"Grandpa, I know you are an expert at weighing pros and cons. I haveid out my cards. Please take


    your time to consider your choice." After that, Landon slowly rose from his seat and rubbed out the


    cigarette on the tabletop.


    "Stop!" Cornelius called out to Landon. In a shaking voice, he obliged, "I agree... I agree to your


    conditions!"


    "Dad, I sacrificed so much for the Harper Group. How could you do this to me to protect yourself?"


    Preston''s eyes bulged from surprise.


    "That''s enough. Don''t tter yourself." Shameful and enraged, Cornelius growled, "You and I know


    who''s the one who made real sacrifices for Harper Group. It was Bill—Landon''s dad—your brother!


    "Even without these scandalous photos, I have ns to kick you out anyway. Did you really think I was


    clueless about your crimes behind my back? I was merely turning a blind eye because I couldn''t be


    bothered.


    "I''ll take the chance today to get rid of a thorn in my side. You do not have to report to work at Harper


    Group anymore. From now on, you have nothing to do with the board of directors and the annual


    shareholders'' meeting."


    Cornelius was great at giving himself an out.


    "You''re turning your back on me?" Preston stomped in anger. Despite his age, he reverted to a child


    whenever he threw a fit in front of his father. He seemed truly agitated and worried this time.


    Cornelius barked at him, "Get lost right now!"


    Preston knew that no amount of argument would turn his situation around. He had no choice but to


    re at Cornelius before leaving in defeat. He mmed the door behind him as he left.


    Landon asked tly, "When are we issuing the official notice of Preston''s termination?"


    "Within this week."


    Landon cast a dangerous squint at Cornelius, who immediately changed his mind. "It''ll be done


    tomorrow morning!"


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "Great. I shall wait for the good news." Landon left the meeting room in great strides as Jordan followed


    closely behind him.


    "Landon, I watched you grow up. Even your mom does not know you as well as I do in this family!''


    Cornelius rasped from behind. "You''re not a good match with Lauren, be it in family status or your


    personality.


    "Lauren is too timid. She cannot take charge of the family, not to mention reigning you in. Without a


    capable woman to support you and take care of thepany, you will suffer in your career. Sooner or


    later, your useless feelings of love will wear out under the test of reality."


    Landon paused in his tracks but did not turn around. He stated, "I choose the woman I love. Save your


    worries. I am capable enough to shoulder everything. All Lauren needs is to stay by me."


    Alyssa had been approving documents for the entire afternoon in her office at the KS Group


    headquarters.


    When she was done, she sighed and stretched.


    At that moment, she received a call from Ss.


    "Hey, Ss, I thought you forgot about me ever since you''re with Rose. What makes you call me?"


    Rose lounged on the couch.


    "Lyse, I have a question." After a pause, Ss whispered, "Have Landon and Lauren broken up?"


    The look in her eyes grew vacant. "Why the sudden question? And how did you learn about it?"


    "Wait. Is it true?" Shocked, Ss mused, "Seems that the incident dealt a huge blow to them."


    "Stop going around in circles, Ss. Get to the point."


    "I attended the wedding of a fellow prosecutor''s son. The wedding was grand; even Mayor Hodgson


    and his wife were in attendance. I overheard the mayor stating that his son is soon to be engaged with


    Lauren."


    "What?" Alyssa sat up on the couch. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Who? Who''s getting engaged with


    Lauren? Is it Mayor Hodgson''s son?"


    At the same time, Sean knocked on her door and entered the office with a stern expression. "Ms.


    Alyssa, I have something to report to you."