Chairman Alvord was more desperate than ever. He was running out of time.

Death loomed closer and closer, just waiting to swing the scythe over his neck.

If he couldn't get Nathaniel Faulkner as a new investor before this coming Friday, the board would finally sack him. Not even his loyal followers could help him anymore.

Even now, they had been delaying this matter for ages. Their patience was stretched tautly thin. But nothing had been going according to his plans.

'Screw everything!'

Spinning on his heels, Chairman Alvord threw himself on the couch in the seating area. He gnashed his teeth, more lines of fury etched on his face.

Tapping one foot on the floor in agitation, he dug his fingers into the armrest, veins bulging. The blaze of fury fully enveloped his heart.

Felicia and Ruediger remained unwavering, obviously not falling under his tricks. In fact, they rose unscathed. The former's company only suffered minor losses.

At the same time, Vincent hadn't proven himself to be useful. Chairman Alvord caught no sight of his younger son since last week.

Vincent had been staying away from this manor, certainly doing nothing beneficial for the company. He couldn't even guilt his elder brother to do their bidding.

Chairman Alvord slammed the armrest with a tightly clenched fist, more infuriated than ever.

What else could he do?

What other trick could he resort to?

Ring! Ring!

The sudden shrill ringing of his phone snapped Chairman Alvord out of his enraged trance. He snatched it from the pocket of his cardigan, eyes narrowing at the name blinking across the screen.

"George?"

George Armand, one of the shareholders remained on his side when the scandal erupted. He was also the one who managed to deter the ungrateful shareholders from quickly sacking him from his position.

If not for George's smooth tongue and clever tricks, Chairman Alvord would have been kicked out at the beginning of the scandal exposure.

After he accepted the call, Chairman Alvord pressed the phone to his ear, "George."

"Chairman," George's voice was cool but tinged with excitement, a contrast to Chairman Alvord's frosty cold one, "Sorry for calling you on the weekend. I have good news! I believe we've made a breakthrough."

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Chairman Alvord lifted his brows, half-curious and half-annoyed, "Explain. What do you mean?"

"You remember how we've been trying to get CEO Faulkner's attention, huh?"

"Of course I do," Chairman Alvord snapped, voice lower, "You think I'm senile to forget that?"

George chuckled, clearly not being bothered by the older man's displeasure. Then, he spoke further.

"Relax, I've never thought like that. Well, I've just come from a lunch meeting with Julian Tsu. He's a senior executive there. You know, been with the Faulkner for over a decade."

"I knew him," Chairman Alvord hummed, trying to be patient, "I've exchanged words a few times with him. And then, what?"

"One of my acquaintances is quite close with him, so I won both over. Long story short, Julian has set up a meeting. I don't know how he did, but CEO Faulkner has agreed to meet next week."

Chairman Alvord froze, not expecting to hear such a thing from George at all. His eyes widened, flickering with incredulity.

"Are you serious? You know it's not easy to meet him," he asked, sounding skeptical, "Is Julian that capable of changing his stance?"

How could he not be in doubt?

Nathaniel Faulkner was renowned for staying away from high society. He usually had Fabian Mendez to represent him. The former rarely, very rarely made an appearance in events.

The frown on Chairman Alvord's forehead deepened. He couldn't help but think there was something more behind Nathaniel agreeing to meet him face to face.

Even though Chairman Alvord hated to admit it, he knew how close Nathaniel Faulkner was to Ruediger. His investigation revealed both of them were more like blood brothers instead of mere friends.

What made the young CEO Faulkner agree?

Was this related to Ruediger?

What if they actually wanted to play a trick on him?

Before Chairman Alvord drowned deeper in the ocean of doubts, George's next remarks flung his eyes wider in surprise.

"Chairman, there's more. This is even better. Julian says CEO Faulkner will bring Mr. R too."

There was a stunned silence, followed by a gasp.

In disbelief, Chairman Alvord unconsciously lowered his voice, almost hissing, "Mr. R? The ghost owner of Edenia Avenue?"

"The same your Vincent had been trying to meet and failed."

Chairman Alvord tightened his fingers around the photo. He, and everyone in the corporate field, had heard all the whispers about Mr. R.

He was a recluse, an enigma.

No photos and no press, just one of the most powerful silent forces in luxury retail. Every media outlet that tried to trail after him would meet dire consequences.

Edmund Knowles, the CEO, served as the figurehead to the public, personally handling all of Mr. R's affairs while CEO Faulkner was the major investor. Rumors had said only those two knew who he truly was.

"You're certain?" Chairman Alvord said slowly.

"Almost certain," George admitted, and then he added, "As long as they don't change their minds, we might get to meet both. Humans are fickle."

Chairman Alvord exhaled. Slowly, a cold and calculating smile crept onto his face, "You've done well, George. Whether this will be a blessing or a trap, I'll face it head-on."

George was silent for a moment, understanding what Chairman Alvord meant. After all, this news sounded too good to be true. He was also aware of the potential risks.

What made the rigid CEO Faulkner agree to meet Chairman Alvord who was embroiled in a massive scandal?

What made the reclusive Mr. R reveal himself to Chairman Alvord when he had never done so in years?

What were their reasons?

To take advantage of Alvord Corporation?

Still, George knew they couldn't let this chance go despite the glaring suspicious points. Chairman Alvord could only dive headfirst and survive the fall.