A sense of superiority immediately washed over him. It filled Nicholas Coldwell's heart with satisfaction.

When he raised his eyes further skyward, it seemed incredibly close. It was as if by reaching out through the window, he could catch a passing plane like a little bird or play with the drifting clouds in the palm of his hand.

Unaware of how long he had been standing there, the sound of high heels suddenly came from behind him, and he quickly turned around.

"Manager Nicholas, our CEO is back. He asks to see you," Secretary Yang said, her tone still a bit cold.

"Isn't your CEO coming here?" Nicholas instinctively asked. Being led into the VIP room had made him an honored guest, he thought. Being received by Glades Horne as a distinguished guest was an immense privilege. If he mentioned it to others, surely many would seek to cozy up and network with him. Even his father-in-law hadn't received such a meeting when he came looking for Glades.

"The CEO is in his office. Please follow me, Manager Nicholas," Secretary Yang said, turning to leave without addressing Nicholas's question.

Left with no choice, Nicholas followed Secretary Yang out of the VIP room and headed to the CEO's office.

Glades Horne sat with his back to the door at his desk, the black swivel chair concealing his robust figure, with only his head visible.

Secretary Yang knocked and, upon receiving Glades's permission, ushered Nicholas inside.

This time, Nicholas dared not survey the surroundings. Glades's office was expansive, invoking a sense of suffocation that made one hesitate to speak aloud.

"CEO, Manager Nicholas is here," Secretary Yang reported respectfully.

Glades Horne did not spin his chair around, continuing to sit with his back to them. After hearing Secretary Yang's words, he lifted his right hand and gestured for her to leave, which she did quietly.

The sheer authoritative presence in his every move commanded Nicholas's utmost respect.

"Have a seat." Glades's deep voice, betraying no emotion, filled the office, echoing despite its softness.

Nicholas nodded and muttered a thank you. This act of basic courtesy somehow felt like a favor granted by Glades.

Sitting on the couch, Nicholas sat up straight.

"I heard you've been here a few times," Glades's heavy voice sounded again.

"Yes, when I came before, Young Master, you were abroad," Nicholas addressed Glades as Young Master, putting himself in a subservient position with his very first words.

"Is there a matter?"

"Well, that..." Nicholas suddenly became nervous. Although he had arrived with all the boldness in the world, now that it came to stating his purpose, he hesitated to speak freely. He weighed whether his plea could persuade Glades to stop targeting Cosmos.

"If there's nothing important, please leave. I don't have time!" Glades stood abruptly, circled his desk, and strode towards the door.

"Young Master Glades, Young Master Glades!" Nicholas quickly got up and hurried to block Glades's path, smiling ingratiatingly as he said, "I was hoping to ask you for a favor."

Glades pressed his lips together, not speaking. His deep eyes, which seemed to make one's scalp tingle, settled on Nicholas, filling him with a sense of dread. The two men were equally tall and handsome, but in terms of aura, Nicholas was no match for Glades.

"Lately, the young master of the Griffin Family has been snatching business from Cosmos. I heard he's your close friend. I also know I wronged your sister-in-law; I... I had my difficulties. If you really wish to vent your anger for Julia, then please, just deal with me. Don't let Cosmos suffer. If Cosmos goes down, many will lose their jobs. Surely you wouldn't have the heart for that, Young Master? It's not easy to find good work these days. Please, Young Master, spare Cosmos."

Glades continued to press his lips together silently, his gaze growing deeper, faintly radiating anger.

Nicholas was there to ask for leniency, and he wasn't shy, openly suggesting that Glades was the one targeting Cosmos.

"Young Master, you're someone people look up to. The issues between Julia and me are personal, between us alone. I still hope you won't let personal grievances damage your reputation," Nicholas continued.

Glades's lips curled into a cold smirk. Indeed, the matter between Julia and me was personal, Glades thought, but now Julia was his wife. So what if he held a grudge? So what if it was personal vengeance? Reputation—was it more important than Julia? This damned, shameless Nicholas Coldwell had abandoned Julia, hurt her, and now he dared to come begging for mercy? What right did Nicholas Coldwell have?

"What if my hand can't be lifted?"

Glades glared at Nicholas coldly. His menacing gaze once again made Nicholas's scalp tingle.

"Young Master Glades..."

Nicholas's complexion paled. Glades's meaning was clear—he wouldn't let Cosmos off, he realized.

Suddenly, Glades's handsome face was right in front of him. At such close proximity, Nicholas felt a surge of resentment at fate's unfairness; Glades was so handsome it almost left him dazed. Good lineage, good looks—everything men coveted and pursued, Glades Horne possessed them all.

"Do you know how much I adore Julia? I've watched over her since she was born. Even I wouldn't dare harm a single hair on her head, yet you deceived her love and abandoned her, causing her pain and tears. You deserve to die!"

Glades's words were forced through clenched teeth, laden with anger. His face was tempestuous, his hawkish eyes narrowed, emanating danger.

Struck by Glades's chilling atmosphere, Nicholas tried to speak but found himself stuttering and unable to articulate. Wasn't this a private matter between Julia and himself? Nicholas wondered. Why did Glades insist on intervening?

"And the Powell Family is the root cause of your abandonment of Julia," Glades's voice grew colder.

"But..." Glades was merely Julia's brother-in-law. Wasn't this favoritism an overstepping of bounds? he thought.

Nicholas dared not voice that thought, for fear Glades would snap his neck.