“What if you don’t?” the old shareholder pressed on.
Larry sneered.
I’m afraid this bunch of wily old foxes don’t really care about the company’s future.
“If I’m unable to produce the expected result, I will resign,” Larry declared confidently. He had rediscovered the bold confidence that he used to have.
Within the meeting room, the attendees exchanged glances with each other. Some of them looked shocked while others were gloating in glee.
“Alright, now that you have vowed to do so, we will then judge the matter three months later,” the old shareholder declared loudly to a few others behind him as he closed the document on the desk.
Three months was hardly enough time to deal with such a complex matter, but Larry couldn’t delay it any further. He needed to take action at once to prevent the matter from escalating.
“How was it? Did they make things difficult for you?” Joan squeezed his hand.
“Everything is fine, don’t worry. They are not that ruthless as now is not the time to remove me.” Larry stroked Joan’s hair lightly.
Luckily, it turned our alright.
When Larry walked into the meeting room alone, her heart was pounding furiously, worried that something would happen to him. She knew that none of the shareholders were to be trifled with. Now that something as big as this had happened, they would not let Larry off easily.
Ring! Ring!
Her handphone suddenly rang.
When she checked to see who it was, she saw that it was Caspian. She hesitated for a moment but finally decided to answer.
“Joan, are you free today? I would like to treat you to a meal. It will only be the two of us.” Caspian was forthright in his question.
Suddenly, Joan’s eyes were filled with wariness. Caspian seldom asked anyone out for a meal, especially one where there would only be the two of them. It has to be about Nancy. Or else, I cannot think of any other reason for him to do so.
“Alright, send me the address. I’ll go over…” As she looked at Larry who was standing in front of her, her stance began to waver.
“Caspian asked me out for a meal. I suppose he wants to talk about Nancy.” Joan’s eyes were suddenly filled with sadness.
Given how much Caspian had helped her and Larry, there was no way she could lie to him. However, she had promised to let Nancy explain to Caspian herself. Hence, until that happened, she wasn’t allowed to tell him anything.
“Go ahead. You will have to think on your feet as you have made a promise to Nancy. Remember not to panic as it’s best to let them resolve the matter themselves.”
At the restaurant.
“Joan, over here!” Caspian waved at Joan when she entered the restaurant.
Quickly collecting herself, Joan walked toward Caspian with an awkward smile.
“Joan, please order whatever you like.” Caspian passed her the menu enthusiastically.
However, Joan could only stare at the menu he handed her as she didn’t dare make eye contact. After all, his gaze was filled with the trust he had for her and the devotion he had for Nancy.
“I’ll just have a coffee as I already had something with Larry earlier. Caspian, you seem pretty rich recently. After buying me a meal not too long ago, you invited me for another treat today…” Joan remarked on purpose as her hands were clasped together tightly as if she was trying to get rid of the anxiety she felt.
“Joan, actually, there’s something I want to ask you today.” Caspian scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Joan took a deep breath and stared right at him. She prepared herself for what was about to come. After all, there was no avoiding it.
“Joan, do you know about Jory?” Once the question escaped his mouth, Caspian’s eyes darkened.
Joan could sense that he was trying his best to suppress the emotions within him.
“Jory?” Joan murmured on purpose.
“That’s right. Jory. The one who has just returned to the country recently…” Caspian’s words seemed to be all over the place as he couldn’t wait to express what he wanted to say.
