On an autumn night, there was still a slight chill in the air.

Dexter had just extricated himself from a social engagement. He gazed into the boundless night as he tightened his coat around him. Not long after, a young man wearing glasses went up to him. He looked somewhat naive, yet the ambition in his eyes was impossible to ignore.

The assistant handed him an umbrella. "It's raining outside, Mr. Kaufman."

It was Preston.

He was the driving force that propelled Russell Group from its initial path to unparalleled success within a span of two years. He, who was just a minor employee, even became the general manager of the headquarters. One could only imagine how ruthless and decisive he was in his actions.

Many people opined that Preston of Russell Group was not an ordinary individual. Numerous companies had their eyes on him, hoping to lure him away, but none had been successful.

And there he was, the rising star of Wavery, currently holding an umbrella over the man in black who was smoking at the entrance. He respectfully called out, "Mr. Russell."

The smoke was mostly dampened by the wind and rain. Dexter glanced sideways. "The cash flow in the hands of Luminary Corporation can drown your entire family for three generations. It would be strange if they didn't retaliate when you messed with them."

Preston lowered his head. "I apologize. There was a problem with the intelligence; otherwise, I wouldn't have made a mistake."

He was rather confident.

After Dexter finished his cigarette, the rain moistened its extinguished end.

Something seemed to trigger his memory as he asked, "How long have you been with me?"

"It's been almost two years now."

Two years ago, Dexter had gone to inspect the branch office. There had been a problem with a project, and the entire department had been in chaos. Only Preston had remained calm and collected, stepping in to resolve the issue.

Dexter had only noticed him then and brought him straight back to the headquarters for training.

He was smart, knew his limits, had the advantage of youth, and was full of determination. Dexter valued him more than anyone else. In his absence, it was Preston who handled everything. Everyone wondered if he was grooming a successor.

Perhaps after hearing the rumors so often, even Preston started to believe them.

"Two years"-Dexter narrowed his dark eyes-"and still, I haven't managed to tame this wolf that is you."

Preston's face paled dramatically. "Mr. Russell, I swear I've never betrayed you nor have I ever been disloyal!"

Dexter looked up. “I was just saying. Why are you so flustered? Your hand holding the umbrella is even shaking."

"I... I just don't want you to

misunderstand." Preston lowered his

head. "Indeed, the people from

Luminary Corporation did offer me a

substantial reward to tempt me, but

I didn't fall for it."

Dexter didn't say anything.

Such silence was most unnerving.

"Mr. Russell..."

Dexter immediately flashed a smile. "Like I said, I was just saying."

Moses arrived and parked the car by the roadside, waiting for him to finish handling his affairs.

Dexter seemed to have thought of something, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Charles just pulled you out of a mess. Try to keep a low profile. I won't always be there to bail you out."

Preston was drenched in cold sweat. "I'll be careful. I promise not to trouble you again."

Moses stepped out of the car,

holding an umbrella, and went to

meet Dexter. He suddenly turned

back and said, "I'll send you a faster of intelligence tomorrow. Lethim report to you then."

Preston was taken aback.

Dexter got into the backseat, where Grape was tucked away in the corner. Her face was puffed up, and her lips were pursed in a clear display of his anger.: text © owner.

The detachment and antagonism that characterized Dexter faded. He chuckled and asked, "What's the matter? Who has upset you?"

"Mommy!" she exclaimed, clearly annoyed.

Dexter raised an eyebrow.

Moses explained, "Josie sent word that something came up unexpectedly, and she won't be able to meet with Grape. She asked me to leave first."