?Chapter 545:
“Why?” Bu inquired.
“It must be because the feud between Doomsday Base and Peridot Consortium is beyond reconciliation,” Connor borated. “Discovering ck Mallow’s identity won’t pave the way for negotiations. Why do you continue to pursue this?”
Bu mulled over Connor’s remarks and then nodded in silent agreement. He had long understood the gravity of the situation but clung to the hope that negotiation might solve the problem. Yet, neither side was inclined topromise.
After a brief pause, Bu exhaled deeply. “So, it’s inevitable that ck Mallow and rissa will be in a mortalbat, correct?”
Connor affirmed with a nod. Marissa’s behaviors had made this quite clear.
Then, he cast Bu a meaningful nce. Bu had just confided that he would stand with rissa should she and ck Mallow be thrust into mortalbat. Since Connor was Marissa’s partner, his allegiancey with ck Mallow, setting the stage for an eventual conflict between him and Bu.
Reflecting on this, Connor stood and made his way to the wine cab, selecting a bottle of fruit juice and filling two sses.
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“Your asthma acted up today, so alcohol is off the table. Let’s toast with this juice instead. Cheers!” he proposed.
For the time being, their bond remained strong, but it would sever once ck Mallow and rissa entered into conflict. Connor held no grudges against Bu; both were driven by the desire to protect those they cherished. There was no room for hatred. Still, he was resolved to keep ck Mallow safe from Bu and rissa’s reach.
Confused by Connor’s impromptu toast, Bu smiled wryly. “You’re making this sound like a farewell, buddy.”
Connor responded not with words but by swiftly drinking his juice, showing his empty ss to Bu as a sign of his earnestness. He then set down his ss, cautioning, “Take your time, Bu. Mind your asthma.”
Without overthinking, Bu took a leisurely sip of his juice,menting, “This is quite refreshing.”
Connor’s smile broadened. “Feel free to have more. We’ve shared many years of friendship, and this juice brings back memories of our camaraderie. It’ll be sad not to enjoy such moments in the future.”
Bu finally sensed something amiss and fixed Connor with a prating look. “Connor, is there something you need to tell me?”
“Yes, there is, but now is not the right time,” Connor admitted sharply.
He refilled his ss with fruit juice and raised it towards Bu. “Cheers.”
Bu nodded, sipping his juice quietly without pressing for more details. Though he detected an underlying tension, he chose not to push Connor for exnations. If Connor chose to share, he would; if not, Bu would wait.
After finishing his juice, Bu stood and announced his departure. “I must go now.”
Connor rose as well. “I’ll walk you out.”
This gesture surprised Bu; Connor had never before shown such formality. Typically, Bu woulde and go as he pleased, with little fanfare from Connor. But today, the offer to escort him out seemedden with unspoken words.
What could be altering their dynamic so significantly? Bu pondered but could not pinpoint the change. As they had shared past brushes with death, trivial issues had never threatened their bond, including business matters that concerned theirpanies’ interests.
Bu spected about what critical issue could be straining their rtionship now.
Though many questions lingered in Bu’s mind, he resolved not to press for answers if Connor was not ready to divulge them.
Their friendship would endure as long as unspoken tensions remained just that—unspoken. If their bond was to end, they would face that moment with courage when it arrived.
The two men exited Connor’s office, walking towards the elevator. Connor pressed the call button for Bu and watched silently as Bu stepped inside and the doors closed.
The fact that Marissa was the sessor of the King of Doomsday Base ced Connor in a difficult position because it involved a secret
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