The Inside Story


    Something felt off. Ste reached for a wet wipe and cleaned her hands before saying, “He always


    says


    I’m his cousin.”


    “You’re not?” I felt uneasy, thinking that As had lied to me.


    “Technically, I am. But I was adopted,” Ste said, smiling at me.


    My heart skipped a beat. So she’s not blood–rted to him! Not again.


    I waited for her to continue. However, I regretted being indiscreet. As wouldn’t have told me she was


    his cousin if we weren’t close, would he?


    “My mom is As’s aunt. She’s a strong woman and the former CEO of ATL Empire.” Ste wiped her


    slender fingers meticulously.


    She did everything perfectly. Even her fingernails were wless.


    “Former CEO?” murmured.


    “Yes, my mom used to run ATL Empire. She had only just handed over thepany back to As.”


    Wait a minute. Hadn’t the power strugglested for quite some time? Was it between As and his


    aunt?


    If so, why would she give up control of thepany? On what terms?


    “Hand it back?”


    “ATL Empire belonged to my uncle, who was As‘ dad. Oh, his parents had passed away in a ne


    crash when he was little.” Ste paused and said, “He hates people talking about this. I better stop.”


    I was curious, but I couldn’t ask any further questions. She then talked about other things until her


    phone


    rang. She whispered that it was As, then went to pick up the call. When she returned, she said she


    had


    to attend to something urgent.


    We returned to Gr Tower together, and she drove off quickly.


    Ste said little, but what she did say was informative. The Pierce family kept many secrets that no one


    else knew about.


    Everything she said about her mother’s former position as CEO and the ne crash was new to me. I


    was


    sure there were many more stories I didn’t know about.


    When I got back, Benjamin walked into my office with a smile. “Mr. Ryan has done a great job. Based


    on


    “That’s wonderfull I was relieved. Now, I could finally fulfill As’s requirements.


    “To be honest, some of the previous suppliers weren’t bad. Surface Solutions, for example. Their


    reputation is as good as their flooring. They also didn’t gang up with Matthew, Would you like to


    consider


    their request to work with us?”


    I nced at Benjamin. “Have you forgotten about Josh? I worry they’ll bring us trouble.”


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    “Well I’vepiled a list. Take a look when you’re free. I just feel that It’s a pity not to work with them,


    as their products are good. Anyway, it’s your call.” Benjamin handed me the document. “I better get


    busy


    now.”


    I browsed through the list, and I could tell Benjamin had put much effort into it. I decided to discuss this


    with Ryan first


    As I rxed, I thought about what Ste said. I imagined there must be a story behind the handover of


    ATL Empire


    As.


    My phone suddenly rang beside me. I picked it up and was stunned to see the caller ID. It was A