?Chapter 581:


    Exiting Wesley’s office, Felix was immediately encircled by the curious nces of other secretaries, all itching to catch thetest whispers.


    “How did it go, Felix? Are we in the clear, or is it crisis mode—red or yellow alert?”


    “I need to get some documents signed by Wesley. If it’s a red alert, I wouldn’t dare step foot in there…”


    They employed a unique system to assess Wesley’s temperament, using color-coded alert levels. A red alert signaled that Wesley was especially on edge, a time when even minor errors were forbidden.


    Taking a moment, Felix inhaled sharply and put on a show of solemnity. “Well…” The tension in the air was palpable as Felix held the room in suspense before finally dering, “Today’s safe—alert’s down.”


    “Seriously? Wesley’s not fuming?”


    “Thank heavens, fortune smiles on us today!”


    With a softugh, Felix shook his head. Fortune alone didn’t make it happen—it was Elena’s quiet influence. Clearly, Elena had intervened in some way.


    At six in the evening, Wesley arrived at the dinner venue.


    The coboration between the Spencer Group and the Perkins Group had been personally orchestrated by Gerald, which exined Wesley’s presence there.


    The dinner table was set, but Lanny avoided discussing the coboration, instead pouring two sses of wine.


    “You know, Wesley, you’re quite the elusive one. I’ve moved mountains to share this meal with you, so we must celebrate properly,” Lanny dered, raising his ss with a flourish. “I’ll lead the way by finishing my ss first. If you don’t follow suit, I’ll take it as ack of respect.”


    With a swift motion, Lanny emptied his ss in one go.


    Felix made a move to drink for Wesley, but Lanny raised a hand to stop him.


    “This toast is between Wesley and me. Felix, you can’t drink for him,” Lanny said firmly, turning his ss upside down as proof of hispleted drink. “I’ve done my part. Wesley, you wouldn’t refuse to honor this simple courtesy, would you? After all, Gerald himself forged this coboration. Showing a bit of respect is the least you can do, unless you mean to disregard Gerald’s efforts.”


    It was well known that Lanny’s mother and Gerald’s wife were close friends. This rtionship had prompted Gerald to frequently favor the Perkins Group, leading to numerous coborations.


    Since taking the reins at the Perkins Group, Lanny had believed the projects Wesley offered were subpar in profitability and had his eyes set on a lucrative duty-free ind project, which Wesley had denied him.


    This refusal had sown seeds of resentment in Lanny, which he harbored to this day.


    Now, having the opportunity to witness Wesley potentially embarrass himself filled Lanny with vindictive satisfaction.


    Beside them, Felix was a bundle of nerves, his forehead beaded with sweat. He couldn’t believe Lanny’s audacity in addressing Wesley with such brazen disrespect. He was gripped by the fear that Wesley might lose control.


    At the same time, Theo, consumed with the thrill of toppling Wesley from his lofty position, could barely hold himself back. He intercepted Elena, his voiceced with urgency.


    “Elena, there’s still time to change your mind and choose—”


    Elena, her fingers wrapped tightly around a silver needle, met his gaze with steely indifference. “I dare you to repeat that.”


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