A black Rolls-Royce Cullinan gracefully drove towards the entrance of Richard’s company and soon came to a halt. Bobby opened the car door and William got out of it with his hands in his pockets in a laid-back manner.
He swiftly noticed Michael, who was being halted by the security guards at the entrance. William chuckled and said, “What are you guys doing?”
The security guards swiftly greeted him in a polite manner, “Mr. Howard, welcome!”
“Why are you guys refusing entry for Michael?” His gaze swept across the face of his friend. Michael had a bruised lip with a pale look on his face alongside an unradiant gaze. It was obvious that Michael had stayed up all night.
“Mr. Clark does not want him to enter the company. We are just adhering to the instruction!” The security guards replied with smiles on their faces.
“It is fine as I will talk things through with Richard about this matter. Let’s head in then!” William waved his hand.
The security guards hesitated for a moment. Bobby, who was behind William had decided to chime in. “Didn’t you hear what did William just say?”
A few of the security guards took a few steps back upon seeing the stern look on Bobby’s face. Michael soon followed behind William and successfully entered Richard’s company.
The two of them entered the elevator without saying a word. William chuckled while pressing the button. “How are you going to persuade Richard later?”
“I have no idea.”
“What? Why are you here then?” William glanced at him.
“I can only do my best in being reasonable regarding this matter. You should know that Richard is not very fond of me. I have been accused of that incident which had happened in the past.”
“How about you kneel to Richard and cry your lungs out?” William laughed with his arms crossed.
“Stop making fun of me! You should help me to think of something!”
“I have nothing to offer due to the fact that I am only here as a peacemaker. You should be well aware that Richard is generally a sensible person. However, he is utterly stubborn when it comes to Abbie’s wellbeing. He is still very persistent about this matter disregardless of my opinion. I have made a trip here just to assist you in getting ahold of him. I would also be able to step in before things get out of hand between the both of you. However, you are on your own for the other stuff.”
“Alright! I do understand where you are coming from!”
The elevator had come to a halt during the midst of their conversation. William and Michael then walked out of the elevator. “You should now meet with Richard. I would like to linger around his company for a while and I will head into his office later.”
Michael then marched towards Richard’s office and opened the door. Richard looked towards the direction of his door and he swiftly had a stern face upon seeing Michael’s presence. “Who had let you in? Get out!”
“Richard, can we please talk things through?”
“Michael, there is always room for discussion as long as you do not continue to pester Abbie. However, dream on if you are hoping for me to change my mind about this matter!”
“I have always been loyal to her disregardless of the past, the present, and the future. Abbie also shares the same feeling towards me. Why can’t you give us your blessing?”
“What are you talking about? Don’t you think that I would want that too? However, my blessing had turned out for Abbie to experience amnesia and your mother had bullied her, right? How could you possibly think that this matter is workable?”
“It is all my fault for the things that happened in the past and I will make up for my mistakes. I will also persuade my mother to agree with me in dating Abbie.”
“Stop it, you need not spew bullshit with me and I am not hoping for you to make good of your mistakes for Abbie. She is the only sister that I have. She got hurt and lost her memory when she coupled up with you. She was even severely humiliated by your mother. Don’t you think that this is utterly despicable? It would be game over for Abbie if I agree on you dating her, wouldn’t it? I am very firm in opposing the idea of you two being a pair!”
“Richard, I do understand why you would despise and feel disgusted about my behavior. I am well aware of the extra mile that you have gone through just for the sake of Abbie. Why can’t you give way in helping me and Abbie given the current circumstances? I love Abbie and she adores me as well. She still subconsciously fall head over heels towards me even when she has experienced amnesia. We are genuinely in love with each other. Why can’t you just lend us a helping hand?”
“Absolutely not! You need to get out of here right now. I do not have time to talk shit with you as I still have things to do. Michael, I am fuming with anger at your presence. I am giving you one minute to leave this place immediately. Do not accuse me of being rough on you when you decide to ignore my words!”
Richard lost his patience and sprung up as he was about to hit Michael. William took his time and pushed the door open. “Are you guys acting out a drama?”
Richard had an unpleasant look on his face upon seeing William entering his office. “You were the one who had let him in, weren’t you? No wonder he could be here!”
“Calm down! Do not get into a fight!” William headed towards the sofa and took a seat.
“I am unable to keep my cool regarding this matter! I will not give in disregardless of whoever and including you, William!”
“Richard, you should know that Michael is neither evil nor cunning. Aren’t you aware of his personality when we have been good friends for many years? Michael was being framed and it was merely an accident upon the things that had happened to Abbie. You would be letting the mastermind off the hook if you decide to separate Michael and Abbie by force, wouldn’t you?”
Richard did not snap back upon hearing William’s words. He then glanced at Michael and said…
“Michael, couldn’t you grasp the full picture by now? The reason that stops you from seeing Abbie is not due to my objection regarding this matter. Aren’t you aware of the behavior and personality of your own family? Would your mother agree to let you couple up with Abbie? My parents will also make a fuss about this matter given your history with Azalea. Why are you still being persistent when both parties are feeling the same towards this relationship of yours?”
“Richard, I am confident to change my mother’s mind regarding this issue.”
William nodded along and said, “Richard, you should give Michael some time to convince his mother.”
“Who should talk things through with my parents then? You are not expecting me to help him out, right? This is not my problem at all!” Richard replied in an upset tone.
“Your parents should be an easy obstacle to pass through as long as you are not feeling opposed to this idea, right?”
“It’s easy for you to say and I should give you a heads up about my parents. Their reaction would be much worse compared to the Davis family. Who the hell is willing to let their beloved daughter have any business with the fiance of a troublemaker?”
William took a peek at Michael and explained, “Michael was indeed at fault last time and he did not expect Azalea to be that cunning. However, I can assure you that nothing has happened between Michael and Azalea. I think your parents would understand the situation as long as this matter is being well explained.”
Richard scoffed and said, “William, that’s enough. You need not be biased towards Michael in such a straightforward manner.”
“I am not trying to make things easy for him. This is merely a second chance for them to rekindle their past relationship. We are close friends for so many years and we have managed to strive through hardships together. Michael is nevertheless a kind-hearted person. Can’t you just give him an opportunity?”
“Fine! I have decided to take a step back because of you, William. I will give way if Michael can convince his mother to apologize and beg for Abbie’s mercy! However, I won’t let Michael and Abbie meet with each other before that happens!”
Richard was very firm in his decision but it was clear that he had made things slightly easier for Michael. William looked at Michael and said, “The rest is up to you in coming up with a solution. You should know your family the best. It would be wise of you to strike effectively.”
“Can you please let me meet with Abbie?” Michael was still trying to bargain with him. Richard sneered and said, “I will f*king go back on my words if you are still intending on negotiating with me. I chose to give way not because of you but for the sake of William. It would be utterly despicable of me to agree to your request judging by the way how your shameless mother had treated Abbie!”
Michael soon left with a dejected look on his face. William reached out and patted Richard on the shoulder before following Michael. He wanted to comfort Michael as they reached the door of the elevator. The elevator opened and Donald walked out of it before William started speaking.