Chapter 1259: Strangers

Chapter 1259: Strangers

Horace smiled faintly and said, “You're still thoughtful. If there's really

any trouble, Mario will handle it all, and if he can't solve it, he'll come to

you. That would also mean owing you a favor."

Ayan simply smiled without responding to Horace's words. However, he

changed the topic to something else, such as his plans to handle the

final tasks of the overseas project after the banquet ended.

He asked Horace, "Do you want to come along?"

Horace understood the meaning behind his words. However, it didn't

seem appropriate at the moment, so he said, "After this project starts, I

probably won't be able to take time off. So, now is the most suitable

time."

Horace didn't give a direct response; he still had some hesitation. He

said, "Let me check my schedule at the company. You know, Armstrong

Corp has many eyes watching me, especially the Armstrong family.

They haven't relaxed for a moment. Even though Preston has left

Armstrong Corp, who knows if he has other intentions with Mr.

Armstrong. Armstrong Corp can't afford any problems at the moment,

or Mr. Armstrong will have a reason to control me directly.”

Horace's concerns were understandable because the situation at

Armstrong Corp was already quite complicated. Ayan didn't push him

further and just told him, "Let me know once you've made a decision so

that I can make arrangements in advance."

Horace nodded in agreement.

Afterward, the two of them returned to discussing the project. Horace

vaguely guessed that Ayan had some purpose behind his actions.

Would Mario realize it too once things calmed down?

Horace voiced his doubts, and Ayan simply smiled faintly and said, "I

don't think there should be a problem. Even if he suspects that I have

some ulterior motive, things that haven't happened are still unknown.

Since they are unknown, it means anything is possible. Perhaps I even

made a wrong assumption. So, the risks are balanced. He has also

gained a lot of benefits and advantages by taking on the responsibility

of the main team for this project. This position has elevated his status in

Hance City."

Ayan was open and transparent with Horace, saying whatever was on

his mind.

Perhaps he sounded too serious, which made Horace unable to

suppress a smile.

Horace asked, "If he didn't show up today, were you planning to offer

me this position?"

"Would you have taken it?" Ayan countered.

Horace was momentarily taken aback, then thought about it seriously

before saying, "Probably not!"

"Well, if you wouldn't take it, why would I bother offering it to you? Isn't

there still the Nores Group? Besides, he's not here, and for such an

important matter, we needed him to be present to make a decision.

After all, we are in a cooperative relationship, and basic respect should

be given,” Ayan calmly said.

This decision was actually made on the spot. Since both Mario and the

Nores family were interested, Ayan naturally wouldn't participate.

After all, it wasn't an important position; it was simply a job to get things

done.

Horace had been with Ayan for a long time, and Ayan didn't have any

immediate plans. It was almost time for a meal, so Horace suggested,

"How about we have a meal together? Rex should be quite free these

days."

The Ward Group had just completed a major project, and Rex

happened to have two days off. Of course, taking time off didn't mean

not going to the company at all, but rather reducing social

engagements and spending most of the time at the office.

Horace had no objections, so he agreed directly.

However, Horace and Ayan went their separate ways since Horace had

driven to the place. It wouldn't look good if he got into Ayan's car and

attracted attention.

The two arrived at Sienna's restaurant separately, and Rex had already

arrived. The three of them got a small private room.

Rex had ordered the dishes, and after exchanging greetings with Ayan

and Horace, he invited them to have tea.

Rex asked, "Why are you two so leisurely today?"

Horace replied, "Well, I've been thinking that it's been a while since I

had a meal with Mr. Ward, right?"

Rex looked at Horace, a helpless expression on his face as he stared

at him. In a low voice, he said, "Mr. Burris, you've been spending too

much time with Mr. Simpson, and you've learned some bad habits. You

should spend less time with him in the future. I'm worried he'll corrupt

you."

Ayan snickered and ignored Rex, his gaze indifferent as he glanced at

him. That look seemed to say, “Be a better person.”

But Rex automatically filtered it out as if he hadn't seen it, and he

continued, "Mr. Burris, we're all friends here. Why do you always act so

distant? Don't you consider me a friend when you keep addressing me

like this?"

Ayan casually picked up the conversation, saying, “It's good enough

that you know. Why bother saying it and embarrassing yourself?"

Rex looked at Ayan helplessly, wanting to say something but couldn't

find the words.

Horace couldn't help but smile as he watched the banter between the

two. He chimed in, "Aren’t I just worried that you're not used to my

enthusiasm?"

"Well, considering how many times we've had drinks together, and now

we're dining companions, should we act like strangers at the same

table?" Horace continued, teasingly.

“You're right. I didn't think it through. Let me offer you a cup of tea

instead of wine, as a fresh start!" After Horace finished speaking, he

raised his teacup towards Rex, who cooperatively tapped his cup

against Horace's. This gesture marked the reconciliation between the

two.

The waiter brought the dishes, and only after the food was served did

Rex speak again, "How did you two end up together today?"

No one answered the question just now.

Rex was a curious person and naturally wanted to know.

Horace briefly explained that it was about the Nores Group project, so

they had a meeting at the Simpson Group in the morning.

Upon hearing this, Rex's expression changed slightly, but he quickly

returned to normal. He then calmly asked, "Did Mario go as well?"

Without thinking much, Horace nodded, "Yes, he went too. He's the

team leader for this project.”

"The team leader? Him?" Rex snorted, accompanying his question. He

put down his fork and raised his teacup, taking a sip of tea. His

eyebrows slightly raised, indicating that he was thinking about

something, but his expression remained indifferent. In a warm yet

distant tone, he asked, "Ayan, don't you have any intention to compete

for that team leader position?"

Ayan ate his food elegantly, his face devoid of any extra expression. He

savored the food slowly, then raised his gaze slightly and looked at Rex

with a faint warmth in his eyes. There seemed to be no ripples or

waves, and his voice was equally warm and calm as he replied, "I have

no intention.”

"What do you mean, no intention? If we hand over this project

completely to Mario's responsibility, won't we have to rely on his

opinions for our future actions?"