Chapter 571 The Closer You Are, The Easier It Is to Be Deceived
The MBK International Building towered over Aucester like a giant eagle perched in the sky, standing taller than the surrounding structures. Its glass walls and floor-to-ceiling windows reflected dazzling light.
Sebastian walked towards Brandon's car, his tall figure standing in front of it, looking up at the building's facade with one hand in his pocket, expressionless.
Brandon also got out of the car, crossing his arms as he stood next to Sebastian. He nudged his chin, "What's up, Mr. Kingsley? You see this building every day on your way to work, still not tired of it?"
Sebastian's lips curved slightly, almost a smile. "Isn't this building quite attractive?"
Brandon scoffed, "No kidding, MBK is a landmark. Just a picture of it is enough to draw attention. What's the matter? Too much money to spend and feeling troubled? No worries, I'm great at spending money, especially helping rich folks who don't know where to spend theirs."
"Yeah, a bit troubled," Sebastian said.
Brandon patted Sebastian's shoulder, sighing, "Mr. Kingsley, you're the type who complains despite having it all. Look at the people in Aucester. According to incomplete statistics, the city has a floating population of three million annually. Many can't even afford lunch. If you really feel you have too much money, why not just throw it on the streets?"
Sebastian's lips curled into a silent smile. "Mr. Hernandez, you should head back. Take care on the road."
Brandon's hand left Sebastian's shoulder abruptly, "Alright, alright, I'm heading back. Don't forget me when you get to Aqua Vista City."
Sebastian walked into the building, entering the lobby where he saw Dario holding a stack of documents.
"Mr. Kingsley, you're back."
Sebastian nodded, "What's going on?"
Dario was holding a large box filled with files and rolled-up blueprints. "These are the materials you'll need for your trip. Yancy had them sent over and asked me to ship them ahead."
Sebastian responded coldly, his expression unchanged, "Alright."
As Dario carried the box to the company's logistics center, Sebastian's phone rang, displaying Quinn's number. "Sebastian, where have you been? I went to find you at noon, but you weren't in your office."
"Out for lunch and took a break. What's up?" Sebastian answered the call while stepping into the VIP elevator, his finger hovering over a number. His eyes glanced at the top floor, his gaze darkening as he pressed the button for his office floor.
"I heard from the board office that you're personally going to Aqua Vista City to oversee the project. Did Dad ask you to go? Sebastian, why didn't you explain to Dad that you're the company's CEO? Many decisions need your approval. What will happen to the company if you leave?"
"Someone will temporarily take over my duties. You can report your work directly to Dad."
Sebastian spoke calmly, but to Quinn, it sounded like a fantasy. "Sebastian, your role isn't something anyone can just take over. I'm going to talk to Dad right now."
"Quinn?"
The call was abruptly ended by Quinn.
Sebastian furrowed his brow, his expression tightening. Quinn was still too young and impulsive, with a passion for work but lacking the skill to manage it effectively. How could such a Quinn handle things on his own?
Putting his phone back in his pocket, Sebastian's deep eyes narrowed.
Brian sat in his office, holding a project proposal. After flipping through a few pages, the office door opened. "Come in."
Quinn pushed the door open, almost storming into the office. He wasted no time, "Dad, why are you sending Sebastian to Aqua Vista City? There's already a designated project manager. Sebastian doesn't need to go. You're having someone temporarily take over his work. What does this mean?"
Brian closed the proposal, his deep, somber eyes fixed on Quinn, his expression unreadable. "Quinn, you barged in here just for this?"
Quinn was indignant, his face showing displeasure. He gritted his teeth, "Yes, I think you're targeting Sebastian. He's done so much for the company, and now that it's running smoothly, you're trying to weaken his authority. Do you think I can't see that?"
His angry tone, though expressing his dissatisfaction, made him seem like a child throwing a tantrum to Brian.
Brian leaned back, a faint smile on his face, "Quinn, you've misunderstood me. I'm sending Sebastian to Aqua Vista City to further develop his skills. He's already the CEO, and his authority isn't easily replaced. He's next in line to be the chairman. I'm getting older and can't hold this position forever. Eventually, I'll pass it to Sebastian."
