Angeline laughed, looking unaffected. "Granddad didn't tell me this would turn into a blind date! Mr. Hooper's apartment is right beneath mine now, so we have plenty of time to chat."She paused, then continued, "It seems that you're not interested in discussing if Steele Group had met its targets for last year and its plans for the upcoming year, Mr. Steele Senior."Fortunately, Lawson Global has met Mr. Lawson's lofty targets for the previous year. It's not something that we really need to brag about, though.""That sounds rather boastful, Ms. Lawson," Harrison forced through gritted teeth.Hiram hurriedly tried to ease the tension. "This is Ms. Lawson's first time attending this conference, so we're all unfamiliar with each other. I'm sure you'll see what she's capable of once you get to know her better, Mr. Harrison. How about we get down to business?""How am I boastful when I'm simply telling the truth?" Angeline's smile remained in place as she looked at Harrison, who
The younger members of the four most prominent families and the companies' senior executives were seated several tables away from the main table. Despite the distance, they all turned to look at the main table when Angeline stood up."What's the point of us gathering here, then? I don't think it's necessary for any of us at Lawson Global to attend this conference next year. Count us out," Angeline said.She turned to Nelson and Hiram. "Aside from the project we're already working on with Scott Incorporated, Lawson Global has four more critical projects lined up for next year. Mr. Lawson and I will meet with you at some other time to discuss the details."Then, she grabbed her bag and turned to leave, making it clear that she wasn't interested in playing games with them.Taylor, who was seated at the table designated for assistants, broke out in a cold sweat. He ran after her.He wondered about what was going on. Before attending the conference, he'd repeatedly reminded Angeline
After leaving the hotel, Angeline bid farewell to the senior executives who'd followed after her. Then, she got into the car and left.The senior executives got into their cars and immediately started making and receiving calls and texts from each other. They were all pressed to learn the reason why Angeline had up and left the conference just like that.Angeline called Asher after getting into the car. She gave him a quick rundown of the events that transpired. "I didn't think there was much point in remaining there, so I left."More importantly, she felt she had to clarify her position at her first meeting with the heads of Krontos' three other most prominent families.If she took Harrison's insults in stride and allowed him to push her around, everyone would take advantage of her in future business dealings.On the contrary, if she gave them the impression that she could storm out of a discussion if someone upset her, her prospective business partners would have to tread ligh
If Angeline had literally flipped the table on Harrison, who knew what would've become of her reputation? She would eventually become the leader of Lawson Global, after all.Her plan to have Robert invite only the Scotts and Hoopers over would already be enough to tell the Steele family that things would change, whether in terms of the conference or the four prominent families' status in Krontos.As Angeline had mentioned over the phone, there would always be more money to make. Friends and enemies wouldn't remain that way forever.Krontos' four most prominent families had only banded together to ensure they would always be at the top of the pyramid. It was a strategy to prevent any newcomers from overtaking them. It was also a way to keep the difference in social status clear."You've always been good at making things sound better than they are!" Robert stomped his walking cane. "Well, you've convinced me. Once the conference is over, call Nelson and Hiram for me. I'll invite
"Got it." Angeline took the container from Danny. "Thanks for this.""I don't see any injuries on you, though." He circled her."It's not for me." Danny didn't look like he was leaving any time soon, so Angeline said, "I won't invite you up. You can go home now.""What? No way! You can't be so cruel, boss! I came all the way here from the lab to bring this to you. Can't I even go up for a drink of water?" Danny widened his eyes. Then, they narrowed when something occurred to him. "Are you hiding a man up there?""As if." Angeline rolled her eyes at him and turned to leave.Danny followed her, asking cheekily, "You need this ointment for that man you're hiding in your apartment, don't you? C'mon, boss. We're good friends, aren't we? If you're dating someone, I need to give him my seal of approval!""Thanks, but no thanks." Angeline walked to the car. Lenny opened the door for her. Before getting in, she smiled at Danny and said, "I'll put in a good word for you w
Angeline looked at Sean with a hint of confusion. "That was your best opportunity to be free of the Lawson family. Why didn't you leave? Was it because you were worried about me? Or was it because of Lawson Global?""It's also because I told Mr. Lawson Senior I'd delay my return by another year. I want to wait until Lawson Global has steadied itself. There's still time before I need to go," Sean explained.He was worried Angeline would be in a challenging position if he were to leave without preparing Lawson Global as best as he could. If something were to happen to him so soon after Helen had been taken down, everyone would think Angeline had gotten rid of them because of their fight for the inheritance.Sean had decided against leaving at this juncture after considering the entire situation.Angeline fell deep into thought for a moment before pursing her lips and saying, "You should ask Brayden to come up here. I don't think you should delay this any longer. Take this opportuni
Sean felt conflicted, too. On one hand, he wanted Angeline to ask him to stay. On the other hand, he knew he couldn't give up on avenging his parents.He knew he was being unreasonable by forcing Angeline to prove her love for him like this. Perhaps it was because he simply wasn't sure if she was as crazy about him as he was about her.He stared into her eyes for a while longer before getting off her. Angeline sat up. When she saw Sean reaching for the cigarettes on the coffee table, she stopped him and brought his hand to her face. Then, she placed a hand on his uninjured shoulder and boldly sat on his lap.Sean wrapped his hands around her slender waist. His Adam's apple bobbed when he saw her red face."I want you to leave now so that you can return to me sooner than planned. It's not that I want you gone…" Angeline held his face and lightly pressed her lips to his.Her lashes fluttered when she saw his gaze darken. Their noses brushed against one another. She couldn't stop h
"Have a seat for now." Sean pulled out a chair for Brayden.Brayden pursed his lips, seemingly keeping his emotions at bay as he sat down. Soon, they started discussing Sean's plans to leave as they ate.Brayden was surprised to learn Angeline had talked Sean into using the accident to shed his identity as Sean Lawson. He'd thought she would cry while begging him to stay.Sean had left the hospital after the accident, so they could only use its aftereffects to cook up a story."We'll go with the second part of our original plan for this. I'll think of something for the medical records at the hospital. Meanwhile, I'll take you to our hospital tonight and arrange your sudden death."When questions are asked, I'll say you hit your head and had a brief moment of unconsciousness that you didn't tell the doctor about. So, your cause of death will be internal hemorrhage. Is that okay?" Brayden said."It's better to consult a doctor before proceeding with your plan. I'll head to the ol