Chapter 73: Mr. Mitchell Really Does Cherish and Protect Women

Arthur covered his forehead, his expression complicated as he stood there for two seconds. Only after confirming that Sophia had no intention of continuing her assault did he let go.

He casually adjusted his suit cuffs and stepped inside.

As he walked in, Arthur caught sight of the pitiful phone lying on the ground by her feet and couldn't help letting out a soft tsk.

"Ms. Taylor, it seems... your strength has recovered quite well. You were still sick a few days ago, and today you can already crush phones with your bare hands. Do you need me to have HR apply for a special hazard pay for you? Or maybe just reimburse you for a new one? The shockproof kind."

Sophia just knew it! This jerk never had anything nice to say!

Her face burned with embarrassment. She fought the urge to roll her eyes and forced out a sweet smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Mitchell, but that won't be necessary. It was my own carelessness. My hand slipped. I'll handle it myself."

She quickly bent down and frantically picked up the "corpse," stuffing it into her drawer. Out of sight, out of mind.

"Mr. Mitchell, you were looking for me... is there something you need?" She quickly changed the subject.

Arthur acknowledged with a sound. "Mm, there's a lunch meeting at noon. Mr. Grant from Horizon Industries is hosting. He's an elder, so to speak. He's also introducing a few potential business partners. You'll come with me."

So it was actual work.

Sophia immediately composed herself and nodded in agreement. "Yes, Mr. Mitchell. I'll prepare the materials right away. What's the time and location?"

"Twelve o'clock, The Grandview Hotel, The Rose Ballroom. Andy has already prepared the materials. He'll give them to you in a bit." Arthur finished speaking and turned to leave.

Sophia secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

However, just as Arthur's hand was about to touch the door handle, he suddenly stopped.

He slowly turned around, his gaze landing on Sophia's face.

"Oh, by the way, Ms. Taylor."

"Yes?" Sophia's heart tightened.

Arthur looked at her and said unhurriedly, "You won't be hitting anyone at the lunch meeting, will you?"

Sophia smiled miserably, though in her mind she'd already thrown Arthur off the top floor a hundred times!

On the surface, she could only take a deep breath and force out that smile that was about to freeze on her face.

"Of course not, Mr. Mitchell. I'm going there to work, not to fight. Please rest assured."

Hearing this, Arthur nodded thoughtfully, as if finally relieved.

"Mm, that's good then. After all, Mr. Grant is getting on in years. His heart might not be so good. It wouldn't be good to scare him."

With that, he finally turned and left, satisfied.

As soon as the door closed, Sophia's shoulders immediately sagged. She silently threw a few punches at the air.

He was so infuriating!

...

At 11:50 noon, Sophia accompanied Arthur and arrived punctually at The Rose Ballroom at The Grandview Hotel.

When they arrived, several people were already seated inside.

In the main seat sat an elderly man with graying hair but vigorous spirit—none other than Mr. Grant, Chairman of Horizon Industries, an old friend of Arthur's father's generation who usually took good care of Arthur, this younger generation member.

Beside Mr. Grant sat three other people.

When Sophia saw two of their faces clearly, alarm bells immediately went off in her mind.

Nolan, Ethan!

Why were they here?!

Besides them, there was also a middle-aged man in his forties with an ingratiating smile, whom Sophia also recognized.

It was Victor Cross from Summit Ridge Capital, who specialized in project financing and was known in the industry for his wild connections and quick loan approvals.

This man had a complicated background and polarized reputation, but he definitely had some skills. Many companies that were desperate or urgently needed money would seek him out.

In a flash, Sophia understood.

This wasn't some simple lunch meeting to introduce business partners at all.

This was clearly Nolan and Ethan at their wit's end, too proud to go directly to Arthur again, so they'd brought out Mr. Grant, who had old ties with the Mitchells, as a mediator. They'd even pulled in Victor, this loan broker, hoping to smooth things over together, or at least test the waters to see if they could get Arthur to show some mercy.

A setup! This was definitely a trap set for Arthur!

Using an elder's reputation to corner him here!

How shameless!

Yet Arthur's face showed no surprise. He remained calm and composed as ever.

He walked straight toward Mr. Grant and bowed slightly. "Sorry we're late."

"Not late at all, perfect timing!" Mr. Grant stood up with a hearty laugh and patted Arthur on the shoulder, his gaze affectionate.

"Arthur's here, please sit. These two gentlemen, Mr. Chase and Mr. Martinez, you already know them, so no need for introductions. This is Mr. Cross from Summit Ridge Capital. He has a lot of experience in capital operations."

Only then did Arthur seem to notice Nolan and the others, sweeping his gaze over them calmly and nodding slightly as a greeting, before sitting down in the empty seat on the other side of Mr. Grant with Sophia.

Sophia could feel that from the moment they entered, Nolan's gloomy gaze had been stuck on her like glue—unwilling, angry, and seemingly... aggrieved?

Sophia couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

He had the nerve to feel aggrieved?

After a few pleasantries, before all the dishes were even served, Victor took the lead by raising his wine glass. With a beaming smile, he stood up and addressed Arthur, "Mr. Mitchell, I've heard so much about you! Meeting you today is truly an honor! I'm not worthy, but borrowing Mr. Grant's wine, let me toast you first! I'll drink it all, you can drink as you please!"

With that, he was about to drain his glass.

This toast came quickly and was tricky.

It seemed polite on the surface, but clearly carried an undertone of testing and coercion.

Arthur looked at the wine glass thrust in front of him, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

Sophia sensed Arthur's mood shift and immediately stood up quickly, reaching out to intercept Victor's glass.

"Mr. Cross, you're too kind! This toast should really be from our Mr. Mitchell to you. But I'm really sorry—our Mr. Mitchell has been feeling a bit under the weather these past few days and is on medication. The doctor specifically instructed him not to touch alcohol. Let me toast you on Mr. Mitchell's behalf. Please understand!"

Victor's hand holding the wine glass froze in mid-air, the smile on his face stiffening for a moment, seemingly not expecting this unexpected intervention.

However, suddenly, a slender, clean hand reached over from the side and gently grasped Sophia's fingers that had already touched the wine glass.

He applied slight pressure, taking the glass from both their hands without room for argument and placing it back in front of himself.

Then he looked up at the crowd with their varied expressions.

"Mr. Cross, whoever's drink it is should drink it. What kind of man lets a woman take his drink for him?"

Victor froze for a moment, then laughed somewhat awkwardly.

"Mr. Mitchell is right. Mr. Mitchell really does cherish women."

"Of course." Arthur smiled faintly.

Sophia looked at that smile, and alarm bells rang in her heart.

Oh no, oh no. Seeing that smile, he definitely wasn't up to anything good!

Sure enough, the next second, she heard Arthur say, "Since Mr. Cross understands me so well, then this glass—I'll trouble Mr. Cross to take care of it for me as well."

(End)