Chapter 187
Michael seemed to have anticipated Nolan's move and leaned back in his chair calmly, "I have been really tired lately. It's rare for my dad to be so thoughtful and give me time off. That's really going to be hard on James."
Michael smiled faintly and signed the resignation letter David brought over.
"However, someone who has already resigned doesn't have my signing authority. If they want to be rehired..." Michael was clearly digging in against Nolan and Luna.
Luna understood clearly that after going through layers of approval, anyone Michael signed off on resigning would need to go through HR review again to be rehired.
Since Michael was so confident, he definitely wouldn't let Kurt be rehired.
Even if he was rehired, it wouldn't be in his current position.
"Michael, you should go home and get some proper rest. I can manage the company just fine without you."
James sounded very confident.
Michael raised an eyebrow, stood up, and adjusted his watch. "I'm leaving."
Nora and David exchanged glances and nervously followed him. "Mr. Smith?"
"Cancel all appointments except for the Hui Hai wedding banquet." Michael glanced at Nora and continued, "Notify our partners that I'm sick."
Nora took a deep breath. "Mr. Smith, you're giving James an opportunity. What if..."
"He'd have to be capable enough first." Michael sneered.
"David stays to handle follow-up issues. Nora and I are on vacation." Once in the elevator, Michael looked relaxed, even a bit smug.
David looked confused. "Why does Nora get a vacation too?"
"She's my personal assistant, so naturally she handles my personal life."
"You have a broad range of duties, so work hard."
Michael blocked David outside the elevator and closed the doors directly.
Nora felt flustered and looked at Michael nervously. "Mr. Smith, are you sure there won't be any problems?"
"I've arranged everything." Michael checked the time. "From now on, don't worry about anything. Just relax and come on vacation with me."
Nora's heart raced. "The heiress of Remind Sea Share Company is holding her wedding banquet is at Emerald Isle."
"We'll leave early. I'll take you to have some fun." Michael had already arranged the itinerary.
Nora followed Michael out of the elevator in a daze, her thoughts in turmoil.
Why did it feel like it wasn't Luna scheming against Michael, but Michael scheming against Luna and James instead?
"Mr. Smith, did you anticipate in advance that Mr. Nolan Smith would give you time off?" Nora asked carefully.
Michael was in a great mood. Getting rid of Kurt, that major headache, and securing vacation time to take Nora away—it was perfect.
"He's warning me that if I don't behave, I'll be on permanent vacation." Michael understood what Nolan meant.
However, this suited Michael just fine.
"But..." Nora hesitated. "Can David handle everything alone?"
Michael frowned and pinned Nora lightly against the car door. "You're my personal assistant. Why are you worrying about him?"
"I'm just afraid James might collude with our partners while you’re away." Nora was worried James would steal everything from Michael and take advantage of the situation.
"First, he'd have to be capable enough." Michael opened the car door for Nora and helped her inside. Leaning down to fasten her seatbelt. "Second, you don't seem to trust me very much."
Nora gripped the seatbelt nervously, not knowing what to say.
"What's mine, no one can take away." Michael braced one hand on the seat, smiling as he continued, "Anything that can be taken away, I don't care about."
Nora stared at Michael, momentarily unable to look away.
"Go home and pack. We're leaving today." Michael got in the car and drove off briskly.
Nora could tell Michael was leaving eagerly—if he delayed any longer, Nolan might call him back with some excuse.
"Today?" Nora was startled. "What about Samuel?"
"Don't worry, I've arranged everything for Samuel." Michael's lips curved upward, his expression like that of a fox who had just pulled off a clever trick.
Nora took a deep breath. She finally understood.
Michael had arranged all of this several days in advance.
Only now did she truly feel at ease.
If Nora wasn't mistaken, within three days, the Smith Group's senior management and board of directors would be facing serious problems.
Michael must have left James many difficult problems that were easy to mess up. Once James made mistakes, Nolan would realize that the Smith Group couldn't do without Michael for now.
Sure enough, for Michael to have risen this far, he was certainly not someone to be underestimated.
She had worried for nothing; all her earlier concern about him had been unnecessary.
---
Resort Area.
After more than seven hours of travel, Nora finally arrived at the resort hotel from Emerald City.
Throughout the journey, Nolan had called Michael many times. Michael turned off his phone before boarding the plane and only turned it back on after landing.
"Mr. Smith, I'll check us in. You can sit in the lounge for a bit." Nora set the suitcase aside, preparing to handle check-in.
Michael pulled Nora into his arms. "This is a vacation."
Nora responded nervously. It seemed like no one abroad knew her anyway.
This feeling was really nice.
The hotel staff spoke to Nora in fluent foreign language. Nora smiled naturally and responded very smoothly.
Michael watched Nora—this was the real her, like a flower in full bloom.
She had once been the top student in Emerald City.
Michael didn't know how much regret Nora carried, but thinking about her past achievements had been cut short made him feel suffocated.
"Nora, let's appeal when we get back to Emerald City." Michael held Nora's hand and led her into the room.
Nora froze for a moment, confusion flashing across her face.
Michael looked at Nora very seriously. "I have evidence to prove you're innocent, and evidence that someone deliberately kept you in prison for five years. Let's appeal. I've already discussed it with a lawyer. Although it will take time, our chances of winning are strong. Once we get the certificate of innocence, we'll appeal, and you can finish your remaining studies. Whether you want to continue with graduate school or study abroad, I'll support you."
Nora stared at Michael blankly, too stunned to speak for a long moment.
Regardless of Michael's motives, for him to go this far, she could no longer remain unmoved.
Her eyes reddened slightly. Nora sniffed, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed Michael on her own initiative.
Michael's body stiffened for a moment, then he raised his hand to press the back of Nora's head, taking control.
For once, taking the initiative, Nora responded to Michael earnestly.
Savannah was planning to return to Emerald City soon. Her health had mostly recovered, and she sent Nora daily tips about adult techniques, teaching her how to conquer a man in bed.
Just thinking about the tips Savannah had sent made Nora’s ears flush red.
Were those topics even appropriate to talk about?
Too embarrassing.
"Cold." Nora leaned against the wall; the tiles were so chilly that she instinctively burrowed into Michael's arms.
Michael seemed to tease her deliberately, boxing her in with his arms.
Nora had no choice but to wrap her arms around his neck and cling to him.
"Michael." Nora took the initiative to kiss Michael's ear.
This was one of the things Savannah had taught her.
She said men's ears were very sensitive.
Sure enough, Michael’s voice grew husky.
"Thank you." Nora's breath was hot against Michael's ear.
Michael took a deep breath. "Don't beg for mercy later. Crying won't help."