The Bennett Villa buzzed with laughter. For the first time in weeks, Elaine Bennett looked completely relaxed.She personally poured Adrian Cole a cup of tea: "Mr. Cole, you really didn't have to bring such expensive gifts."Adrian smiled politely."They're only small tokens of respect."Elaine laughed happily: "This young man has manners."Several relatives quickly agreed with smiles clinging to their cheeks. They couldn't help but express their thoughts:"If only Serena had met Mr. Cole years ago.""He's a hundred times better than Asher."Once again, the room was laced with laughter.Only Serena remained silent. She noticed Adrian was almost too perfect with his words, smiles, and gestures, like he was hiding his flaws, as though he had practiced them.She still didn't know how her mother had encountered Adrian before the dinner.Across the room, Lily quietly held the paper bag Ashe

The next morning, the headlines hit from dawn.[Bennett Group Secures Historic Partnership]Employees cheered throughout the building, their voices echoing with excitement and praise. The gripping fear of getting laid off seemed off the table.Champagne bottles were opened as the celebration found its way back to the building. Elaine Bennett couldn't stop smiling; she hadn't been prouder of herself."I knew bringing Adrian here was the best decision I've ever made!"The conference room roared in applause. Adrian stood quietly at the end of the table and accepted every compliment with humble gratitude."It was only a team effort."The directors admired him even more for his modesty and acknowledgement. What none of them noticed was the tiny smile hidden in his eyes.Everything was happening exactly as planned.Apparently, a few moments later, Victor placed the morning newspaper on Asher's desk.

Rain poured over the Northern region and Eastern port; the atmosphere was still cheerful in Bennett Group, with employees lining the hallway.Flowers decorated the lobby, with a large banner hung above the entrance, boldly written.[Welcome, Mr. Adrian Cole]Elaine breathed in relief and looked around proudly. "This is the future of Bennett Group. It's the best time to be alive."The staff applauded with wide smiles.Adrian kept to the script and smiled modestly. "You've all worked very hard. You all should be proud of yourselves."That simple sentence continually won everyone's hearts.One young employee whispered,"Mr. Cole remembers everyone's names. He sees through our efforts and struggles. What a man."Another nodded. "He's nothing like Mr. River, who got disgraced in the armed forces."Every staff member who overheard the words nodded in agreement. Adrian hasn't been with them for a long

After over two hours, the rain finally stopped at the brink of morning in Eastern port.Victor entered Asher's office carrying a thin folder. He had been on a steady communication team for extracting information.Little wonder, the old General trusted him to work for Asher, given the fact that his identity must be protected."Our people traced yesterday's shipping disruption." He informed Asher while still holding onto the folder.Asher readjusted on his seat. Victor placed a faded map on the desk."The routes weren't modern. They were military supply routes."Asher studied the map for several quiet seconds. "How many people would know them?"Victor answered immediately."Very few, and most are retired." He hesitated. "Or even dead before now."Silence crept into the office."Young Heir, this doesn't look random."Asher nodded in alignment. "It seemed so."Asher’s eyes were st

Bennett Group seemed to have recovered quickly from the investigation surrounding Northbridge Logistics.Employees once again filled the lobby with laughter as the tension gradually softened.Elaine Bennett walked through the entrance with confidence once again. The staff members welcomed her with a warm appearance, as some hailed her as the best madam of the year.Her eyes glanced through the boardroom. "I told everyone Adrian would handle it."Several shareholders nodded in agreement. "As expected of Mr. Cole. He never disappoints."Elaine was the only one calming the nerves of the shareholders in fear Bennett Group’s investigation would affect business for them. However, she kept reminding them to have trust in Adrian rather than panic.Adrian simply smiled. He accepted every compliment without saying much, but inwardly, his mind was already planning the next move.Victor entered Asher's office carrying breakfast. "Yo