Chapter 4 Your Connection

• "Miss Parker, you need to reach out to him immediately..." everyone insisted.
• They all had vested interests in the company, and its downfall would be catastrophic for everyone involved.
• "Okay, I'll contact him right away!" Emilia agreed.
• Despite her reluctance to see Derek, she had no other option for the company's sake.
• "Hello, is this Mr. Derek?" Emilia asked as she sat in her car, dialing Derek's number.
• "Emilia? This is unexpected!" Derek replied, slightly surprised.
• He had pursued Emilia in the past, but she had been too difficult to win over, and eventually, he had given up.
• "It's nothing urgent. I just wanted to invite you to dinner. You can pick the place," Emilia said softly.
• "Dinner sounds great!" Derek was thrilled, thinking this might be his chance to finally win her over.
• "I'm a bit busy right now, but let's set it for tonight. I'll let you know the location later!"
• ...
• On the top floor of Callister Group, Chester stood by the window, as if he could never get enough of the cityscape.
• "Mr. Newman, your trip to Camdenale is scheduled for three days from now. There will be a private jet to pick you up..." Sheldon said respectfully from behind Chester.
• "Three days?" Chester asked, a bit surprised.
• "Yes, the family in Camdenale needs some time to make arrangements so that you can take over smoothly when you arrive," Sheldon explained.
• Chester turned to look at the busy streets below.
• Since his return, Chester often spent his free time gazing at the city. He didn't feel particularly attached or detached from it, but he wanted to absorb the view.
• Each time he looked out, memories from the past resurfaced, playing like scenes from a movie in his mind.
• Among those memories, the image of a woman always stood out.
• "What am I thinking!" Chester muttered to himself, giving his head a light tap and shaking it.
• "I've been in Kinlande for two years and haven't really explored this ancient city's development. It's changed so much in recent years, I barely recognize it from my high school days! Since I have three days, I might as well take a break. Sheldon, join me for a walk around the city," Chester said, standing up.
• "Of course!" Sheldon was pleased to see Chester in good spirits, thinking that he was finally moving forward.
• Chester led the way, with Sheldon following behind.
• As they walked, employees of Callister Group watched them curiously, puzzled by Sheldon's deference to the seemingly ordinary young man.
• "Mr. Walker..."
• Just as they were about to leave, two people suddenly approached.
• The portly man in front exuded the air of someone well-versed in socializing at grand banquets. His companion, in an ill-fitting suit, looked out of place, as if formal attire was a foreign concept to him.
• "Mr. Hewitt? What do you need?" Sheldon asked, his tone tinged with impatience.
• "Mr. Walker, we're celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Kinlande Grand Hotel today. It would be an honor if you could attend," the older man entreated, his voice filled with deference.
• "I can't. I have other commitments," Sheldon replied curtly.
• "Sheldon, you should go. I'll take a walk by myself," Chester interjected.
• "Alright. Call me if you need anything," Sheldon said, nodding.
• "Sure," Chester responded, turning to leave.
• The older man had been elated at the prospect of Sheldon's attendance, but the sight of Sheldon's cold demeanor made him break into a sweat.
• Sheldon fixed him with a hard stare, making it clear he was displeased.
• Is it because of that young man? If so, he must be incredibly important.
• "Mr. Walker, who was that just now?" the older man dared to ask.
• "Mind your own business," Sheldon snapped.
• With that, he turned away, leaving the older man's request unanswered.
• The man and his son stood there, bewildered.
• "Derek, did you see that young man?" the older man asked.
• Yes, the two were Zach and his son, Derek.
• Although Zach's Kinlande Grand Hotel had numerous connections, they had never established a relationship with Kinlande's largest conglomerate, Callister Group. Zach had hoped to change that with this event and give Derek some exposure.
• "Dad, are you suggesting I make his acquaintance?" Derek inquired.
• "Are you kidding? Do you think you could?" Zach retorted with a sharp glance.
• He knew his son too well.
• "All you do is chase women and mingle with riff raff. I'm telling you to steer clear of that young man. Stay vigilant!" Zach commanded.
• "I understand, Dad..." Derek replied, unnerved by Sheldon's subservience to the young man.
• ...
• Chester roamed the streets of Kinlande aimlessly, his thoughts adrift like a leaf carried by the wind, directionless and restless.
• ...
• As night enveloped Kinlande, the city buzzed with vibrant nightlife.
• At Rosie Cafe, Emilia and Derek sat across from each other.
• "Mr. Derek, thank you for your connection with Callister Group that helped us secure the collaboration. Without your dad's influence, our company wouldn't have landed that significant contract," Emilia began.
• "Thank me?" Derek replied, caught off guard.
• He remembered his earlier attempts to charm Emilia, making grand promises of assistance.
• Those were empty words, meant to impress her, yet today his dad had actually been turned away.
• "Don't mention it, it was nothing," Derek chuckled.
• Emilia felt a wave of relief seeing Derek's cheerful demeanor.
• "Mr. Derek, I have another request..." Emilia ventured.
• "Of course, what do you need?"
• "It's about our contract..." Emilia shifted uneasily under Derek's lingering gaze.
• "Our collaboration with Callister Group was progressing well, but they abruptly canceled it. I think only someone connected can resolve this. Can you mediate for us?" Emilia explained.
• "Consider it done. I'll handle it for you," Derek assured.
• "Thank you, Mr. Derek," Emilia said gratefully.
• "It's no trouble at all. I'll speak to my dad as soon as I get home," Derek replied smoothly, with absolute confidence.