CHAPTER 229: CHAPTER 229: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Jude Sinclair was not discouraged, striving to find Desmond Fairchild’s weaknesses from every angle, maintaining a continual offensive.

The teacher had said that the best defense in a fight is offense; as long as the opponent can’t retaliate, there’s no threat.

Jude Sinclair remembered the teacher’s teachings well, so whenever he found the right opportunity, he would launch a relentless attack, both fast and precise.

Because he himself was small in stature, he hardly had an advantage against adults in terms of strength, but he was nimble due to his size, making it not too difficult for Desmond Fairchild to catch him.

Thus, the father and son exchanged over three hundred moves before Jude Sinclair was picked up like a chick by Desmond Fairchild.

He smiled slightly, seemingly very pleased with Jude Sinclair’s performance.

"Dad, let me go." Jude Sinclair struggled to break free from Desmond Fairchild’s grasp, taking advantage of his momentary distraction to launch a backward kick.

However, Desmond Fairchild effortlessly countered and tapped his back.

Jude Sinclair winced in pain but showed no reaction of shouting in agony.

He was a little man; this pain was nothing to him, especially since Desmond Fairchild had controlled his strength. Otherwise, with his small frame, he would have been sent flying.

"Dad, you’re letting me win." Jude Sinclair felt a little dissatisfied.

Desmond Fairchild did not refute, casually saying, "If I used all my strength, you’d last no more than three moves against me."

"I’ve been learning for a year and can’t last three moves?" Jude Sinclair looked at Desmond Fairchild in shock, wondering what kind of monster his dad was.

"You have talent; to reach this level now, dealing with three to five rogues barehanded is not an issue." Desmond Fairchild rubbed Jude Sinclair’s head, praising him, "But you need to study more."

Jude Sinclair bit his lip and nodded gloomily.

Though praised, he was not happy at all.

After a whole year of studying combat skills, yet unable to last three moves under Desmond Fairchild. At this level, if he could only handle a couple of hooligans, how could he protect mom?

As if knowing what he was thinking, Desmond Fairchild couldn’t help but chuckle: "Ordinary people don’t reach your level in five years; don’t be unsatisfied. With perseverance, surpassing me is only a matter of time."

"Really?" Jude Sinclair’s expression eased a bit upon hearing Desmond Fairchild.

"The combat test is over; next, I will evaluate other things one by one." Speaking of evaluation made the smile on Desmond Fairchild’s face vanish instantly, becoming stern.

It’s undeniable that whenever Desmond Fairchild put on a stern face, the surrounding air pressure became dauntingly low, causing even Jude Sinclair, his own son, to fear him somewhat.

It’s said that a strict teacher produces outstanding students, and a strict father is no exception.

At home, Desmond Fairchild is a benevolent father, but here, he’s a cold, uncompassionate iron-blood instructor. If Jude Sinclair doesn’t perform well or is unfocused in learning, being scolded is a normal occurrence.

Fortunately, Jude Sinclair understood that any harsh words from Desmond were for his own good and was never truly angered.

Whenever Desmond Fairchild talked to him, he naturally felt a bit rebellious, but this rebellious perseverance only made him strive harder.

Desmond Fairchild was satisfied with Jude Sinclair’s performance, but in front of Jude Sinclair, compliments were few. He understood the importance of balancing praise and authority, offering appropriate praise while mostly providing stern guidance.

Seraphina Sinclair was busy from morning to night, neglecting Jude Sinclair somewhat, but fortunately, Desmond Fairchild, as the father, always kept Jude Sinclair’s affairs in mind.

Initially, they thought all events had temporarily settled, allowing for a few days of peaceful living, but unexpectedly, things didn’t go as desired, with changes arising.

Seraphina Sinclair sat in the spacious meeting room, her expression subtle and complex. Seated in front of her was a row of Kevin’s executives, all trembling and silent in Seraphina Sinclair’s presence.

Irene Rowe, as vice president, stood up timely: "President Sinclair, this quarter’s financial reports have declined two percentage points compared to last quarter, but these were anticipated. We’ll work harder next quarter, for sure surpassing this."

"Who is currently responsible for the development project with Cloudsea Group?" Seraphina Sinclair scanned the group, her authoritative presence making everyone hesitant to speak.

"Presently, I am overseeing the project entirely. The hot spring resort in Flower City is officially operational. Since it’s newly opened, we can’t determine its level yet. This project must wait for the hot spring resort’s quarterly report before proceeding." Irene Rowe replied.

Seraphina Sinclair nodded slightly and stood up: "I hope next quarter, everyone works hard to present me with a beautiful report; otherwise, Kevin does not support idlers."

After Seraphina Sinclair left, the others exchanged glances.

Despite her usual amiability, Seraphina Sinclair was never careless in her work. When serious, she doesn’t provide a friendly face.

Previously, when the inside culprit at Kevin Group was discovered, everyone thought that just firing them would end the matter, but Seraphina Sinclair was relentless, making that person infamous in the circle with nobody daring to hire him.

Her methods were well known among Kevin’s senior management, and even those less visible international elites dared not act out before Seraphina Sinclair, let alone others.

A woman, in just over a year, not only pulled the previously stormy Kevin back on track, but now it’s Cloudsea Group’s favored partner, with stock prices soaring. It’s considerable in value even in Bayside City.

Everyone had great admiration yet fear for a formidable woman like Seraphina Sinclair, yet there was no complaint.

Irene Rowe entered Seraphina Sinclair’s office with files, smiled, and said, "You’re always making me play the villain while you play the good guy. Aren’t you afraid those people might quit in defiance?"

"Do you think I’d miss those few people? If anyone doesn’t want to work, they should leave early." Seraphina Sinclair waved her hand, not placing the earlier matter in her heart at all.

"Boss is right; last quarter’s profit drop is probably tied to that previous incident." Irene Rowe smiled slightly, a ruthless glint flashing in her charming eyes, "Against someone like that, I think you’re too lenient; you should have sent him to jail directly."

Seraphina Sinclair raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest: "Do you think being constantly blocked and hit, losing confidence, is easier to bear than going to jail? He’s probably better off dead now."

"Anyway, it’s too lenient for him." Irene Rowe scoffed coldly.

"By the way, I’m picking up Jude tonight." Seraphina Sinclair glanced at the time; it was already four-thirty, and Jude had finished school.

Irene Rowe stopped her: "Boss, you can’t leave today. There’s an important engagement tonight that you can’t postpone any longer."

"But Jude..."

"Jude’s a smart kid; he won’t be fooled by bad guys. Just let President Fairchild pick him up." Irene Rowe knew Jude was not an ordinary child, but wasn’t there Desmond Fairchild as dad?

Seraphina Sinclair hesitated for a moment, and Irene Rowe urged: "This gentleman is someone you’ve painstakingly sought; if you don’t attend tonight, it might be hard to arrange another meeting."