Chapter 9

"Isn't that right, Mr. Blackwood... uh, Mr. Blackwood?" a short bald man with a chubby face inquired.

"Hmm? Pardon?"

"I said it would be a pleasure working with you on this huge project."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Patterson."

"You've been awfully distracted these past few days. Is there something on your mind?"

"No... no, it's just that—"

"Oh, let the young man be, Edward," said another short bald man who looked identical to Edward. "Didn't you hear that he's married now? He must be bummed that he has to be away from his wife because of us."

"Ohh, you're right, Eric. I almost forgot about that. Congratulations on your marriage, son. I can't wait to meet the woman who managed to tame you," Edward said with a smirk. "Bring her along next time, okay?"

"That's fine by me, Mr. Patterson," Julian said with his best impression of a fake smile. The Pattersons were twin businessmen who were widely influential, and after Julian abruptly left their meeting the other day, he'd been looking f