Chapter 3

For nostalgia's sake, I brought this to attention. I remarked, "I've examined this agreement previously. The partner's credentials are extremely dubious. They're a glaring warning sign. If we hurry into this investment, we might lose everything."

I hesitated, somewhat astonished. "Atlas's managing this, isn't he? Didn't he perform any background checks?"

Atlas's eyes instantly filled with tears. "Brent, if you've got an issue with me, just tell me directly! You don't need to defame me like this!"

Mabel's heart broke at the sight of Atlas nearly crying. "Oh, don't weep! I trust you!" she declared.

Facing me, she angrily questioned, "Atlas's been working tirelessly on this contract for three nights in a row! I've witnessed it myself. He's committed to this company. Why would he deceive me?"

"But you," she went on, her tone escalating, "you keep harassing Atlas! You're exploiting your experience to intimidate a newcomer. How can you sleep at night? Say sorry to Atlas right now!"

At this, Atlas dabbed his eye and tugged Mabel's sleeve. "Ms. Allen, please don't criticize Brent. I'm certain he's just worried, that's all. Don't be upset. It's fine. I can handle it."

Mabel immediately mellowed and reassured him. She not only inked the contract on the spot but also motivated him with a pledge. "Once this project concludes," she announced, "I'll gift you a car, so you won't have to cram onto the bus daily."

I shook my head and left.

Since Mabel favored Atlas so much, she'd have to face the repercussions.

Noticing no sign of an apology from me, Mabel was stunned.

Previously, I would have been begging for her forgiveness. What had come over me?

She clenched her jaw and shouted, "Alright! Leave! And don't return!"

As I entered the elevator, I overheard Atlas murmur, "Ms. Allen, Brent just acted rashly. You should follow him and calm him down."

Mabel's voice was icy. "Calm him down? He lacks skills and connections. Which company would want him after he leaves me? He'll be back, pleading, in a few days!"

I grinned. Mabel, the Brent who only had eyes for you was gone for good.

The following day, Eric Moira, the leader of the family branch company, requested to meet me at a downtown eatery.

I arrived prepared, having developed unique perspectives in various fields.

After our discussion, Eric was amazed. "Mr. Atticus, with such abilities, why would you settle for a small company?"

I gave a self-mocking chuckle.

"Guess I had water on the brain back then. It's all evaporated now."

Eric laughed and wisely avoided the topic of my past. Instead, he produced a substantial pile of papers and handed them to me.

"Sir Atticus is planning to organize an investment seminar at the branch office. The information has already leaked, and you, young heir, will be in charge of the specifics."

I understood. It was my dad clearing the path for me.

"Alright, gather all the names and forward them to me."

When Atlas and I exited the private room, we unexpectedly encountered two familiar faces in the lobby.

Mabel and Atlas were seated together, chatting and smiling, looking every bit like a content couple.

Mabel spotted me, and her expression turned somewhat uneasy.

Before I could speak, she started explaining as if she felt guilty. "Don't misunderstand. We were just discussing the partnership with the Atticus Group next month."

I gave her a slight smile. "You don't need to justify yourself to me. It's business, I get it."

Atlas seized the moment to add, "Ms. Allen has been laboring day and night for this collaboration with the Atticus Group. She's nearly worn herself out. That's why I reserved this nutritious meal here, to help Ms. Allen look after her health."

Mabel's fondness for Atlas grew even stronger upon hearing this.

"Atlas, you're so considerate, unlike some people who abandon ship at critical moments and wound my heart."

Atlas snuggled into Mabel's embrace. "Of course, didn't I vow to be Ms. Allen's most obedient kitten? Meow!"

Atlas even deliberately mimicked a cat's meow.

His intentionally high-pitched voice made my skin crawl and even made me feel slightly queasy.

But Mabel adored it, affectionately stroking Atlas's hair. "Good boy, what an affectionate kitten."