it feel? If anything's off, just say the word. No one needs extra stress behind the wheel in this city."

"It's fine," Aiden replied, eyes on the road.

"My dad mentioned that this investor is really interested in AgroTech," she continued. "I think we've got a real shot at securing the funding. If we land this deal, it's going to put our names on the map. This could be a huge breakthrough."

"Sounds good," Aiden responded, his tone indifferent.

Scarlett pressed her lips together. There was something she'd been meaning to say to him for a while, but she hadn't found the right moment. Now, alone in the car, she decided to go for it.

"So… I heard from Lily that you turned down working on my project because of AgroTech. But once this round is over, have you thought about joining me? I could put you on the fast track for senior investment manager. With the right deals, you'll be looking at a major raise and real decision-making power."

Aiden had originally declined just to avoid complications. He hadn't expected her to bring it up again.

"I like working with Grace Li," he said casually. "I'm learning a lot from her, and that's what really matters to me right now."

"Let's be real, Aiden. You're insanely good at what you do, but under Grace Li, your growth is limited. If you come work with me, I can help you accelerate your career. You'd have real influence over deals, access to top-tier investors, and way more autonomy than you do now. It's the kind of opportunity most people in this industry would kill for."

Aiden remained expressionless. "I appreciate the offer, Scarlett, but I'm more focused on learning and growing in a team where I can make an impact. Titles and salaries will follow when the work speaks for itself."

Scarlett felt frustration bubbling up. She narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I don't get it. You're willing to play along with Grace Li, but you won't even consider working with me? Aiden, this is New York—everyone's hustling for their future. Being this stubborn won't get you far."

At that, Aiden's expression finally shifted. He picked up on the undertone of her words. He responded calmly, "I don't need to 'play along' with anyone. Grace and I have a professional relationship—built on mutual respect and trust."

Scarlett scoffed. "If that's all it is, then I really don't get it."

She had seen them holding hands during the company retreat at the beach back in March. The lighting had been dim, but she was sure it was them.

"She's your boss, Aiden. And you're just starting out. You don't have to… do things like that to get ahead. This is New York—people are practical."

So, she had figured out something was going on but assumed it was some kind of transactional relationship.

Aiden had no interest in explaining himself. "If that's how you see me, then you should know—I'm not worth your effort. I have my own principles, and I'm not giving up what matters to me just for career perks."

Scarlett's fingers curled slightly. "But everything you need—I can help you get it. And you're telling me that doesn't tempt you? Aiden, opportunities don't wait in this city."

"Sorry."

The light ahead turned red. Aiden stepped on the brakes before continuing. "You should offer that opportunity to someone who actually wants it. I'm not the right fit. I'd rather earn my success my own way."

Scarlett stared at him, incredulous. He wasn't budging—at all.

Her patience was wearing thin. She exhaled sharply and finally blurted out, "Aiden… you're not seriously into Grace Li, are you?"

Aiden didn't answer directly. Instead, he said, "I respect her leadership. She's professional, dedicated, and knows how to lead a team to success. We share the same vision for our work. That's what matters."

It wasn't exactly an answer, but it wasn't a denial either.

Scarlett let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You know what? Never mind. Just pretend I didn't say anything."

She turned to face the road, staring ahead in silence as the car rolled forward into the Manhattan night.