Although the higher-ups said to find any excuse that wouldn't harm the company to deal with that research institute, the involvement of Mercer Group left no room for such tricks.
Thinking of this, Mr. Riley said in a deep voice, "Mr. Nelson, I can only tell you that the reason for the supply cut-off is because your wife offended Mr. Harris' fiancée."
"Who is Mr. Harris' fiancée?" Xavier instinctively asked.
Mr. Riley heard this but did not answer directly. Instead, he said tactfully, "I can't say more, but I think with Mercer Group's capabilities, finding out Mr. Harris' fiancée shouldn't be difficult, right, Mr. Nelson?"
Hearing this, Xavier knew that further questions would be futile. He had already gotten the information he needed, so he exchanged a few polite words and hung up the phone.
After hanging up, he didn't immediately report to Lance but sent a few messages before contacting him.
"Mr. Mercer, I've found out that Harris Group stopped supplying materials because your wife offended Mr. Harris' fiancée."
"Trystan's fiancée?" Lance frowned and asked, "Who is it?"
Xavier replied honestly, "Harris Group wouldn't say who their president's fiancée is, so I don't know yet. But I've arranged for someone to investigate, and we should have the information by this afternoon."
"I understand. Report back once you have confirmed it. Also, arrange for someone to find a suitable new supplier for the materials," Lance instructed in a deep voice.
Xavier nodded in agreement and hung up the phone.
After putting down his phone, Lance planned to wait until Xavier had all the details before informing Deanna. But considering Deanna's concern and anxiety over the matter, he decided against it.
In fact, Deanna was indeed very concerned about Harris Group's sudden change of heart and had been distracted all morning. When she saw Lance's call, she eagerly answered.
"Lance, did Harris Group respond?"
"Yes. Xavier said it's because you offended their president's fiancée that they suddenly stopped supplying materials," Lance explained, leaving Deanna puzzled.
When had she ever offended Mr. Harris' fiancée? Moreover, she had never even met her.
Thinking this, she voiced her confusion, "I've never met Mr. Harris' fiancée. How could I have offended her?"
Lance's eyes darkened slightly as he reassured Deanna. "Don't worry about it. Xavier is investigating and will have answers by this evening. Meanwhile, I've instructed him to find a new supplier for the materials, and I will personally oversee it."
"Thank you," Deanna felt both touched and grateful after hearing Lance's words. If it weren't for him, Harris Group's sudden move would have left her scrambling and potentially delayed the project.
That afternoon, Xavier received a report from his subordinates. Seeing the results on the document, his expression turned strange but he immediately went to report to Lance.
"Sir, we've found out that Trystan's fiancée is Bella."
"Bella?" Lance looked over in surprise.
Xavier nodded and explained, "Since the Cody family left Cloudmere, they've been on a downward slope. To stabilize the company's value and because Trystan fell for Bella at first sight, the two families arranged a marriage."
Hearing this, Lance understood why Harris Group terminated their cooperation. What he didn't expect was that Bella was still causing trouble for Deanna at this point. It seemed he had been too lenient before.
And Trystan was blinded by his infatuation, sacrificing company interests for such a woman. If he didn't retaliate, it would seem like they had no backbone.
"Have our legal department take the contract to Harris Group and demand compensation for breach of contract. We can't let Deanna suffer losses. Also, spread the word about Harris Group's business practices," Lance ordered coldly.
Finally, he added, "And contact Old Cody. If he can't control Bella, don't blame me for stepping in. The Cody family will find no favor with me anymore!"
"I understand," Xavier acknowledged and left to arrange for someone to confront Harris Group on behalf of their missus.
He also contacted Old Cody and relayed Mr. Mercer's words verbatim.
"Old Cody, you know that when Miss Cody caused trouble before, Mr. Mercer didn't pursue it fully and only asked you to leave Cloudmere out of respect for past relations. If Miss Cody doesn't repent and continues to cause trouble for Mrs. Mercer, Mr. Mercer said he won't hold back anymore. The Cody family will find no favor with him."
Hearing this, it would be false to say Old Cody had no resentment towards Lance.