Quinn shook his head in disbelief, gripping the back of a chair tightly. "Then why are you making him sell his shares? If you want him to be chairman, he should have shares, not sell them."
Brian chuckled softly, then stood up, gently patting Quinn's hand. "Quinn, you're still young and don't understand many things. Business is like war, requiring tactics and strategy. I'm having Sebastian temporarily step back to strengthen his influence in the company. He's young, and the board members have their doubts."
Quinn looked up at Brian, trying to find something in his eyes, but found nothing.
Quinn added, "Dad, are you serious? You're really going to make Sebastian chairman?"
Brian nodded, his eyes closing briefly. "Yes, Sebastian is my eldest son. Of course, I'll give him the position if he's qualified."
Brian's words eased Quinn's anger significantly. He gritted his teeth. "Dad, you must keep your word."
"Alright, I have a meeting. You should go back. If you need anything, we can talk at home. Call ahead if you want something specific for dinner. If you're tired, take a drive to relax."
"Dad..." Quinn wanted to say something more.
"Go back. You and Sebastian have a significant gap in abilities. You should work hard. At your age, Sebastian was already the CEO. You're still a finance manager. Focus on improving yourself. Go on." Brian's mix of soft and firm words dispelled most of Quinn's doubts, especially hearing that Brian intended to make Sebastian chairman. Quinn's worries eased.
As Quinn left the office, Yancy entered. "Mr. Kingsley, everything is arranged."
"Okay, notify the people in Aqua Vista City."
"Yes, I'll do it right away."
Brian nodded. "Sebastian is meticulous and smart. He never fights unprepared. Stay vigilant and don't relax."
Yancy nodded, then respectfully said, "This morning, Mr. Sebastian Kingsley specifically asked me to remind you to rest more."
"Rest? Go on."
"Yes."
In the CEO's office, Sebastian quickly organized his files. His desk was left with only three computer monitors, while the rest of the documents were locked in the file cabinet or packed to take home.
After tidying up, Whitney knocked and entered. "Mr. Kingsley, the 3:30 meeting is about to start. Please head to the conference room."
"Alright."
Whitney glanced at Sebastian's desk, noticing it was empty. She asked, puzzled, "Mr. Kingsley, what's this about?"
"While I'm away, someone will temporarily take over my duties. Whoever it is, tell them they can use the office supplies but not touch this seat, especially this chair."
"Understood!" Whitney didn't dare ask more. Although Sebastian's face showed no emotion, being sent away and having his work taken over would upset anyone.
Sebastian strode towards the conference room, his figure exuding a cold, commanding presence. Whitney watched him from behind, thinking, 'Mr. Kingsley is irreplaceable! No matter who comes, they can't!'
Meanwhile, at Aucester Hospital, Brooklyn had been busy all day.
Nearing four o'clock, she rubbed her neck and closed her eyes to rest for a moment. Within five minutes, a tall figure entered her office.
A shadow suddenly blocked her view, and Brooklyn opened her eyes to see Zach.
"What's up? Another patient with a sudden issue?" Brooklyn asked.
Zach handed her a cup of hot coffee. "Just saved a patient. No way another one collapses immediately. The TV crew is here to take some photos for our promotion."
Brooklyn put the coffee to her lips, then set it down. "So soon? They're efficient."
Zach smiled warmly. "Probably afraid you'll back out halfway. They're putting your info out there first, so you can't escape. Let's go, drink as we walk. The TV crew is outside, ready to shoot."
Brooklyn sighed. "I've really gotten myself into a mess! How long is this TV promotion going to last?"
As they walked, they saw the TV crew ahead, who greeted them politely.
After a brief response, Zach said, "One episode a week, the whole promotion will take about two months. You'll do five episodes, and I'll do five."
Brooklyn resigned herself, knowing there was no backing out now. "Alright, let's take the photos."
"Okay, Dr. Mitchell, you might want to touch up your makeup."
Brooklyn frowned. "Zach, I always thought you were a steady person. I didn't expect you to be so good at creating trouble. I can't trust you easily anymore."
"There's a saying that those who can deceive you are the ones closest to you. The closer they are, the less guarded you are. Didn't you know?"
Brooklyn chuckled. "The closer they are, the easier to deceive, huh?"
It really made sense.
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