Grace looked at Jason with complete seriousness.

Jason answered steadily, without bowing or flinching. "Madam Grace, every word I’ve said is the truth. I have no reason to hide anything."

“But I’ve already promised Tessa. No matter what, the director’s position will go to her.”

Grace smiled faintly. “I can’t go back on my word now. Besides, it’ll give her the chance to practice. All you need to do is support her where you can.”

“But Madam Grace…”

Grace raised her hand, cutting him off before he could finish. “That’s enough. If there’s nothing else, you may go. I still have other matters to handle.”

Seeing her resolve, Jason said no more. After all, this was a family matter, and at the end of the day, he was only an employee.

Meanwhile, Daniel was wrestling with hesitation.

Now that Aurora had left Walton Corporation, should his contract still be signed with her, or should he switch back to her former company?

As he turned the dilemma over in his mind, Desmond arrived.

Daniel immediately sat up straighter, plastering on a flattering smile. “Ah, Mr. Desmond, what a surprise! What brings you here today?”

“Speak properly.” Desmond gave a small cough, putting on airs in front of him.

Seeing Daniel’s obsequiousness gave him a surge of satisfaction. The frustrations he endured in front of Lucas could all be vented here.

“Yes, yes, that was my mistake.” Daniel chuckled, not daring to argue back.

“Actually, I was just about to come find you.” Daniel grinned. “Funny how you walked in first.”

“And what exactly were you planning to find me for?” Desmond asked lazily, taking a sip of tea.

“Of course it’s about the southern land project.”

Daniel didn’t bother hiding his intent. “You know the situation at Walton Corporation now. Miss Walton isn’t there anymore. So, what happens to this project? Do I still work with her?”

Up until now, Daniel still hadn’t figured out whether the man behind Desmond meant to support Walton Corporation or was simply interested in Aurora herself.

Unable to make up his mind, he had no choice but to sound out Desmond.

Daniel’s rise to where he was today came from his knack for reading the wind.

Smooth and calculating, he never made a decision blindly.

He always sought someone else’s opinion first–that was how he’d come this far.

Even with his unsavory tastes, people still indulged him because he knew how to flatter and adapt.

Big players, especially, always bought into his act.

“Funny enough, I came today for that very matter,” Desmond said, glancing at him.

Relief flickered across Daniel’s face.

“That’s good to hear. I wonder, though–what does Mr. Carter say about it?” he probed carefully.

When Desmond stayed silent, Daniel quickly added, “You know me, Mr. Desmond. I’m just a small figure. Unless someone above gives the word, I wouldn’t dare hand this project off to anyone on my own.”