Chapter 539 Calm and Tranquil
Billy and Diana exchanged a quick glance, instantly understanding each other's thoughts.
With a sigh, Billy signaled to the waiter, "Hey, can we get a quieter spot? Maybe a private room?"
Ten minutes later, they were seated in a private room at the back of the restaurant.
Despite being a couple's restaurant, the decor inside was no different from outside, but it offered much more privacy.
Dean followed them to the new location, still puzzled.
Just as he was about to ask what was going on, they started discussing work as if he wasn't even there.
Throughout the entire meeting, Dean didn't get a chance to say a word.
As the meeting concluded, Billy felt a bit melancholic. "I really envy Charles for having someone like you to help him," he said, a smile forming on his lips.
"Diana, your understanding of the industry is deeper than most male executives."
Dean puffed up with pride, as if the compliment was directed at him. "Of course! In business, it's all about capability, not gender."
Billy smiled and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Mr. Palmer is quite an interesting person."
The two men started chatting casually while Diana organized the documents.
She then spoke up, "Regarding the technical sharing terms we discussed, I'll have our legal team revise the contract as soon as possible."
"No problem," Billy replied readily, but then hesitated. "But are you sure our meeting today won't cause any issues? What if someone uses it against us..."
Diana's eyes sharpened. "That's not important. What's important is that the collaboration between the Richardson Group and the Percy Group is mutually beneficial."
She stood up. "It's getting late. I should head back. Let's go, Dean."
Seeing her confidence, Billy didn't say more and stood up to see them off.
At the restaurant entrance, Claire was already waiting. She quickly greeted them and opened the car door for Diana with a smile.
As soon as the car started, Dean couldn't wait to pull out his phone and text Diana.
Her phone kept buzzing in the small car, which was quite annoying. Diana immediately put it on silent, leaving Dean frustrated.
Back at the Percy Group's president's office, Dean closed the door and couldn't hold back any longer.
"Diana, what were you and Billy talking about? Why do you two always leave me out? Who's your real confidant here?"
Diana tossed the documents onto her desk and nodded towards the coffee machine. "Coffee."
Dean got the hint right away. Five minutes later, the coffee was on her desk.
He circled behind her, gently massaging her shoulders. "Diana, please tell me. I'm dying to know."
Diana took a casual sip of the coffee, finding it a bit lacking, but still spoke. "Billy and I had a bit of a thing before."
Her tone was so straightforward and honest that if she hadn't said it herself, Dean wouldn't have believed it.
"To be precise, he liked me, but I already turned him down," Diana continued.
This wasn't a secret; anyone who cared to look could find out.
"And then?" Dean's hands paused.
"Do I really need to spell it out? Dean, have you gotten dumber?" Diana turned to look at him, only to see him staring blankly.
She took a deep breath and said, "If you can't figure it out, just wait. You'll know soon enough."
Since Diana took over the company, Zachary had been eerily quiet.
She wasn't naive enough to think he had given up on the position. The calm before the storm wouldn't last long.
---
Less than a week of peace passed before Diana received a call on a weekend.
She was at home, taking a break. Nearby, Benjamin was leaning against Charles, listening to him read.
Charles was in a wheelchair, and Benjamin sat on the floor, leaning against his uninjured leg, listening intently.
They were reading an Eastern fantasy story, full of elements Benjamin had never heard of.
It fascinated not only the child but also Jacob, who was listening with great interest.
When Diana answered the phone, Charles stopped reading, and everyone's attention turned to her.
"Ms. Spencer, Mr. Zachary Percy has organized another shareholders' meeting. You need to attend," Nolan's voice was grave.
Even though he wasn't there, Diana could imagine his furrowed brow.
"This meeting could be very unfavorable for us. The shareholders are restless, and I don't know why," he warned.
Without Charles at the company, the shareholders were getting restless, and many things were hard for Nolan to investigate due to his position.
Diana's tone remained unchanged, showing no sign of tension. "I understand. I'll be at the company shortly."
After hanging up, Benjamin asked with a serious face, "Are those people causing trouble again? I'll go with you."
Dean had told him that the shareholders were mostly unreasonable, and Diana would likely be bullied again.
Diana was amused by his expression and patted his head. "No need. It's just a meeting. You and Charles stay home. Wasn't the story interesting? Keep listening. I'll be back soon."
"Ms. Spencer, I'll prepare the car," Jacob said, turning to make arrangements.
Diana nodded and went to change clothes.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her wrist. Charles looked serious. "I'll go with you."
Managing a company wasn't easy, and Diana hardly had any breaks. He wanted to share some of the burden.
Diana sighed, a bit helpless. She wondered if Charles had become more childlike from spending so much time with Benjamin.
"No, you haven't fully recovered. If anyone finds out you have amnesia, you can kiss the company goodbye. Zachary would devour you whole."
As if out of habit, she patted Charles's head.
His hair had grown long, completely covering his eyes, usually held back with clips, making him look very obedient.
When she ruffled his hair, a few strands stuck up playfully, making her want to laugh.
Busy with work and guarding against Zachary, she hadn't had much time to resent Charles.
For the first time, Diana thought it might be good for him to stay amnesiac.
"Alright, I'm leaving. You all behave," she said, glancing at Snowy. "You too."
Seeing her determination, Charles pressed his lips together and said no more.
But his heart pounded with a sense of foreboding.
---
By the time Diana arrived at the company, an hour had passed.
She didn't go straight to the meeting room but headed to the president's office first. She needed to ask Dean and Nolan what was going on.
But there was an unexpected guest in the office.
Zachary was sitting in Diana's usual spot, legs crossed. Dean and Nolan stood side by side, both looking displeased.
Seeing her, Dean seemed to gain confidence. He pointed at Zachary and said sternly, "See? The boss is here. Get out of her seat."
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