?Chapter 1614:


    The following morning at Briggs Group headquarters, William sat at his desk while Merrick from the project development team delivered the month’s progress summary. After several minutes, William interrupted abruptly. “What’s your name?”


    The question caught Merrick visibly off guard. “Mr. Briggs, my name is Merrick. I joined thepany two months ago and recentlypleted my probationary period.”


    A rtively new employee, then — and one performing with remarkable capability in a short timeframe.


    William nodded slowly. “What’s your assessment of Briggs Group?”


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    Confusion flickered across Merrick’s features, but he responded with appropriate deference. “Thepany culture is exceptional, and my supervisors have provided tremendous support. I genuinely enjoy working here and hope to build a long-term career with thepany.”


    Throughout Merrick’s answer, William’s gaze never wavered from his face, his attention so focused it suggested every syble carried significance.


    Merrick concluded his formal report before adding with a confident smile, “Mr. Briggs, Carson’s delegation arrives in Choria tomorrow. I’ve coordinated airport transportation and hotel amodations. Assuming everything proceeds smoothly, we’ll execute the contract Friday.”


    William offered a curt nod. “Well done.”


    The Carson partnership represented one of the most strategically significant deals Briggs Group had pursued in recent quarters. Carson wielded considerable influence in international markets, and securing this alliance would substantially diminish the threat Arlo currently posed to William’s operations. Fortunately, William had encountered Carson at several international conferences previously, which meant this visit served primarily as a formality — the contract signing was virtually guaranteed.


    The moment Merrick departed, Luca entered through the office door and extended a folder toward William. “Mr. Briggs, here’s theplete background investigation on Merrick. ording to our findings, he has an impable record — graduated from a top-tier university and received offers from multiple prestigious firms before epting our position.”


    William took the folder and scrutinized its contents meticulously, reviewing key sections more than once.


    Merrick was very young — fresh out of university — yet he had already secured a position at Briggs Group, a fact that, to outsiders, suggested remarkable ability. William, however, had no memory of ever hiring someone by that name.


    He narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone turning measured. “When did he join thepany?”


    “It was after someone from the project department resigned to get married, which left an opening,” Luca exined. “Merrick saw the posting and applied.” His background was spotless, with nothing suspicious to note. It had simply been a matter of timing — he applied just as Briggs Group needed someone. At the time, William hadn’t been deeply involved inpany operations, leaving the hiring process entirely to HR. It made sense that Merrick had left no impression on him.


    William closed the file and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Understood. Arrange a meeting with Carson and notify the project department to prepare their proposal. This project cannot fail.”


    Luca inclined his head. “Understood, Mr. Briggs.” He remained where he was, waiting to see if there were further instructions.


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