Chapter 289 The Dust Settles

Chapter 289 The Dust Settles

Grant Corporation, top floor office.

Night had fallen outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Arthur stood by the window, his expression unreadable.

William stood behind him, reporting with a grave look, "Mr. Grant, just as you predicted, Baldwin Group has made their move overseas."

Arthur's expression remained perfectly calm. Everything was going exactly as he'd expected.

He'd known all along that Chase wouldn't let this go, and what Chase was doing now was all he could do.

"Have the risk control department hedge it. Use the reserve funds to stabilize the market."

Arthur gave the order in a low voice.

He turned around, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "Also, release the evidence of Baldwin Group's recent violations in batches."

William immediately bowed. "Yes, Mr. Grant! I'll arrange it right away!"

The business war between both sides escalated completely, shaking the industry. Both companies were caught in the dual pressure of public opinion and operations.

After Arthur and Chase pulled and pushed against each other for half a month, neither side had the strength to continue fighting.

With nowhere left to turn, Chase took the initiative to send word through intermediaries, proposing a face-to-face meeting to settle things.

Arthur agreed and arranged to meet at a private club in the suburbs.

When they met, Chase looked haggard, no longer as arrogant as before. He said in a low voice, "I admit defeat. Baldwin Group will back off and won't target you anymore."

Arthur's expression was cold. "Remember what you said today. From now on, we go our separate ways and don't interfere with each other."

Chase agreed through gritted teeth. Both sides signed a settlement agreement, and the business war that had lasted for months finally came to an end.

The storm subsided, public opinion gradually quieted down. Grant Corp steadily recovered, while Baldwin Group was devastated and no longer posed a threat.

After Arthur finished handling the follow-up matters, he went straight to the flower shop.

During this time, he'd basically been at the company. Every time he saw her, it was just a quick meeting. Now that things were over, he could be with them wholeheartedly.

Aria was arranging a bouquet when she saw him come in. She paused slightly. "How do you have time to come over?"

He'd come to see her during this period, but he'd never entered the flower shop. Today, coming inside gave her a feeling that the dust had finally settled.

He walked closer, his gaze gentle. "Yeah, it's all over. Chase and I signed a settlement agreement."

During this time, the business war between the two companies had dragged many other companies down, so many small companies couldn't hold on and faced bankruptcy because of this war.

The ones that survived were basically companies with some real strength.

Hearing Arthur's words, Aria's heart, which had been tense for days, finally relaxed. She said softly, "That's good."

Their flower shop had also been affected to some extent by this business war. Fortunately, with Arthur's help, things weren't too bad.

Arthur looked at her, his tone serious. "Want to have dinner together tonight?"

She looked up, meeting his deep, gentle eyes. Her heart stirred, and she nodded lightly. "Okay."

After Aria agreed, Arthur had someone book a private restaurant with good privacy in advance.

He didn't leave right away but waited in the flower shop for Aria to get off work, occasionally helping out.

His skilled movements made the shop employees somewhat emotional. Was this really the big boss from that business war just days ago? Yet here he was, helping their boss lady trim flower stems.

Arthur didn't think there was anything wrong with doing these things. Instead, this slower pace gave him a sense of peaceful contentment.

After work, Aria got directly into his car, and they went together to pick up Jasper.

As soon as Jasper got in the car, he stuck close to Aria. When he saw Arthur, his eyes lit up.

During this time, Arthur had been busy with business matters and had spent less time with Jasper.

Naturally, Jasper felt a bit unbalanced about this.

Arthur saw Jasper's expression at a glance and smiled slightly. "What's wrong? Haven't seen me for a few days and don't recognize Arthur anymore?"

"Has Arthur been very busy lately? You haven't spent time with me in so long."

Jasper pouted.

Hearing Jasper's complaint, Arthur chuckled softly, his eyes showing a hint of apology. "Yes, I've been busy with company matters recently, but now that I'm done, I'll have plenty of time to spend with Jasper from now on."

When Jasper heard this, a flash of delight crossed his eyes, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Really?"

Seeing Jasper's joyful expression, Arthur seemed infected by it too, his smile deepening. "Of course, why would Arthur lie to you?"

"Yay!"

Jasper's mood was completely different from when he first got in the car. He seemed extremely excited.

Aria, sitting beside them, was also infected by Jasper's excitement and smiled helplessly.

Like this, the group chatted and laughed all the way to the restaurant.

The private kitchen Arthur had booked was hidden in deep shade, with white walls and wooden windows, quite charming.

Pushing through the door, the private room was elegant and quiet, with soft warm lighting and no one to disturb them.

Arthur naturally pulled out a chair and helped Aria sit down, then bent down to tie a children's bib on Jasper.

After everyone was seated, the waitstaff brought up the dishes.

"Try this, their fish is really good here."

He picked up a piece of deboned fish and placed it in Aria's bowl, then scooped a spoonful of pumpkin soup for Jasper. "Drink slowly, it's not hot anymore."

Jasper held his small bowl, sipping the soup in small mouthfuls, his eyes bright as he looked at Arthur.

"Arthur, I haven't eaten with you in so long."

Jasper frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of grievance.

A faint guilt spread through Arthur's eyes. He reached out and gently ruffled Jasper's soft hair, his tone warm. "It's my fault for neglecting you and your mom."

He glanced at Aria with a smile, then looked back at Jasper. "It's all in the past now. The troubles are solved. From now on, I'll eat with you every day and tell you bedtime stories, okay?"

"Really?"

Jasper's eyes instantly lit up like stars, his grievance swept away, full of anticipation. "Can we go out and play together on weekends?"

"Of course we can."

Arthur laughed and gave him a piece of soft steamed egg.

Aria watched the interaction between the big one and the little one, unable to help smiling.

She picked up the serving chopsticks and placed a piece of well-stewed pork rib in Arthur's bowl, saying softly, "You should eat more too. Don't just focus on him."

Arthur seemed not to have expected Aria to make such a gesture. His pupils contracted suddenly, delight flashing in his eyes, a smile spreading across his face. "Okay, you eat too."

Aria felt a bit shy under Arthur's gaze and turned her eyes away in embarrassment. "Just eat. Why are you staring at me?"

"Because you're beautiful!"

Arthur replied with a light laugh, then looked at Jasper and asked sincerely, "Jasper, isn't mom beautiful?"

Jasper nodded very earnestly. "Beautiful! My mom is the most beautiful person ever."

Only then did Arthur look back at Aria. "See, Jasper says you're beautiful too."

Aria glared at him helplessly and said in exasperation, "Even if I'm beautiful, stop staring and eat!"

Arthur quickly responded, "Yes, ma'am!"

The meal was slow and warm.