Back at the manor, Lance helped Deanna out of the car.
"You go inside first. I have some work to discuss with Xavier."
"Alright, you two talk."
Deanna didn't suspect anything and turned to leave.
Watching Deanna walk away, Lance turned to Xavier and instructed, "I think Jones Group has been too idle lately. Find something for Garrett to do."
"I understand."
Xavier nodded and left.
Meanwhile, Garrett was entertaining a client at a club. With the year-end approaching, he needed to secure orders for the coming year.
"Mr. Bishop, I hope you can take care of me with next year's orders. This drink is on me."
Garrett said, flattering Mr. Bishop as he poured him a drink.
Mr. Bishop, seemingly pleased by Garrett's flattery, took a sip and smiled. "Orders are not a problem. I'll give you this amount of orders next year as a wedding gift for your family's eldest daughter. By the way, will I be invited to the wedding banquet?"
He was an out-of-town businessman and wasn't fully aware of Garrett and Deanna's situation. He only knew that the one engaged to the CEO of Mercer Group was Miss Jones from the Jones family, so he wanted an opportunity to connect with the Mercer family.
Garrett's face stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal. He would never refuse a benefit at hand.
"Of course, Mr. Bishop. Even if you didn't mention it, I would have sent you an invitation."
"Hahaha, then I'll wait for your good news."
Mr. Bishop laughed heartily and made a toast to Garrett.
Seeing this, Garrett quickly raised his glass in response.
As they were drinking, Mr. Bishop's assistant knocked on the door apologetically and walked in. He quickly approached Mr. Bishop and whispered a few words.
Whatever he said made Mr. Bishop's cheerful face turn serious all of a sudden. He even gave Garrett a meaningful look during the conversation.
Garrett noticed the look and Mr. Bishop's sudden change in expression, feeling a sense of unease.
After the assistant left, Garrett tentatively asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Indeed, there is."
Mr. Bishop looked at Garrett with a stern face and questioned, "Garrett, I always thought we had no enmity between us. I've even helped your company out of trouble many times. Is this how you repay me?"
Garrett was bewildered. "What did I do?"
"You offended someone you shouldn't have, almost causing me trouble as well. Fortunately, we haven't signed any contracts yet. From now on, our cooperation ends here."
With that, Mr. Bishop stood up and left the private room.
Garrett was stunned. Everything had been going well just moments ago; how did it suddenly fall apart?
He watched Mr. Bishop leave and hurriedly chased after him. "Mr. Bishop, is there some misunderstanding?"
Unfortunately, he was a step too late and could only watch as Mr. Bishop took the elevator and left.
Staring at the closed elevator doors, Garrett's face turned grim. The scene felt eerily familiar.
Before he could think further, his phone rang-it was an investor he had worked hard to secure. He quickly answered the call.
"Mr. Boyer, what brings you to call so late? Is there something wrong?"
"Mr. Jones, about our previous investment agreement, I've decided to reconsider. We won't be signing the contract as planned."
Hearing this, Garrett panicked and asked repeatedly, "Mr. Boyer, we had everything settled. Why the sudden change of heart?"
Mr. Boyer snorted in displeasure over the phone. "You have the nerve to blame me? The only reason I considered investing in Jones Group was because of your connection with Mercer Group. But now Mercer Group has made it clear they don't want anyone cooperating with Jones Group. Naturally, I won't offend Mercer Group. Now that you know the reason, there's nothing more to discuss."
With that, he hung up the phone.
Garrett put down his phone, his face darkening.
"Lance, Deanna, it's you two causing trouble again!"
He finally understood why the scene felt familiar-it was just like before when Lance suppressed him.
He also realized that this time it was likely because he had tried to demand benefits from Deanna and angered Lance.
"Damn woman! She went and complained to Lance! How infuriating!"
In his rage, Garrett kicked the hallway wall twice but lost his balance and fell backward, twisting his ankle.
And so, for the second time in two days, he ended up in the hospital.
Lance received Xavier's update about Garrett and couldn't help but chuckle coldly.
Deanna happened to see this and casually asked, "What are you laughing at? Your smile looks terrifying."
"Terrifying?"
Lance raised an eyebrow at her, clearly displeased with her description.
Realizing her mistake, Deanna awkwardly smiled and changed the subject. "So, what were you laughing at just now?"