Chapter 32
- om. tension mounted as Nathan failed to retur.
In the conference room.
Logan went downstairs, only to find Nathan brooding near the fountain. Approaching cautiously, he inquired, “Mr. Howell, about the acquisition…”
Before he could finish his words, Nathan suddenly jumped into the fountain.
Logan rushed to the fountain edge and questioned nervously, “Mr. Howell, what are you…
The fountain pool was only waist–high, with the water sparkling under the sun. It had rained earlier, and the air was filled with a damp smell of earth.
Nathan crouched down, rummaging through the pool of the fountain.
Logan asked carefully, “Mr. Howell, what are you looking for? Do you need a hand?”
Seemingly oblivious to Logan’s question, Nathan continued to probe at the fountain’s base.
Concern flitted across Logan’s mind, knowing Nathan bore an unhealed shoulder wound. He refrained from questioning Nathan about the injury, recalling how he had observed Phillip tending to it earlier in the day. Phillip had emphasized the need to keep the wound dry to prevent infection and any worsening of Nathan’s condition. The fountain water was hardly ideal for maintaining hygiene standards. If the wound got infected….
Logan had never seen Nathan, a man of few words, in such a state. It was evident that Nathan looking for something, a task typically delegated to Logan. If not Logan, there were several other assistants available to assist. Mobilizing them would surely unearth whatever Nathan sought. ‘So why did Nathan venture into the fountain by himself? What could prompt him to take matters into his own hands?‘
Logan stood and watched uneasily before asking, “Mr. Howell, just tell me what you’re looking for.”
Nathan was silent, leaving Logan worried yet unable to do anything.
Josiah was still in the conference room, so Cassidy made herself a cup of coffee and sat in his office. She went to the window, looked down, and saw someone standing in the fountain. She fixed her eyes and vaguely recognized it was Nathan. Her grip holding the coffee cup stiffened as she wondered, ‘What is he doing? Didn’t the ring fall into the fountain? Is he…
Suddenly, Cassidy was jolted back into her senses, feeling ironic as she thought, ‘Would Nathan, the noblest and most exceptional man in everyone’s eyes, deign to step into the fountain for a ring one day?”
She leaned lazily in front of the floor–to–ceiling window, picked up her coffee casually, took a sip, and looked at that figure coldly, musing. ‘He’s fishing for the ring? What’s that going to help with? I don’t want it. Moreover, Saunders Group’s fountain is bigger and deeper than most. How long will it take if he goes at it alone?‘
Cassidy thought Nathan would give up soon. But as the scorching sun blazed down, Nathan still groped in the fountain. It didn’t seem like he wanted to give up.
More and more people gathered around the fountain. Soon, everyone from Howell Group was here, eager to assist but hesitant to act without Nathan’s guidance, unsure of what lay beneath the water’s surface.
“Cassidy?” Josiah suddenly entered the office.
Startled, Cassidy closed the blinds and walked towards him with a smile. “Josiah, what did Cypress Corporation say? Are they still determined to buy Saunders Group?”
They all left the office halfway. I’m not sure what the result is, as Cypress Corporation hasn’t said a word about it,” explained Josiah
Cassidy apologized, “I’m sorry, Saunders Group almost got dragged down because of me. But don’t worry. I won’t let them hurt Saunders Group.”
Josiah held her, sighing. “Cassidy, shouldn’t I be the one to apologize? If Saunders Group were as influential as Howell Group, this situation wouldn’t have arisen. Rest assured, as long as Nathan doesn’t interfere with you, I’ll handle everything. I can manage. Don’t fret
Chapter 32
Cassidy smiled. “How can I not worry? Knowing Cypress Corporation is eyeing Saunders Group, I can’t just idly stand by.” Josiah chuckled ironically. “If I can’t safeguard Saunders Group, how can I protect you?”
Resolute in his thoughts, he contemplated, I wouldn’t have resorted to concealing Cassidy five years ago if Saunders Group had been potent enough. Instead, I would have simply taken her from Nathan. The harsh reality is, be it then or now, I can’t contend with Howell Group. Nevertheless, I’m unafraid of Howell Group or Nathan. I will propose to Cassidy. To outsiders, the Saunders family may seem superior, but I know I’m the one unworthy of her. I strive to become a man deserving of her love.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Cassidy pushed Josiah away as he turned around and asked, “What is it?”
“Mr. Saunders, Cypress Corporation canceled the acquisition,” said the person.
“Canceled?” Josiah looked at Cassidy in puzzlement, wondering, ‘She asked Nathan out just now. So what on earth did she say to Nathan to cancel the acquisition?”
“Cassidy, you and Nathan…” He was worried Cassidy had agreed to Nathan’s terms.
“I just chucked the engagement ring in his face,” Cassidy smirked. “Remember when you asked me why I still had that thing?”
“Cassidy. Josiah was stunned. He never expected her to actually toss the ring away. To him, it meant she was dead set on cutting ties with Nathan. This time, Nathan’s definitely going to back off completely; he thought, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.
“Mr. Saunders, the board needs you in the conference room,” voiced his assistant, who was still there.
“I see. I’ll be there in a sec. Let them know I’m on my way,” Josiah replied.
“Sure thing,” the assistant said.
Josiah said to Cassidy, I’m going to the conference room. Lunch might be delayed. You hungry?”
“Not yet. Go on ahead. I’ll hold down the fort, Cassidy answered.
“Alright,” Josiah said, planting a light kiss on her forehead before dashing off.
Cassidy sat on the couch for a while, inexplicably upset. She stood up again, went to the window, lifted the blinds, and looked downstairs. There was no one by the fountain pool. ‘Hmph! Looks like he’s given up!’ she sneered in her heart.
SEND GIFT
