Bobby, who had always followed William’s instruction, unexpectedly refused his request. “Mr. Howard, why would you want to lend my phone when you have one yourself?”
William promised Valeria that he would not call Michael, but it was risky to tell Bobby about it directly. He frowned and replied, “Well, can’t I use your phone to call someone else?”
Bobby knew what was going on in his mind and said, “You’re planning to use my phone and give Michael a call, aren’t you? Don’t you think that it is a bad idea?”
“Why would you say so? I don’t see any problem in using your phone.”
“I would be in trouble if you use my phone to contact Michael. Mrs. Howard did think about this beforehand and came to me during breakfast time. I swore to her that I will never lend my phone to you..”
“You did make a promise just to coax her, didn’t you? What are you so worried about? Come on and pass me your phone,” William did not take him seriously.
“No, this is a serious matter. Mrs. Howard stated that I would be fated to marry ten wives if I were to break my promise. It is rather intimidating as they would all be ugly-looking and ill-mannered. Mr. Howard, please have mercy on me! Besides, I have blocked Michael’s contact number as well!”
William was dumbfounded and said, “How dare she!”
He could neither use his phone nor Bobby’s to give Michael a call. However, all hopes were not lost. He could use his employees’ phone to call Michael upon arriving at the company later.
William felt that he had lost his dignity as a man. His phone was previously confiscated and was not allowed to simply call others. However, he had to suppress his dissatisfaction for the sake of the bigger picture. He would rather come up with other ideas than suffer a cold treatment from Valeria.
William marched into his office upon arriving at Wolf Group. He then saw Marcus and waved to him before saying, “I would like to lend your phone for a moment!”
“You are intending to call Michael, aren’t you? Mrs. Howard contacted me just now and made me promise to not let you have your way. Otherwise, I am cursed to remain single forever in my life. I’m already in my thirties and dying to have a family and bear children. Mr. Howard, I hope you understand where I am coming from! Can you please seek for others to contact Michael instead?”
William was so annoyed that he burst into laughter and said, “Okay, fine! I have decided to drop the idea of calling him! I shall wait for Michael’s arrival at the company! That would be a much better idea, right?”
“Mr. Howard, that is not workable either. Mrs. Howard had already instructed us in disallowing Michael to enter Wolf Group. I’ve already told the security guards about it just now.”
William did not expect her to go this far and said, “But… why didn’t you tell me about this?”
Marcus replied, “I remembered you used to tell me that Mrs. Howard’s decision is final, right? Besides, she called and told me about this matter via your mobile phone just now. I did not ask you further as I have assumed that you are aware of it.”
“I know nothing about it!” William sat down sulkily and said, “Fine then. I shall not care about Michael since he deserves it anyway!”
It was the first time that Marcus had seen a defeated look on William’s face. He placed a document file in front of William which required his signature. William picked up the pen and asked, “Is there any news from Declan yet?”
Marcus shook his head and said, “Nope!”
“How could Declan still remain so cool?” William frowned upon signing the business documents. He had a bad feeling and said, “I’m afraid things have taken a turn!”
Marcus immediately asked, “Really?”
“There is a possibility given the current circumstances! Are there any updates from Lucian?” William questioned.
“Yes, there is. Our men had told me that Lucian went out to a remote tea room in the north part of the city. We speculate that she might be there to meet with someone.”
William placed the pen down and said, “I did not expect her to be so quick on her feet. I assumed that she would lay low for the time being. Do you have any idea about the people that she intended to meet with?”
“Nope, we have yet to receive any updates from our men. Don’t worry as I would notify you as soon as I get ahold of the latest news.”
William nodded and the intercom phone on his table suddenly rang. He picked it up and Michael’s upset voice was being heard, “William, I thought you have gone missing! You did not answer my call and even blocked my contact number. You even instructed your men to do the same thing. Besides, I am disallowed to enter into your company. What are you trying to do?”
“Well, I just don’t feel like meeting with you nowadays!”
“Nonsense! Why would you treat me like this when I did not get into your nerves at all?”
“Okay, chill out and just tell me the reason why you are calling me right now. Are you intending to send me an invitation letter about your marriage with Azalea?”
Michael was feeling irritated and said, “Go to hell! You are deliberately trying to piss me off, aren’t you? Do you know where Abbie is?”
“I have no idea about her whereabouts. Didn’t you promise to take Azalea’s hand in marriage? Well then, a man should honor his words. You have my blessing!”
“I’m begging you to not mess things up, please? I’m going bonkers real soon! I have published an official statement to make things clear with Azalea. Hence, I need to know where Abbie is right now! I can fulfill any of your requests an exchange for her whereabouts, okay? I am dying to know where she currently is!”
William squinted his eyes and asked, “You made an official statement? When was it being released?”
“It was being published yesterday!”
“That is a piece of satisfying news to hear from you. Well then, I shall take the risk of receiving an earful from my wife by giving you a hint. Abbie is currently with Thomas and they have been together since yesterday!”
“What?” Michael sprung up and continued, “You are well aware that they were spending time together. Why would you hide it from me? William, how cruel of you!”
“Stop whining like a little child! You ought to spend your efforts in dealing with Azalea first. Things would be easier by then.” William added, “I’ve arranged for someone to keep an eye on the pair. I was told by Silas that Thomas behaves like a gentleman. You can rest assured that Abbie would be safe and sound.”
It was at the quiet tea room in the north part of the city. Gurmisran finally arrived after Lucian finished her cup of tea.
He entered with a forceful smile on his face and said, “Please forgive me for being late! Something urgent has come up just now.”
Lucian pretended to be gracious and said, “It’s fine as I’ve just arrived not long ago. Mr. Knight, what would like to have?”
“Green tea, please!” Gurmisran sat down and the waiter served him tea before leaving them alone. He did not take a sip of his beverage but instead leaned back and said, “You have not changed at all despite not seeing each other for more than twenty years. Miss Barnbook, you are still effortlessly gorgeous!”
Lucian was not easily swayed by his compliments and replied, “Mr. Knight, there is no need to waste our time on meaningless praises. Let’s talk business since we are very open to each other. Why would you insist on meeting with me in person?”
Gurmisran chuckled and said, “Miss. Barnbook, you are indeed a straightforward person. Alright then! I would like to ask you about Braelynn, the daughter that you have adopted.”