Chapter 215

Following Lucas' instructions, Desmond went to meet David from the supply department.

At first, David looked visibly annoyed when he saw Desmond, assuming he was yet another person sent by Aurora. They’d already made things clear–why were they still clinging on?

David’s full name was David Warren. His name might have sounded plain, but after years of hustling in Ravenshore, he’d built up a strong network. In the world of materials supply, his word carried real weight.

With a frown, David snapped, “Did Walton Corporation send you? I already said I wasn’t meeting anyone from them. No matter how many people they send, my answer won’t change.”

He was fed up. Walton Corporation was like a piece of clingy duct tape–no matter how many times he tried to shake them off, they kept showing up. And honestly, they were the ones who’d messed up in the first place. Why should his company take the fall now?

Desmond could already tell there was a major misunderstanding between them. Clearly, what they needed most was communication.

“I’m not from Walton Corporation,” he said calmly.

David blinked, confused. “Then who are you with?”

Without playing coy, Desmond pulled out his work badge and held it up.

David had still been looking at him with disdain, assuming whatever credentials he flashed wouldn’t amount to much. But when his eyes landed on the large, unmistakable words “Vanguard Group“, his expression changed completely.

“You’re with Vanguard?” he blurted out. “That Carter’s company?”

Desmond smoothly tucked the badge back into his coat. He had expected this reaction.

“Mr. Warren, can we talk now?”

He lifted his chin slightly, the arrogance in his gaze impossible to ignore. David didn’t take offense to Desmond’s tone at all. In fact, all he could think was–had he hit the jackpot today? How else could he be sitting face-to-face with someone from Vanguard Group?

“Mr. Watson, what brings you here today…” David trailed off, but Desmond knew exactly where that question was going.

“To be honest,” Desmond said, “I do have a favor to ask.”

“Oh no, no, please!” David practically shot up in his seat at the word favor. This was someone from Lucas’ inner circle–how could he possibly let him ask for anything? Wiping the sweat from his brow, David said quickly, “Mr. Watson, whatever it is, just tell me straight. There’s no need to be so formal.”

“Alright. I hope you’ll consider giving Walton Corporation another chance.”

“Is there a problem?” he asked calmly, pouring a cup.

“I mean, Mr. Watson, what exactly is the relationship between Walton Corporation and Vanguard Group? Specifically, their…”

Desmond narrowed his eyes. “Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t be asking.”

David held up his hands. "You don’t understand. Welton made things very difficult for us. This partnership had been giving him one hell of a headache lately."

Desmond asked, puzzled. “You’re the boss, aren’t you? Isn’t it your call?”

“You don’t understand, Mr. Watson. It’s not that I don’t want to work with them. It’s that Walton Corporation made it clear we weren’t worth their time. If they looked down on us from the start, why bother circling back now?”

Chapter 216