In the Lap of Luxury

Raymond nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.

He turned to Jake, who had been quietly listening. "Grace is the apple of the Lewises' eyes. She's like a half-sister to you. You'll have a chance to meet her in the future."

"I know. I met her last time. She's indeed different. Xander is really lucky," Jake said with a half-smile. "It's worth it for him to give up work for her."

Xander remained silent, narrowing his eyes.

"You should thank Jake. If he hadn't been mediating with the committee these days, they would have asked for you to be impeached.

"As a president, how can you leave the company without any news for a week?" Raymond scolded.

"Yes, I should thank Jake," Xander said without arguing. "Anyway, I left Hazel at the company to handle the work."

"You're the president of this company. If you don't approve those projects and funds, would your employees dare to start working?" Raymond was genuinely angry.

Jake interjected, "Dad, don't get worked up. Xander is back now. The future of the company still depends on him."

"I already know about Aether Group's project. Jake is willing to take the blame and go to Pamore to oversee the project."

Xander released his hand from sharpening the charcoal pencil at those words. "Oh? Seeming that Jake is willing to sacrifice himself like this, it seems I'm a bit ignorant as his brother."

Jake maintained his smile. "It was my fault. Dad has already scolded me. Going to Pamore is nothing. I just hope you won't hold it against me, Xander."

Xander pulled out a tissue and wiped away the charcoal stain on his hand.

"Why would I hold it against you? I'm lucky to have a selfless and thoughtful brother like you."

Seemingly unable to resist, Jake laughed. "I'll ensure Aether Group's project is a success."

Next to Raymond, Xander wore an inscrutable expression.

"You can leave now. I'll have Xander help me frame up this piece," Raymond said.

Sensibly, Jake turned and left the office, closing the door behind him.

"Why didn't you make me revoke the order?" Raymond scrutinized Xander.

"You've already made up your mind. I believe you have your reasons. I don't need to say much."

Seeing how compliant and calm Xander was naturally eased Raymond's heart. "Come here."

Xander approached him. The pastel paper depicted a drawing of an authoritative commander leading an army.

"Now that you've decided to return to Fulton Group, you can't waver because of a woman. Jake is capable.

"If you make a mistake, those directors can immediately oust you. Do you think he has been idling around for the past two years?" Xander stared at the drawing.

"He orchestrated the plan to send

me to Pamore, aiming to

monopolize power. Now, to please you, he's taken the hit for me. His

motives are clear."

"What's wrong with being clear? Clarity and execution are what I want from my son and the president of Fulton Group."

Raymond tapped the table with his

fingers. "You haven't been in your right mind lately. If it's true love, you don't have to be constantly

love

together."

Xander frowned.

"Don't go to Pamore anymore. Stay here. I want to see what Jake can achieve."

Raymond's words held a hint of admiration. Clearly, he was satisfied with Jake's determination to return despite his injuries.

After Raymond left, Hazel knocked

on the door and entered cautiously. "Mr. Fulton, why didn't you insist? The Aether Group project was originally set up for our own use."