Quest for the Ultimate Artifact

She took the book from his hand with a sharp huff, her fingers brushing his briefly as she continued brushing off the stubborn stain on her shirt; Austin couldn't help but notice how irritated she was.

"Your apology isn't going to fix this," she snapped, her voice tinged with frustration. 

Austin regretted this clumsy happening and felt guilty. He didn't want to ruin this woman's evening, especially not when he was still feeling a bit insecure in this unfamiliar city. He struggled to find the right words to say to her. But before he could respond, the restaurant staff rushed over to assist, armed with napkins and a bottle of stain remover. 

While Austin was still hesitating whether to retreat or stay to make amends. She looked at him expectantly. "Give me your shirt instead," she said all of a sudden.

Austin blinked and stammered in confusion."My… shirt?" 

"Yes, your shirt," she replied, her expression leaving no room for negotiation.

Austin's mind raced. The boldness of her request both startled and intrigued him.

"I can't do that, ma'am." He rejected.

"I have an important occasion very soon, and I can't go in looking like this." She gestured to the mess on her blouse. "Your shirt is a fair trade, don't you think?"

Austin didn't know what to do. But before he knew it, he found himself pulling off his shirt and handing it to her. She gave a slight nod and then slipped away to the restroom to change, leaving him standing in his singlet.

A few minutes later, she returned, now wearing his shirt, which hung slightly loose on her frame. She gave him a smile. "Thanks, you're a lifesaver. What's your name?"

"Austin... Moore," he replied, still slightly stunned.

"Well, Austin, here's my number in case your shirt doesn't find its way back to you," she said, handing him a paper containing her number. With a sigh, she turned and strode out of the restaurant, leaving Austin standing there, shirtless and dumbfounded.

Later that evening at 8 p.m., the rooftop was buzzing with executives, managers, and staff. Seats, tables, and other essentials were arranged in a conference-like setup. Pineapple Tech employees scattered around, sharing anxious looks and whispering at each other.The city lights shimmered below, adding grandeur to the occasion. A cool breeze brushed past Austin as he sat at the back, glancing around the group, recognizing some people from Pineapple Tech's branches and others who might be from L&V Enterprises. He took a deep breath as the organizer stepped up to the podium, and the crowd hushed.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the organizer smiled, "thank you for joining us tonight. It's a remarkable occasion as we celebrate an exciting new chapter for both Pineapple Tech and our partners. Without further ado, please welcome the CEO of Pineapple Tech, Marcus Walker."

Applause filled the rooftop as Marcus Walker stepped forward, commanding the crowd's attention.

"Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight," he began. "It's an honor to stand here on this important evening for both companies. Pineapple Tech has always pushed boundaries, aiming to make a real difference. Tonight, we take this vision further by partnering with L&V Enterprises. It's my pleasure to introduce their CEO, Vanessa Hartley, whose vision inspires us all."

With that, Marcus extended his hand toward Vanessa as applause filled the rooftop.

Austin's heart stopped as he saw the CEO of L&V Enterprises approach the stage, escorted by two bodyguards. He instantly recognized her as the pretty woman he'd collided with earlier at the restaurant, the woman to whom he had given his shirt.

Austin's heart stopped for a bit. She is the CEO of L&V? Oh no! What an awkward way to stumble on a billionaire.

Before she began to speak, she also instantly met his gaze, and recognition sparked between them.

"Good evening," Vanessa began, shifting back to address the crowd. "At L&V Enterprises, we're committed to leading change. This partnership is about a shared vision—a future where we combine our strengths for solutions that impact lives.Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone."

The crowd was captivated as she concluded, "Thank you for joining us on this journey. I look forward to what we'll build together."

Applause erupted as she stepped back; Vanessa's gaze drifted back to Austin once more. He felt a spark ignite within him, an unspoken connection that made his pulse quicken. Vanessa's expression softened slightly, a hint of something more in her smile, before she turned to rejoin her team.

When the event wrapped up, Austin hesitated for a while to go speak with her, but he gathered his courage and approached her.

"Hi," he said with a smile. "I don't think we've formally met."

Austin Moore?" she replied. Austin could see that she clearly recognized him.

He chuckled. "Yeah, I didn't realize I'd bumped into someone so influential earlier. I'm a bit embarrassed about earlier—sorry."

"Nice to meet you, officially." She extended her hand.

"Oh, and…" She raised her hand, and one of her bodyguards handed her a package. "Thanks for the shirt," she said, passing it to him.

Austin took it, noting she was now wearing a different one now. "Thanks,"

She smirked, "And don't you owe me dinner?"

Austin froze, his mind racing in disbelief.

"I was about to get dinner before you ruined my dress and wasted my time."

"Right, of course!" Austin stammered as his heart raced; he'd accidentally ruined the dinner time of one of the most powerful businesswomen around. 

"But I don't have much; I hope I could buy you a meal that's not expensive." He pleaded.

"It's fine; I'll accept it," she replied. 

"There's a great Italian place nearby."

"That sounds perfect," she said. "I'll be in touch."

She gazed and smiled at him before turning and walking away.

Austin stood there, watching her leave."Was she genuinely interested in seeing him again, or what is all this he has just gotten himself into?" He thought in a haze of confusion and ecstasy.