A Strong Support


    Lauren insisted on driving me back home as I left the Vanderberg Pce. I grabbed a couple of fresh


    outfits and asked her to take me to the airport.


    During the ride, I made calls to both Ryan and Grayson.


    Grayson offered, “I can apany you, you know. Are you sure you want to go alone?”


    “Your mission is more crucial. Finding evidence is the key to victory. I’ll be fine on my own. Trust me, I


    earnestly advised Grayson.


    The remorse in Ryan’s voice was clear.


    I was not worried about thepany with Ryan in charge, but he was not good atplicated


    rtionships. His time abroad had dulled his understanding ofplex interpersonal dynamics.


    Teasingly, I said to Lauren, “Your ideas are truly ssic. Why do I feel like you’re such a smooth


    operator?”


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She nced at me and retorted, “Who’s the smooth operator here? You’re just too close to the


    situation.


    Your brain is leagues ahead of the rest of us.


    “In my opinion, you’ve let thepany stagnate in the years Matthew ran it. I’m certain that Tanum


    Corporation would’ve been much better off if you managed it the entire time.”


    “Well, that’s not necessarily true. Matthew has his own strengths. He prioritizes profit, which is


    something I’m not as adept at. Sometimes, I ce too much emphasis on loyalty and trust, and I’m not


    as flexible in


    negotiations.”


    I reflected on my shorings. In truth, the lesson I received from Atticus today helped me recognize


    these weaknesses more clearly.


    “It seems you can still improve!” Lauren teased me with a smile. “Next time, I might just have to charge


    you for my advice!”


    My eyes lit up. “Why not be a shareholder in Tanum Corporation? You can handle public


    rtions!”


    “Hah. You’re quite the entrepreneur, aren’t you?” She scoffed. “Is this amunalpany? You were


    just boating about your loyalty just now. What you see is what you get.”


    chuckled, “Isn’t it a good idea for everyone to work together?”


    Alright, sort out the immediate situation first,” She said in concern, “If you need help, don’t hesitate to


    Don’t try to tough it out alone. It takes a vige, you know.


    “I understand,” I assured her. She had already parked the car at the entrance of the airport terminal.


    “All the best!” Lauren said as I got out of the car.


    I hurried inside. A few stepster, I stopped and looked at Lauren.


    “Could you…find a way to ask about As?” It was difficult to bring up, but I needed to know.


    1 know, I know!” Lauren grumbled. “I’m already trying to figure something out. Go! Be safe! Let me


    know


    when you’vended.”


    I waved to Lauren with a triumphant smile and boarded the ne to Sris.


    By the time I arrived in Sris, it was alreadyte evening. I wasted no time in finding the location of


    the


    address.


    Once I had my bearings, I set up camp nearby. First, I grabbed a bite to eat. Then I went to check out


    the address. Surprisingly, it was a quaint cottage. In this area, such houses were bing


    increasingly rare.


    Dominic Welsh. I wondered what kind of old man he was.


    I spotted a small hair salon across the street and walked in. After inquiring about prices, I decided to


    treat myself to a hair treatment. The best part was that it took some time, giving me the chance to chat


    a little longer.


    The shop owner was a stylish middle–aged woman.


    When she heard I wanted a treatment, her face lit up. She knew that this lucrative service.


    was the on


    Her enthusiasm knew no bounds, and she hardly took a breath.


    I took the opportunity to quickly ask her about the people in the cottage.


    “Hey! Why are you asking about that old fossil? That old couple living in that cottage… They’re quite


    the odd pair!”