Chapter 106: Can You Do It?
"Sure."
I replied with a smile, "I'll introduce you to Atlas another day."
"Great, it's a deal then."
Quincy's emotions came and went quickly. She soon calmed down and stood up, saying, "Alright, I'm heading to the company now. Soon, in three years at most, I'll kick Kenneth and Edna out of the Blake family."
"Okay, I'll be waiting for your good news."
I knew that Kenneth and Edna never intended to take over the Blake family's assets—it was Quincy herself who couldn't let it go.
"You can say this to my face, but don't go around saying it outside, or it might get back to Kenneth and cause problems."
"Alright, I got it."
Quincy at least gave me that respect. She waved her hand and said, "I'm off. You go do your thing too."
After she left, I finished my last sip of coffee and headed to the company.
As soon as I entered the office, Lyndon came over with a big smile, "Ms. Lockwood, that shipment has already left the warehouse."
"Really? That was fast." I was a bit surprised—we'd just finalized it yesterday, and it was already shipped today.
"Tell me about it."
Lyndon shook his head with a grin, "It's all thanks to Mr. Lancaster. He moves fast."
I nodded, "Alright, I got it. Go ahead with your work."
"Okay."
Lyndon turned and left.
Selling this shipment would solve quite a few problems for the company. Atlas deserved major credit.
I took out my phone to call and thank him. Just as I was about to dial, someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
The door opened—it was Henry.
I was a bit surprised, "Dad, what brings you here? Is something wrong?"
Henry nodded, "Yes, I wanted to talk about the shipment that went out today."
Seeing Henry's serious expression, my heart sank. I quickly asked, "Is there a problem?"
Henry shook his head, "Not exactly a problem, but I heard that the buyer's price was low, yet we sold it at a higher price."
I was confused, "Dad, what do you mean exactly?"
Dad explained again, and then I understood—the buyer's price was ten percent less than what we received.
"How is that possible? I didn't hear about this."
I quickly called Lyndon in. He looked just as puzzled, so we called in the finance manager. Seeing that the payment received was complete, Henry became even more silent.
"It's Atlas. He must have covered that ten percent himself."
Henry looked at me and said, "Call Atlas and tell him you know about the payment. Thank him, and then set a time—I want to thank him personally."
I nodded, "Okay."
The phone rang for a while before he answered. Atlas's deep voice came through.
"What's up, miss me?"
I glanced nervously at Henry, but he was busy talking to Lyndon and not looking my way. I breathed a sigh of relief.
I got straight to the point, "Did you do something with the payment?"
"You found out so quickly? I thought I'd covered my tracks and you wouldn't notice."
Atlas laughed, "Don't worry about it. Ten percent is only a few million dollars. Don't worry, I can afford it."
"It's not about whether you can afford it."
Atlas cut me off, "I know this small amount might not solve the big problems, but it's a token of my feelings, Helena. Don't worry about it."
If Henry hadn't discovered it, I would have been kept in the dark.
Though the money wasn't much, this kind of help when it's needed most was truly precious.
"You really should have said something, even when doing a good deed."
"This little bit of money isn't worth making a special announcement about. If your company has any more difficulties, remember to speak up. Don't treat me like an outsider."
Seeing him say this, I didn't hesitate anymore and readily agreed.
"Okay."
After that, I conveyed Henry's message.
Atlas sounded both surprised and pleased, "Great! Let Mr. Lockwood set the time, and I'll definitely be there."
"Okay, I'll let you know once Dad sets the time."
After I hung up, Henry asked, "That was him, right?"
I nodded. Henry sighed deeply, "Nothing touches the heart more than help when it's needed most. I know what Atlas is trying to do. If you're willing, I won't object."
"Dad, I'll think about it, but not right now. Right now I just want to focus on work."
"Good, as long as you think it through."
Henry patted my shoulder and said, "Let's arrange for him to come over for a casual dinner at home."
I nodded in agreement, "Okay."
After discussing this matter, I turned the conversation to the remaining shipment.
Henry thought for a moment, "There's a trade fair in a few days. I'll take you along and see if there's a chance to sell it."
"Okay."
A few days later, Atlas came to visit as promised.
Maria had already instructed Peter to prepare a full table of dishes. When Atlas arrived, Henry brought out his treasured wine.
He smiled, "Mr. Lancaster, you're the first young person I've invited for dinner. Young talent is truly formidable."
Atlas set down the gifts he'd brought, without any of his usual casual manner, and respectfully said to Henry, "Since this is a family dinner, just call me Atlas."
"Alright."
Atlas then presented the gifts. Maria happened to walk over and smiled as she took them, "You didn't need to bring gifts! Don't do that next time."
"Mrs. Lockwood, this is just a small token."
Then he handed Maria another gift, "That one was for Mr. Lockwood, this one is for you."
"There's one for me too?"
Maria was delighted as she opened the gift box, her smile widening.
Inside was a popular skincare set from this year.
"Atlas, you're so thoughtful. Thank you."
Seeing that both Henry and Maria had gifts, I actually found myself feeling a bit expectant too.
"This is for Helena."
Atlas took out a large box. When opened, it was filled with flowers, and in the middle was a small box containing a new limited-edition perfume.
"Very nice."
You could tell Atlas had went to great lengths this visit.
I praised him and set the gift aside, "Thank you. This is our family's way of reciprocating."
I gestured around the table, "Try the food and see how it tastes. If it's good, have plenty."
"Thank you, thank you so much."
Atlas thoughtfully pulled out my chair, waiting until I sat down before taking his own seat.
"Alright, dig in."
Maria said with a smile as she began using her utensils.
Maria was warm and welcoming, Henry occasionally shared drinks with Atlas, and the meal was very pleasant.
After dinner, Maria urged me to show Atlas around the yard.
Unable to refuse, I had to take him outside. The weather was beautiful, with warm sunshine that felt comfortable.
Our yard was near a lake with sparkling water and beautiful scenery. Seeing the small boat on the lake, Atlas was struck by inspiration and reached out his hand to me, "Come on, let me take you out on the lake."
"Can you handle it? This lake is quite deep."
As soon as I finished speaking, Atlas pulled me onto the small boat.
The boat rocked, and I let out a series of startled cries.
Atlas took the opportunity to hold me in his arms, his warm breath on my cheek, his teasing voice in my ear, "Never question a man's capabilities."