Chapter 5
I spent two days in Seattle. Between sipping tea with Professor Huxley and completing onboarding paperwork, I also scouted a place to live near the company.
I had my assistant notify several business partners about my plans to move abroad and took the opportunity to thank them for their support over the years.
The house showed no signs of Serena’s presence, and everything seemed as usual. I changed the door lock code.
After a day of rest, my business partners started cat ___ able to refuse Lagreed
12:06 PM d
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After a day of rest, my business partners started calling, insisting on a farewell dinner. Unable to refuse, I agreed.
When I arrived, the door to the private room was slightly ajar, and I could hear Lucas and the partners chatting.
I hesitated, puzzled as to why a simple farewell dinner included Serena and Lucas.
After a brief pause, I walked in.
Lucas sat close to Serena in the seat of honor.
When she saw me, she glanced up and said, “Everyone here is a friend, so just sit wherever you like.”
“There were some misunderstandings during the last event. Now that everyone’s here, let’s clear the air.”
All eyes were on me. I didn’t speak, and the room fell silent.
Lucas’s smug expression radiated as he smirked at me.
I avoided sitting near them, pulling out a random chair and taking my seat.
Throughout dinner, Lucas raised his glass frequently, enthusiastically toasting the partners while boasting about the bright future of their newly signed deals.
He was clearly enjoying himself.
Meanwhile, my phone kept buzzing with messages from Serena.
“I need to make an announcement later. Just play along. Whatever concerns you have, we’ll talk about them at home.”
“You’ll see tonight that there’s nothing improper between Lucas and me. There’s nothing to hide.”
I read through her messages until the latest one popped up:
“Lucas will probably drink too much tonight. I might need to take him home afterward.‘
Raising an eyebrow, I responded with a curt, “Do as you like.”.
After a few rounds of drinks, Serena decided the time was right. She stood with Lucas, clinking glasses as she addressed the room.
“Starting today, Lucas Stone will be the new project manager for our company. He’ll be your primary point of contact moving forward. Please
take care of him.”
A business partner sitting closest to me raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Point of contact? For what? Ford Enterprises has already decided to pull out of Charleston, and we’ve made plans to withdraw as well. Who’s he supposed to work with?”
“What? Pull out of Charleston? Elias, you…”
Serena’s face turned pale as she whipped her head toward me.
I nodded calmly. “That’s right. I’m planning to move Ford Enterprises overseas.”
Serena’s eyes widened in shock, her expression frozen. “You’re moving Ford Enterprises abroad? What about me?”