Chapter 140
Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled shadows across the desk.
Kingsley was resting his eyes in his office chair when the vibration of his phone broke the silence.
It was a message from Thurston: [Not coming back? Or settling down there p>
His reply was terse: [A while longer.]Just as he put the phone away, a knock sounded.
Kingsley didn’t lift his eyelids, his voice devoid of warmth. “Come in p>
The door opened gently, and Xavier walked in quickly, holding a tablet. “Mr. Sherwood, The Holt Group has sent over the draft designs p>
“Mn p>
Kingsley responded, taking the tablet. He scrolled slowly, his eyes scanning every detail.
A few minutes later, he stopped, his tone disapproving. “They were efficient, sure, but there’s absolutely no innovation on the original foundation. It’s too conservative p>
He handed the tablet back to Xavier. “Tell them to redo it. Follow the requirements stated previously p>
“Yes, Mr. Sherwood. I’ll provide the feedback immediately.” Xavier took the tablet and retreated briskly, closing the door behind him.
The room returned to silence. Kingsley looked out the window, his fingers unconsciously tapping the desk, lost in thought.
Kingsley buried himself in paperwork, the scratching sound of his pen against paper filling the office all morning.
It wasn’t until the sun was high in the sky that he closed the last file, stood up to adjust his cuffs, and walked out of the office.
Outside, Xavier was standing side-by-side with the branch manager, clearly having waited for some time.
Seeing him emerge, the manager stepped forward and nodded respectfully. “Mr. Sherwood p>
Kingsley glanced at the two of them and gave a faint “Mn” in acknowledgment.
The three walked to the elevator. The branch manager hurried ahead to press the down button.
The numbers above the elevator changed slowly; for a moment, the only sound in the hallway was the soft hum of the air conditioning.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the reserved restaurant.
At the entrance to the private dining room, Kingsley signaled for Xavier and the manager to go in first while he turned toward the smoking room at the end of the hall.
Pushing open the door, he saw Jules leaning back on a sofa amidst swirling smoke.
Their eyes met. Jules raised an eyebrow first, his tone playful. “Mr. Sherwood. What a coincidence p>
Kingsley glanced at him coolly, nodding as a response.
He pulled a cigarette from his case.
The lighter in his hand clicked, igniting a blue flame. He lit the cigarette, took a drag, and spoke slowly his tone filled with disapproval. “The Holt Group’s designs were perfunctory. It seems your company’s standards are propped up by a single person p>
Jules smiled, feigning surprise. ” The designs were submitted? I had no idea p>
“Is Mr. Holt planning to shoot himself in the foot?” Kingsley scoffed, smoke drifting
from his lips and obscuring the coldness in his eyes.
Jules snubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and leaned forward slightly. “Mr. Sherwood misunderstands. I’m not foolish enough to turn away money delivered to my doorstep p>
“If you lack the capability, Sherwood
Group will consider switching firms,” Kingsley said calmly, staring at him with undeniable pressure. “The folt Group isn’t the only one who can do design p>
Jules sat back lazily, his tone turning a degree more sincere. “Don’t worry. I’ll oversee it personally this time. I’ll make sure they deliver blueprints that satisfy Mr. Sherwood p>
“I only look at results, not promises,” Kingsley interrupted coldly, adding, “Sherwood Group didn’t choose The Holt Group because you’re the strongest. Mr. Holt should know the reat reason p>
Jules’s smile gained a touch of sarcasm. “Naturally. Mr. Sherwood has ulterior motives that have nothing to do with business. But neither Lucy nor I will appreciate that sentiment p>