He gulps down nothing frustratedly, his throat tight with anticipation and anxiety. He reaches into his trouser pocket and carefully retrieves his phone, fingers trembling slightly as he dials Claire's number. The phone rings once, then, to his relief, she answers. "Hi Ethan," her voice sounds surprised, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Ignoring the question, he cuts to the chase, his tone authoritative and commanding. "Meet me at the usual spot.""What do you mean? You didn't even bother to reply to my pleasantries, and now you suddenly want to see me just like that," she lets out, her voice laced with a mix of confusion and frustration. He clenches his teeth together, feeling the anger rise within him. "I can't say this to you on the phone. Let's meet in person. I'll be waiting for you," he orders, his tone uncompromising and forceful."You sound so serious right now," she responds, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and defensiveness. "But, as I mentioned before, I

There was an undeniable tension in the air as she confronted him, her anger evident and simmering just beneath the surface. The room seemed to grow quieter, the silence amplifying the intensity of their exchange. Her voice rang out, filled with a mixture of frustration and disgust. "And why do you think I will want to touch you? You stink to me, you know," she asserted, her words cutting through the space between them like a knife. The weight of her disapproval hung heavy in the room, charging the atmosphere.His reaction was different, a hint of skepticism creeping into his face as he listened to her seethe with righteous anger. A smirk played at the corners of his lips, as if he found amusement in her indignation. The lines of his face crinkled with a certain arrogance, as though he believed himself immune to the consequences of his actions. For a brief moment, their eyes locked in a battle of wills, a silent exchange that spoke volumes.With a tone dripping in sarcasm, he responded

The shareholders meeting was in full swing, an air of tension and frustration palpable among those in attendance. With the crisis looming over their heads, the potential impact on their market society was a cause for concern.In the midst of the heated discussion, Grandpa Richard, a figure of authority, cleared his throat, commanding attention. The room hushed, all eyes turning towards him, curiosity etched on each face. It was clear that his words held weight, as the shareholders eagerly awaited his solution."I understand how this makes you feel," he began, his voice steady and commanding. The acknowledgment of their collective emotions sent a ripple of surprise through the room. It was a rare moment of empathy in a business setting, and the shareholders exchanged curious glances, wondering what he had in store.Before their incredulous eyes, he declared, "So, I had someone that could help, and bring a solution to the situation on the ground." The mere mention of an outsider coming

"Hmm, that's interesting," Grandpa Richard remarked, his tone pensive, as he took a moment to acknowledge the delight he felt in the newly discovered beauty of his office. However, mindful of his responsibilities, he quickly refocused his attention on the business at hand.With a determined stride, he made his way back towards his seat, his mind already shifting gears. "Inform Kingsley to meet me soon and give me a report about the media office," he ordered, his voice punctuated with a sense of urgency. The gravity of the situation demanded swift action, and he wanted to be fully informed before making any further decisions.Adriana, ever attentive and efficient, nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright, sir," she replied respectfully, bowing her head slightly before gracefully exiting the office. Her swift departure signaled her commitment to fulfilling the tasks entrusted to her.As Grandpa Richard settled into his seat, his thoughts drifted backward, reflecting on the accomplishments and

Amusement danced in Uncle Raymond's eyes as he chuckled softly, shaking his head in response. "No, Ethan, I don't require any assistance at the moment. I've purposefully chosen to keep a low profile. We must remain cautious, as our enemies are still lurking in the shadows. That should be our primary focus for now."As Uncle Raymond deftly opened a bottle of wine, the sound of the cork being released filled the room with a soft pop. Ethan listened attentively, eager for information about their acquaintances. "Speaking of which, were you able to bring Kingsley to our side? And what about Uncle Richard? Has he received the necessary treatment? I feel as if I have missed so much," Ethan confessed, sincerity evident in his eyes.Ethan's gaze remained locked onto his uncle, his expressive eyes showcasing a potent blend of concern and unwavering determination. The weight of their mission, the gravity of their task, only seemed to intensify within the depths of his soul."I managed to sway Ki