Chapter 52
David looked at Michael in shock and panic. Michael was always so strategic and handled business with ease - how could he be so stubborn over a child?
As long as the Smith Group didn't back down, the Adams family's project would be delayed another day. If they couldn't complete it within the contract deadline, they'd have to pay penalties - and with each extra day, the penalty would grow. This was an astronomical amount.
Michael didn't care about the Adams family's fate, but the Smith family and the Adams family were connected by marriage. This would inevitably make people think Michael was targeting his own brother James.
Family conflicts were already a potential risk factor for the Smith Group, and this could easily bring trouble upon himself.
"Mr. Smith..." David risked getting fired, but he had to speak up. "You seem particularly concerned about Nora and that child. This isn't like you."
David was putting it mildly. It wasn't just "not like him" - it was absolutely shocking.
Michael didn't bother explaining much. "Sometimes, whether you're looking at people or events, you need to see past the surface to the essence."
David was confused and didn't quite understand what Michael meant.
But Michael always had his reasons for doing things.
A man like Michael, who prioritized his career, wouldn't easily fall for any woman, nor would he really pressure the Adams family over Samuel, unless...
The Adams family had done something to anger Michael, and Samuel's situation was just the trigger.
Nodding in understanding, David left the office. He'd been stupid, thinking too simply about this.
James and Aiden had indeed been making too many moves lately, and the two had collaborated on a project without Michael's approval.
What made David even angrier was that James and Aiden had been in contact with Walter from Mountain Construction Group multiple times in private, clearly intending to bypass Michael and do something on their own.
So Michael's move against the Adams family, making such a big deal of it, was using the situation to teach both the Adams family and James a lesson.
It was also a warning to that big shot at Mountain Construction Group.
---
The Smith Villa.
"Dad, you're finally back. Michael suddenly went after the Adams family for some reason." James suppressed his anger, not daring to be too disrespectful in front of Nolan.
Nolan frowned and glanced at Aiden. "What did you two do to offend Michael?"
Nolan understood Michael fairly well. Unless there was a matter of principle involved, he wouldn't make such a big move. He knew better than anyone that it was better to avoid trouble.
"It's all because of that bitch Nora." James's face darkened. He'd had people looking for Nora for three days without any results!
She really dared to hide. She'd better pray he and Aiden didn't catch her.
"Nora?" Nolan asked, puzzled.
"Aiden gave Nora trouble, and somehow that woman got Michael to help her." James's face was grim. He actually knew very well that Michael wouldn't go after the Adams family over a woman.
But he didn't dare let Nolan know about his and Aiden's secret contacts with Walter and their other behind-the-scenes moves.
Nolan snorted coldly. "If you don't tell the truth, I can't help you."
Nolan knew better than anyone that Michael would never oppose the Adams family over a woman.
Especially not a woman like Nora.
Clearly, James and Aiden weren't telling the truth.
And Nora was just an excuse Michael was using.
James froze and nervously glanced at Aiden.
Aiden knew they couldn't hide it and spoke quietly. "Mr. Smith, James and I worked on a project together. We have business dealings with Walter from Mountain Construction Group and several other partners. Maybe Michael misunderstood and thought we were contacting these partners behind his back."
Nolan's expression immediately darkened, and he frowned at James. "You've gotten bold. Don't want to be controlled by Michael anymore?"
"No, Dad, I have my own abilities. Under his protection, I'll never be able to truly show my strength. I just wanted to achieve something to show you." James was getting anxious.
Why should he always be under Michael's thumb?
Michael was suppressing him like this because he was afraid James would take his position in the future.
Nolan pointed at James in warning. "Next month, the business association is holding a dinner in Silverlight City. You two go and explain your relationship with Walter to Michael properly! When you get back, I'll do some work on this."
Aiden was nervous. "Mr. Smith, our group's project can't be delayed that long."
"Then go beg him now and see if he'll agree." Nolan snorted coldly.
Both Aiden and James fell silent.
Who was Michael? A man of his word. If begging him would work, would they have been secretly contacting Walter?
James's expression grew darker.
Michael - why did he always get to be so high and mighty?
Looking at Aiden meaningfully, James already had a plan.
He had to teach Michael a lesson and damage his reputation.
On this trip to Silverlight City, Walter would definitely take Michael to nightclubs. As long as Michael was linked to any woman in a scandal, it would tarnish his image.