Chapter 422

Chapter 422

Usually sharp and savvy when out and about, he was now lounging on his couch at home, wasting time.

Not a single thought about living life actively crossed his mind.

Lewis hung up the phone and relayed Zachary's message to the two of them.

No one showed any joy at being favored by the king, only the dread of having to go out in the afternoon.

The weather was too cold; they really didn't want to go out. What to do?

Lewis looked into their eyes and couldn't help but tap them twice: "You guys are just wasting time, not striving for progress."

As the main pillars of the nation, how could they act like this?

Penelope sighed without much sincerity: "That's really too bad."

Lewis fell silent.

Complaints aside, they still had to do what needed to be done.

After a simple lunch and a brief rest, it started to snow lightly outside again.

Garrett put on a show: "Look, God doesn't want us to go out."

He rarely got to spend time with Penelope and really didn't want to do anything work-related.

No one paid attention to his words; the only response he got was the back of Lewis's cold, unfeeling head.

He sighed and still got into the car, heading to the palace.

The snow accumulated on the roads in the morning had already been cleared, and only the freshly fallen snowflakes danced on the ground before melting into a thin layer of ice.

A single layer of ice was manageable, but if the snow didn't stop, tomorrow would be ice covered by snow, making it even more slippery.

Lewis glanced at Justin, who was driving, and Justin immediately understood.

"Don't worry, I've already informed the managers who haven't left for their business trips yet. They'll wait until the weather clears."

Lewis nodded and arrived at the administrative building on time with the others.

The heating inside was strong, quickly dispelling the cold from their bodies.

Zachary sat by the window with a cup in hand, a small cat sleeping belly-up at his feet.

Hearing footsteps, he turned and nodded slightly at them: "The roads are slippery with the snow. Did you have any trouble driving?"

Usually, there were always accidents around this time of year.

"No trouble. Has the traffic department been notified?"

"The order was sent out this morning. They'll keep a close watch these days to minimize unnecessary casualties."

As they spoke, three steaming cups of tea were placed in front of them.

The girl who brought the tea had a beautiful face, with dimples showing when she smiled.

Most importantly, her demeanor was impeccable; even serving tea couldn't diminish her innate elegance.

Penelope didn't come here often and was meeting this unique girl for the first time.

She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and ask, "Who is she?"

Clearly, she wasn't an ordinary person.

"Braelyn Campbell."

No need to say more; just the name explained a lot.

Penelope responded meaningfully: "Didn't that family say they wouldn't let their descendants get involved in these matters anymore? Why send someone now?"

"She wasn't sent; she got in on her own." Zachary chuckled. "To stay here, she went to great lengths, even angering the old man who came to find her. I was worried she'd give him a heart attack, so I decided to keep her."

Penelope was momentarily speechless but found it unsurprising. That family's granddaughter was just as rebellious and unmanageable as her grandfather.

Zachary saw the understanding in Penelope's eyes and laughed, "We need some fresh blood, don't we?"

Otherwise, this small place could suffocate people.

"As long as the king is pleased."

Zachary nodded and pushed a plan towards them. "Take a look at the detailed coastal economic reform plan."

Unlike the initial drafts, this plan was very detailed and could be issued as a major document without further revisions.

Lewis had already reviewed the contents, and while the other two were still studying the project, he couldn't help but ask, "What's the king's intention?"

"Coastal economic reform is no small matter. Investigating the hidden issues is difficult. I suggest sending someone trustworthy."

Lewis followed Zachary's gaze and saw Garrett's serious expression.

"The king wants Garrett to go?"

Garrett, who had just finished half of the document, looked up, confused about what they were discussing.

Penelope understood but didn't agree. "He hasn't fully regained his status yet. Sending him now might not be wise."

"Not necessarily," Lewis tapped the table twice, looking at Penelope calmly. "Ms. Murphy, let's keep personal feelings out of work discussions."

The coastal area had long thrived on individual policies, and those people didn't pay much attention to the Imperial City or its news.

So, regarding Garrett, they only knew he had recently returned to politics after a few years away, nothing more.

Such a person carrying important documents to the coast would likely not be taken seriously.

Not being taken seriously meant Garrett could find a reason to infiltrate and gather more evidence, making their actions easier.

Penelope understood this, but was reluctant because she cared about Garrett.

Facing Lewis's gaze, Penelope frowned but said nothing.

Garrett finally caught on.

They wanted to use him as bait.

Not entirely bait, as he needed a significant task to solidify his position upon returning to politics, and this was perfect.

He looked at Penelope, then at Lewis and Zachary, and suddenly smiled. "I'll go. Leave the coastal area to me."

Lewis's expression softened. "I'll have someone follow you discreetly."

"It's just the coast, not a big deal."

Penelope frowned, knowing it wasn't just the coast; it was a den of wolves.

Garrett's assignment to the coast was settled, leaving only some simple instructions and document handovers.

Finishing everything by five in the afternoon, they could just catch the end of the workday.

Lewis noticed the two had something to discuss and thoughtfully asked Zachary for a driver to take him home, leaving the car for them.

Penelope sat in the driver's seat, silent.

Garrett took advantage of a red light to touch Penelope's hand and sighed softly. "Are you upset?"

"You know it's not a good place, yet you still go?"

"It's my first stepping stone back into politics."

"Isn't what you've done before enough?" Penelope said, getting a bit angry. "That place has its own system. Going there is like walking into a lion's den."

Garrett squeezed her hand gently. "I know it's risky, but it's a chance I have to take. If I don't, I'll never regain my standing."

Penelope's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "I just don't want to lose you again."

"You won't," Garrett assured her. "I'll be careful. I promise."

Penelope sighed, her anger melting into worry. "Just... come back to me in one piece, okay?"

Garrett smiled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "I will. I promise."