Landon's words dropped a bomb in the meeting room. Face reddened, Preston slammed his hand on the table and bellowed, "Landon Harper, are you kicking me out? Are you fucking asleep? You were a baby when I was working alongside your grandpa!"The uncle and nephew finally had a fallout as there were no outsiders around."Landon, don't cross the line!" Cornelius chastised his grandson, whom he deemed insane. "I know what's in your mind. You're just trying to avenge Lauren!"At the end of the day, you're a Harper and the president of the Harper Group. Your dad had contributed to the company's success too. How can you answer Bill if you make a mess in the company?"Besides, your Uncle Preston did not do anything wrong. Lauren has mental issues. Are you sure you can take care of her forever after you married her? You don't have that patience; you can never do it! You should end your relationship now rather than regretting it in the future.""Grandpa, I have just one question for you." L
"Grandpa, I know you are an expert at weighing pros and cons. I have laid out my cards. Please take your time to consider your choice." After that, Landon slowly rose from his seat and rubbed out the cigarette on the tabletop."Stop!" Cornelius called out to Landon. In a shaking voice, he obliged, "I agree… I agree to your conditions!""Dad, I sacrificed so much for the Harper Group. How could you do this to me to protect yourself?" Preston's eyes bulged from surprise."That's enough. Don't flatter yourself." Shameful and enraged, Cornelius growled, "You and I know who's the one who made real sacrifices for Harper Group. It was Bill—Landon's dad—your brother!"Even without these scandalous photos, I have plans to kick you out anyway. Did you really think I was clueless about your crimes behind my back? I was merely turning a blind eye because I couldn't be bothered."I'll take the chance today to get rid of a thorn in my side. You do not have to report to work at Harper Group anym
Alyssa felt her chest tighten. She motioned at Sean to come over before pressing Silas, "Are you sure?""Mayor Hodgson has always been prudent. He won't make things public unless it's been confirmed. That's how he managed to enjoy a smooth political career." Silas' tone took a turn. "That's why I believe the news is true. Lyse, is this an arranged marriage? Is Lauren willing to marry a man she doesn't love? Will she be happy?"The idea of Lauren agreeing to it was preposterous. Something was fishy."Grandpa and Javier aren't satisfied with Landon, but they hate Harper Group even more. Even so, Lauren shouldn't marry Freddy Hodgson!""Lyse, do you know Mayor Hodgson's son?"Lyse cracked her fingers angrily. "You can tell he's not a good egg just by looking at that bastard's face."Silas and Sean grew speechless."Anyway, thanks for giving me the huge update. I'll make your favorite beef Wellington when I'm back home."After the call, Alyssa took a few deep breaths to gather hers
After the meeting, Javier and Jasper headed toward the entrance of the Beckett Group building with their secretaries under the protection of their security guards.A father and son were supposed to be close, but the two of them behaved like strangers, not speaking to each other on the trip."Come with me to Southsmire on my private jet later. I've invited Darren Daneman for golf tomorrow morning, and I have a business cocktail party in the afternoon. These events will play a huge role in our future expansion and project launches in Southsmire."Jasper was about to reply, but he was interrupted by a jarring honking. A Rolls Royce with the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot on its bonnet came to a stop in front of Jasper and Javier.Jasper squinted at the car as his heart raced. When the car door opened, Javier heard a melodious voice from within, even though he couldn't make out the figure seated in it. "Mr. Javier, you don't mind me picking up Jasper from work, do you?"Javier's breathing
Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa's expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest."Lyse, be gentle. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.Sean, who was in the driver's seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh."Jasper, I have a question for you." She poked his chest and asked angrily, "Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?"His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, "Lyse, how did you hear about it?""How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!" Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas' update to Jasper."Damn it!" Enraged, he punched the car window. "By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage.""They're being delusional. What era are we in now? They can't possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!" Clenching her jaw, she said, "If
A look of shock flashed across Amber's eyes. She stated, "According to the rules, The Millennium does not take in customers without a reservation.""But Mr. Moses just called. He would like us to host Mr. Landon." The subordinate lowered his voice. "Not only that, Mr. Moses would want you to monitor Mr. Landon's movements tonight. Make a copy of the security footage as evidence if anything unusual occurs."Amber, who had served Jameson for many years, instantly understood his intentions. She coldly replied, "Got it."She shifted her attention back to the screen after the subordinate left. She watched as Landon's car entered the underground parking, followed by his entourage of luxury cars.Oddly, the cars came to a stop in the darkness without taking further action. Despite that, Amber had a feeling that their inactivity was merely the calm before the storm.…At the same time, Preston's bodyguards assisted him into the underground parking because he was too drunk to walk straigh
"Fine. Let's have a discussion, then." With a flat expression, Landon instructed, "Jordan, get the document.""Sure, Mr. Landon." Jordan grabbed the share transfer agreement from his bag and handed it to Preston. "Mr. Preston, please sign the agreement."Glaring at the writing, Preston could no longer humble himself. Punching the ground, he growled, "Landon Harper, you're looting a burning house! This is daylight robbery!""Yes. So what?" A grin played on Landon's lips, but his eyes remained impassive. The duality of him sent a chill down Preston's spine. Landon added, "This is nothing compared to what you've done to Lauren. Anyway, I'll try my best to catch up to you. The younger generation has to do better, don't you think?"Preston scowled, and the corners of his lips twitched. He could not possibly sign the agreement, as that would mean a complete separation from the Harper Group. Without any shares to his name, he would not stand a chance of making a comeback. It was a fate
On their way back, Jordan was in charge of driving while Angelina sat in the front passenger seat. Keeping Landon company, she said to him, "Mr. Landon, we need to keep our guard up for the time being. "Jameson Schmidt is the owner of The Millennium, and he'll definitely catch wind of what happened tonight at his clubhouse. I'm worried he might use your action against Preston tonight to stab you in the back.""Whatever. He's just a paper tiger." His tone was sharp and arrogant as ever. He rasped, "I've gotten what I wanted anyway. Preston's man hurt you in the leg, so I took his arm. We're even now. As for the rest, I don't fucking care.""Mr. Landon, thank you for getting back at him on my behalf." Angelina's eyes grew misty. Choking, it took her a while to speak. "But I hope this will be the last time. I will avenge myself in the future. I do not want you to get into trouble over someone like me."He pursed his lips and fell silent."Mr. Landon, would you like to head home?" Jo