"You insisted on waiting." The receptionist leaned back in her chair. Her expression was completely indifferent."Nobody forced you to stay. You could have left and scheduled another appointment."Iris almost laughed from anger. Her fingers tightened around the proposal folder until her knuckles turned white."He personally agreed to this meeting." Her voice was icy. "I arrived on time. You told me he was busy. Then you left me waiting for more than two hours."Her eyes narrowed. "And now you're telling me he left an hour ago?"The receptionist merely shrugged. As if the entire matter had nothing to do with her. That attitude only made Iris angrier."Are you people playing games?"She had spent years building Raven & Radiance from nothing. She had negotiated with countless companies.She had faced rejection before. But she had never been treated with such blatant disrespect.Just then, a smug voice drifted across the lobby. "Why bother asking her?"A familiar figure walked over slowly

"Director Franklin, that's slander!"Iris immediately stepped forward and stood in front of Veyron. Her expression was cold."He never touched you. Yet you're accusing him of assault?"Franklin snorted. A look of arrogance appeared on his face. "Miss Blackwell, you're in no position to argue with me."He adjusted his suit and raised his chin. "If I say he assaulted me, then he assaulted me."His eyes were filled with contempt. "And who exactly would dare question my word?"Iris nearly exploded from anger. This man was simply too shameless."Director Franklin, you..."Before she could continue, several security guards advanced toward them.Their heavy footsteps echoed throughout the office. She instinctively grabbed Veyron's arm. A trace of worry appeared on her face."Veyron..." She lowered her voice. "What do we do now?"To her surprise, Veyron looked completely relaxed. As though the situation had nothing to do with him."Don't worry." His tone was calm as ever. "I'll handle it."Ir

The security guards immediately stopped. Everyone in the office turned toward the voice.Jonathan Pierce frowned as his gaze landed on Gregory."Gregory Whitmore." His expression turned cold. "What exactly do you mean by this?"Gregory smiled confidently, as though the situation was already under his control."President Pierce." He straightened his expensive suit before speaking leisurely. "Director Franklin is my friend. As long as I'm standing here today, no one is firing him."The atmosphere instantly became tense. Jonathan's face darkened."What arrogance."Meanwhile, Franklin hurriedly shook off the guards restraining him and scrambled to his feet. His face was filled with gratitude."Gregory..." He almost became emotional. "Thank you. I knew you wouldn't abandon me."A faint smile appeared on Veyron's lips. "Heh."The quiet chuckle immediately attracted everyone's attention.Gregory's expression darkened. "What are you laughing at?"Veyron looked at him as though he were looking

Gregory slowly climbed to his feet, one hand clutching his aching stomach while the other rubbed his swollen face.His eyes were filled with confusion and betrayal. He looked at Damian as though he were looking at a complete stranger."Big Brother..." His voice trembled. "Why did you hit me?"Damian's expression remained dark. The disappointment in his eyes was even more painful than the kick he had just delivered."Big Brother?" A cold smile appeared on his lips. "I don't have a brother who spends every day causing trouble for the family."Gregory froze. He couldn't understand. His elder brother had always protected him.No matter what mistakes he made growing up, Damian had never once laid a finger on him.Yet today... not only had Damian kicked him, he was now speaking to him like this in front of everyone.Damian slowly closed his eyes. A chill ran through him as Reginald's warning replayed in his mind.If Gregory failed to obtain that person's forgiveness... the Whitmore family w

Iris looked up at him and smiled. Under the warm candlelight, her already beautiful face seemed even more breathtaking. The soft glow reflected in her bright eyes, making her smile appear gentler than usual."Hehe. Nice try, but you think too highly of yourself, husband." Her smile gradually became mischievous. "Try harder.""Oh..." Veyron immediately looked disappointed.His expression was so pitiful that Iris almost burst into laughter. For a brief second, he looked exactly like an abandoned puppy."Don't give me that look." She couldn't help laughing. She shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You did a good job today."Although her expression remained composed, there was obvious appreciation in her voice."And even if you're not the Legendary Warlord..." She deliberately emphasized the title before smiling again. "...you still deserve some credit."Then she gestured elegantly around the restaurant. "So... This dinner is a small reward for all your hard work today.""Oh..