Chapter 40: Mr. Foley Was Late Today

Kate, somewhat single-minded, thought Cheyenne was complimenting her. Her fair, round face flushed, complementing her large, round eyes and giving her an innocent, lovely look.

“I actually did this for the first time,” she said, stylishly, having just attended a charity training session yesterday.

“Really? You did such a good job,” Cheyenne said, unable to discourage her. She turned to Reece, sitting across from her. “How did you get hurt?” she asked.

Reece sighed in frustration. “Well, I shot an action scene last night that required martial arts moves. The stunt double was absent, so I had to do it myself. My wrist dislocated after just a few moves. The director called a break so I could wrap it up. But then I accidentally fell again and hit my hand on one of the prop swords. It’s wood, but it still hurt.”

“Dislocated your wrist?” Cheyenne lazily stretched her own hand and asked Reece to show her his.

He obediently extended his injured hand. She looked at the mummy-like bandage with pursed lips before carefully unwrapping the gauze. Reece’s so-called injury was just a cut on his index finger, about two centimeters long, with the skin turned over. It could be easily stitched.

Cheyenne’s eyes widened as she held his finger and applied pressure. “So this is your excuse for tricking me into buying you turkey?”

“Ah ah ah… Cheyenne… I’m sorry, please let go!” It wasn’t that painful at first, but Reece felt the pain when she squeezed it. He protested, raising his hand. “Cheyenne, it hurts!” “Hmph!” Kate gloated, making a face at him. “I told him it wasn’t serious and we didn’t need to bother you,” she complained to Cheyenne. “But he wanted something to eat, and we were too lazy to go out…”

Cheyenne understood. These two foodies had teamed up to trick her. She placed the half-turkey, wrapped in oil paper, on the table and took a small white porcelain bottle from her bag. This gourd-shaped bottle was custom-made to hold various medicinal powders. She handed it to Reece. “Your wound’s been treated, and this medicine will help it heal faster. Apply it twice a day, morning and night, and keep it dry. I guarantee that within three days, you won’t even have a scar.”

Reece took the small bottle like a treasure and kissed it fervently. “Thank you, Cheyenne! I knew you loved me most!”

Kate also wanted one, so Cheyenne gave her one too. They were actually beauty products Cheyenne made herself—edible candies. Fun things to please girls.

After sitting with Reece at the hospital for a while and finishing the turkey, Cheyenne left.

Meanwhile, across town, Kelvin walked into his company looking disheveled. An important shareholder meeting was scheduled for 10:30 AM, but Kelvin was nowhere to be seen. The atmosphere in the large conference room was tense and eerie; all shareholders, in black suits, sat immaculately at their designated seats. Some whispered, annoyance etched on their faces.

Kelvin had run the company for years without ever being late or absent. He always stayed until everyone else left. He was considered an exemplary workaholic. Even on his wedding day, he worked overtime, attending church briefly in his groom's attire before returning to work. That evening, he flew overseas. Everyone expected him to stay for several days, but he showed up at the office at 8:00 AM, sharp and ready for work. His appearance, neatly dressed, shocked everyone. He didn't look like a newlywed.

But today, Mr. Foley was late. The meeting was scheduled for 10:30 AM, but he was absent by almost 11:00 AM. Chris anxiously watched the elevator doors and his watch. He assumed Kelvin would take a taxi straight to the office after dropping Miss Berry at the villa, but he wasn't there. Chris retraced his steps but found no trace of Kelvin. He considered calling, but he carried Kelvin's phone.

“Is Mr. Foley worried about Miss Berry and went back to the villa?” Chris called the villa; only Miss Berry was there. Mr. Foley hadn’t returned.

“Mr. Richards, what is Mr. Foley doing? Should we continue?” a shareholder asked impatiently.

“Yes, we’ve been waiting for almost an hour! Shouldn’t we cancel the meeting? I have other things to attend to,” another shareholder chimed in. “It’s rare for Mr. Foley to be late!” Some suggested canceling; others wanted an explanation. The room became chaotic.

Chris, having worked for Kelvin for many years, surveyed the room coldly. “Please calm down. There must be a reason why Mr. Foley is late.”

“What reason? As a CEO, he doesn’t know how to manage time?” Cody Berry, one of the company’s largest shareholders, spoke up. Cody had initially opposed Kelvin’s appointment, citing his computer science degree, not business management. He believed Kelvin’s success was luck, due to an anonymous hacker, “Mr. X,” who had helped save their system without payment.

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Only Cody remained unhappy about Kelvin’s lateness. He raised his head and asked, “Shouldn’t you explain why you’re late?”

Kelvin’s gaze sharpened. Cody felt a chill but stood firm. Kelvin slammed a file on the table. Although not loud, everyone heard it. “I don’t have to explain anything to you,” Kelvin said coldly. “If you don’t want to stay, leave.”

Cody’s face turned pale. He was the second-largest shareholder! The Berry family was a founding member; his brother died in the line of duty, leaving behind a sickly daughter, Abbie, who had been overlooked by Kelvin.

“Mr. Foley, even if you don’t explain it to me, you should explain it to all shareholders. We’ve wasted an hour!” Cody said fearlessly.

Kelvin glanced at the other shareholders and gave a faint smile. “Do others think I need to explain?” This smile made people shudder. They preferred anger to that smile.

“No, no, no, there must be a reason…Let’s start quickly.” “Yes! Mr. Foley seems exhausted.” “Mr. Foley, let’s start now. It’s almost lunchtime.”

The flattery made Chris sick. Earlier, they’d echoed Cody’s demand for an explanation. Kelvin raised his hand, silencing them. He announced, “Since we all agree time is valuable, let’s start the meeting. Chris, turn on the projector.”

“Yes, Mr. Foley,” Chris replied.

Today’s meeting was faster-paced than usual. They preferred Mr. Foley’s meetings, which didn't drag on. However, his presence demanded full attention. When work hours ended, Kelvin summarized tasks before dismissing everyone.

Cody remained silent, seemingly wanting to speak. Kelvin looked at him coldly. “Is there anything else, Mr. Berry?”

Under Kelvin’s stare, Cody gritted his teeth. “It’s personal. My niece has returned; I want to pick her up tonight. I wouldn’t want to disturb Mr. Foley.” Cody thought, ‘If Kelvin divorced for Abbie’s sake, he must have feelings for her. If I control Abbie, I control Kelvin.’

Unexpectedly, Kelvin nodded. “That’s right. Chris, notify Abbie and tell her to pack her bags.”

Cody was bewildered. Shouldn’t Kelvin have shown some hesitation? He simply nodded nonchalantly. Cody couldn't understand Kelvin; younger, yet more scheming than expected.

“Alright then, thank you for letting my niece go.”

Chris snorted. ‘Mr. Foley hasn’t restricted Miss Berry’s freedom at all! It’s Miss Berry who went to the company with Mr. Foley.’