?Chapter 1515:


    Lance had discovered several days earlier that Marc had managed to alienate Hanson.


    He couldn’t fathom how Marc had proven himself so ipetent, failing to secure even a single partnership. Marc hadn’t even taken the elementary step of researching Hanson’s preferences or sensitivities before entering negotiations.


    The fact that this man had once constructed the Walsh Group from nothing seemed almost impossible to believe.


    Marc erupted intoughter as though someone had delivered the universe’s cruelest punchline, moisture spilling down his cheeks unchecked.


    “Our wedding ended in disaster. The entire city is mocking me behind my back. She’s living under William’s roof now. For all I know, their old me has already reignited. Why should I subject myself to further humiliation?”


    Self-derision saturated every word.


    Staring at the pathetic shell of a man before him, Lance’s disappointment crested. His fist shot forward, connecting solidly with Marc’s face. “Fabricate whatever justifications you need for your cowardice, but never insult my sister again. My sister possesses the courage to love fiercely and hate equally—unlike spineless cowards like you!”


    He rose to his feet, smoothing down his suit jacket as his voice regained itsposure. “Since you’ve proven yourself useless, I’ll take matters into my own hands. From this moment forward, we have no reason to maintain contact. Even if Ste gains her freedom someday, you and she will share no future together.”


    Marc went rigid. “What are you implying? What are you nning?”


    Lance offered no answer. He simply studied Marc with a prating stare before turning and exiting the establishment.


    Remaining in this pathetic ce for another heartbeat would constitute pure waste.


    The following afternoon found Lance standing before the Briggs Group headquarters.


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    He made his request to see William. The receptionist maintained her professional smile. “Sir, do you have a scheduled appointment? Without one, I’m afraid meeting Mr. Briggs won’t be possible.”


    Lance had anticipated this obstacle. He extracted his phone and ced a call.


    Several minutes psed before Luca emerged from the private elevator, gesturing for Lance to follow him toward the upper floors.


    Once the elevator doors sealed them inside, Luca cast a sidelong nce at Lance. “Mr. Carter, I believe… you’d be better served not proceeding with this meeting.”


    His employer had taken up residence in the office over the past several days, and his temperament had grown vtile once more.


    Lance’s visit could easily spiral into disaster.


    Lance directed an expressionless stare at him. Recognizing that Luca held merely an assistant’s position, he saw no point in debate. His reply came out clipped and frigid. “That doesn’t concern you.”


    William’s office maintained its characteristic coldness and stark minimalism. He upied the chair behind his imposing desk, absorbed in reviewing documents, never bothering to raise his head as Lance entered.


    Lance positioned himself before the desk, his voice dropping low. “William, we need to have a conversation.”


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