“Yes, yes, Mr. Hunt. Today Mr. Lewis came back a little earlier,” the receptionist said with a ttering

smile.

Joseph gave a slight nod. “Good. I’ll head up then.” fnd7aa This update is avable on find?novel/fnd7aa

“Of course, same private elevator as before.” The receptionist made sure to direct him to Daniel’s exclusive lift, separate from the employees‘ elevators.

If Tessa had seen thisb, /bshe probably would’ve exploded.

Why should Joseph be treated so differentlyb? /b

They were both here to discuss cooperation, and neither had an appointment.

Yet Joseph walked in without the slightest difficulty.

But by then, Tessa was long gone.

Back home, she immediately began working on ways to reach Daniel’s secretary and secure an

appointment.

She hadn’t expected the receptionist to be so rigid, giving her no leeway at all.

Rules might be fixed, but people were flexible–except that receptionist clearly wasn’t.

Upstairs, Joseph pushed open the office door.

He could hear Daniel humming to himself, clearly in high spirits.

Joseph couldn’t help remarking, “Mr. Lewis, what happened to put you in such a good mood?”

At the sound of his voice, Daniel jolted upright.

Looking toward the door, he saw Joseph striding in.

Daniel forced a smile. “Mr. Hunt, when did you get here? Why didn’t you let me know ahead of time? If you had, I would’vee down to greet you.”

“No need to be so formal with me, Mr. Lewis.” Joseph sat down directly on the sofa.

Watching the smile stered on Daniel’s face, he sneered inwardly.

Seasoned sharks could smell their own, so what was the point of pretending?

“Courtesy is still necessary. After all, Mr. Hunt holds a different standing here,” Daniel said as he ced a freshly brewed cup of tea before Joseph.

The fragrance drifted up, and Joseph felt a wave of calm wash over him.

Daniel rubbed his palms together, watching Joseph expectantly, as though eagerly waiting for him to

drink.

Joseph arched a brow but finally lifted the cup and took a sip under Daniel’s watchful gaze.

Seeing this, Daniel let out a satisfied “Ah.”

“Mr. Hunt, what do you think of the tea?”

Joseph gave a measured response. “It’s very good–smooth going down, with a lingering aftertaste.”

The praise pleased Daniel greatly, and he nodded repeatedly. “I’m d my tea has your approval. That’s more than enough for me.”

“Enough with the small talk.” Joseph’s smile faded, his tone turning serious.

He looked straight at Daniel, his voice firm. “You should know bI /bdidn’te here to discuss tea. Time is limited for both of us–why waste it going in circles? Let’s get straight to the point.”

His eyes locked onto Daniel’s, leaving no room for evasion.

Hearing this, Daniel straightened in his seat, his expression eager, as though waiting to be enlightened. Alright. Please, say whatever it is directly, Mr. Hunt.”

“Good. I don’t like beating around the bush either. We’re both businessmen–if something benefits us, whyplicate it?”

“That’s right,” Joseph said, taking another sip of tea. “Then tell me, Mr. Lewis, what’s your stance on that projecttely?”