Chapter 299
I didn't speak, knowing he had more to say. I helped him light a cigarette, and he continued, "Success or failure, it all hinges on foreign investment. This $30 billion project is a house of cards, destined to crumble."
"Remember the chip incident a while back?"
I nodded, recalling the fiasco. It was a classic case of leveraging others for personal gain, ultimately dragging the entire leadership team down with it. What was supposed to be a monumental achievement became a PR nightmare.
"This project," Declan said, exhaling a plume of smoke, "dwarfs that incident in scale. The initial stages were meticulously orchestrated, so there won't be any immediate repercussions. However, too many individuals are already entangled in this web. Trying to extricate themselves now would be incredibly difficult. If he manages to navigate through this storm, a promotion is guaranteed. If not… retirement is off the table; resignation is the only option."
The gravity of the situation sent a shiver down my spine. My desire to remain inconspicuous was nearly my undoing.
"No matter how well the truth is concealed," Declan continued, "it will inevitably surface."
"Why?" I asked.
He remained silent, letting Edward elaborate. "If Vincent were to leave, would his successor willingly inherit this ticking time bomb?"
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. "Thank you, Mr. Walker. I was dangerously close to making a grave error."
"Your company is thriving," Declan said, his tone laced with genuine concern. "There's no need for shortcuts. Steady growth is key."
His words, spoken with such paternal warmth, touched me deeply. He wouldn't offer such guidance if he didn't consider me family.
"Rest assured, Mr. Walker," I replied. "I'll seek Edward's counsel if I encounter any uncertainties in the future."
Since I hadn't driven that evening and had consumed alcohol, they insisted I stay the night. Marry's gentle persuasion sealed the deal.
"I've laid out your clothes, and the bath is ready," Marry said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
After freshening up, I slipped into the clothes she had prepared. They fit perfectly.
The Walker household adhered to a strict routine. Lights out at 9:30, and everyone went to their respective rooms.
Around 10:40, I heard a soft knock on the door. A figure slipped into my arms, her lithe form pressing against mine. Sleep was the last thing on my mind.
"You're awfully bold," I whispered. "What if your parents find out?"
"They won't," she murmured against my skin. "I'll be quiet."
Her hands began to explore, but I gently stopped her. "Don't."
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment. "Don't you find me desirable?"
"Of course I do," I said, exasperated. "But this is your home!"
"What's wrong with that?" she countered. "My parents know about us."
"That's precisely why I can't," I explained. "They might be aware, but they haven't explicitly given their blessing. It would be disrespectful to them if we… you know. When I officially ask for their permission and they consent, then and only then will I…"
I trailed off, my resolve wavering under her insistent gaze.
Sensing my hesitation, she snuggled closer. "I understand, John. Thank you."
I stroked her hair, my heart swelling with affection. "You're the only woman I truly care for. But every step we take needs to be right."
My words seemed to resonate with her, and she relaxed in my arms. We spent the rest of the night sharing whispered secrets and stolen kisses.
The next morning, Marry slipped back to her room before dawn. However, during breakfast, the entire family regarded me with knowing smiles.
Mrs. Walker, who had always been particularly fond of me, seemed especially amused.
It dawned on me that they must have heard us the previous night. The soundproofing in the old building was practically nonexistent. Despite Marry's best efforts, our encounter had been… audible.
Taking a deep breath, I reached for Marry's hand. She froze, her eyes widening in surprise. As our gazes met, a blush crept up her cheeks, and she quickly averted her eyes.
Her parents and Edward watched us intently, waiting for me to speak.
"Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Edward," I began, my voice slightly shaky, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you. I'm not very good with words, so I've been putting it off. But as you may have guessed, Marry and I are… well, we're together."
"John, you're being too formal," Marry interjected, her cheeks still flushed.
"This is how seriously I take our relationship," I replied, my gaze unwavering.
I stood up and bowed slightly. "Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Edward, I promise to take good care of Marry and never let her come to any harm."
Declan let out a sigh, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and fatherly concern. Mrs. Walker and Edward, however, beamed at me.
"It's about time you said something," Mrs. Walker chuckled. "We thought you were going to wait even longer to tell us."
"Thanks, Mrs. Walker." I stammered, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.
The confession had gone far smoother than I had anticipated. Marry's parents were incredibly open-minded and had been subtly encouraging her to start dating. My arrival had clearly exceeded their expectations.
"John," Declan said, his voice laced with sincerity, "we've spoiled Marry rotten since she was a child. Please be understanding if she makes any mistakes."
I nodded, understanding his words perfectly. All parents loved their children unconditionally, except for those who had truly monstrous hearts.
"Oh, John," Mrs. Walker chimed in, her eyes twinkling, "what are your parents like? We should all have dinner together sometime."
"Mom!" Marry exclaimed, her face turning crimson. "Don't you think that's a bit… fast?"
"Nonsense," Mrs. Walker retorted. "You two aren't getting any younger. We should have a nice meal and make things official."
"Edward!" Marry pleaded, turning to Edward for support.
To her dismay, Edward simply grinned and said, "I'm only accepting John as my brother-in-law."
"Dad!" Marry wailed, her cheeks now matching the color of her hair.
"In this family," Declan said with mock sternness, "your mother has the final say."
My heart skipped a beat. Meeting my parents? They had just met Lucy not long ago. How would they react to meeting the Walker family so soon?
Leaving the Walker residence, I let out a sigh of relief. After changing into fresh clothes at home, I arrived at the office just in time.
Amelia was out with Katherine, so I settled into my chair and began reviewing some documents.
There was a knock on the door, and Lucas entered, his face plastered with a sycophantic smile.
"Mr. Knight," he began, his voice dripping with false sincerity, "do you have a moment?"
I leaned back in my chair, propping my feet up on the desk. I pulled out a cigarette, and Lucas rushed forward to light it for me.
"John," he said, his tone earnest, "after our conversation yesterday, I did some serious soul-searching. While I haven't engaged in any of the activities mentioned in those reports, the fact that my employees feel comfortable making such accusations suggests I have room for improvement."
"Mr. Knight," I interrupted, feigning ignorance, "you're being too kind. I'm just an assistant. You should be addressing these concerns to Mr. Foster or the chairman."
He waved his hand dismissively. "No, John, you opened my eyes. If you're willing to give me another chance, I swear to follow your every command."
"In that case," I said, a hint of amusement in my voice, "you'll be under my command from now on."
Lucas's face stiffened, his carefully constructed facade crumbling slightly. However, he had just secured his position as director after considerable effort. Pride was a small price to pay for maintaining his newfound status.
"I'm willing to serve under you, John," he said, bowing his head slightly.
And so began Lucas's campaign to ingratiate himself with me.
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