?Chapter 167:


    “Elena!” Darren snapped, his expression twisting. He refused to believe the person on the other end of the call was actually Wesley, yet the throbbing in his temples betrayed his doubt. “The cooperation between the Spencer and Griffiths families has already been finalized. If this were really Wesley, I’d have already received an official notice of cancetion. But here I am, receiving nothing. You’re being ridiculous. Who do you think you’re fooling?”


    In the dimly lit study, Wesley reclined on the sofa, his long legs elegantly crossed, a half-smoked cigar dangling between his fingers with practiced nonchnce. With one hand gripping his phone, he responded with a casual “hmm” when the voice on the other end addressed him as “Mr. Spencer.” This marked the first time Elena had called him.


    Wesley deliberately ignored Gerald’s prating gaze, choosing to take the call directly in front of Gerald despite having ample opportunity to step out of the room.


    Gerald, despite nearing eighty, stillmanded an imposing presence. His gray hair and sharp eyesplemented the ornate cane he gripped. He maintained his lifelong habit of sitting ramrod straight. An immacte traditional suit hung perfectly on his frame, not a single crease marring its pristine surface.


    Seated behind the desk, Gerald wore a stern expression, traces of unresolved anger lingering from his previous conversation with Wesley.


    Wesley’s studied indifference clearly irritated Gerald, yet Gerald remained silent.


    The protégé Gerald had personally groomed had transformed into a formidable figure in his own right.


    Earlier, Gerald had suggested Wesley transfer a lucrative business project to Joseph. Wesley’s response was telling—he remained motionless, neither acknowledging nor refusing, and even took a call mid-conversation. Gerald understood this for what it was: an outright rejection.


    The ind project was Wesley’s own—secured through minimal risk and promising high profitability.


    Joseph had repeatedly lobbied Gerald for the opportunity, and Gerald, caring for both Wesley and Joseph, had contemted giving Joseph this chance. After all, thepany had already awarded Wesley several profitable ventures.


    Gerald sighed deeply, closing his eyes and waving a dismissive hand. “You may leave now.”


    Wesley took a final drag from his cigar, crushing the remnant into the ashtray before rising to depart.


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    As the sky darkened, a chilled night breeze whispered through the room. Elena had no way of knowing her call had arrived at precisely the right moment.


    After Elena finished speaking, Darren’s face turned livid.


    Malcolm raised his eyebrows, surprised by Elena’s bold move to call Wesley. Even he was intrigued to see if Wesley would cancel the coboration.


    A long silence stretched across the phone line, punctuated only by faint sounds of a deep voice and distant footsteps.


    Just as Elena anticipated Wesley might refuse, his maic, deep voice resonated through the call. “All right. It’s canceled. Can we still get what we need?”


    “I’ll find another way,” Elena responded firmly. “I won’t go back on my word.”


    The moment she hung up, Darren could barely contain himself. “Give me your phone! I don’t believe that was really Mr. Spencer.”


    Elena’s refusal was immediate and resolute. “Whether you believe it or not doesn’t matter.”


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