His Lordship Alexander Kane

“Four hundred fifty minutes?!”

Zoe froze in her bow outside the security door, fuming with rage.

Alexander, that jerk! How could he make her bow to Patrick and Susanne for 450 minutes in the hallway?! That was 7.5 hours! “You bastard...” Zoe gnashed her teeth, wanting to curse at Alexander.

Of course, she did not dare to do that. She did not even dare straighten her back, let alone make a scene.

If she could not get Patrick and Susanne back, and if she could not secure Severn Group’s contract, Donovan would exile her from the Chesire family. He would kill her!

Thus, 10 minutes passed, which then prolonged to 30 minutes. It was not long until an hour passed. Time crept by slowly. “Um...”

Inside the living room, Patrick and Susanne watched the television with evident unease. Alexander remained composed as he played with Olivia, and their joyful laughter filled the room.

Amber, initially somewhat uncomfortable, gradually regained her composure and graciously served drinks and tea to everyone. The atmosphere was

harmonious.

Patrick hesitated and spoke tentatively after over three hours had passed, “Alex, shouldn’t we return to the company with Zoe? The cooperation with Severn Group is crucial. We can’t afford to delay it.”

Alexander cradled Olivia in his arms, making her giggle. He smiled at his parents- in-law and responded calmly, “Dad, Mom, there’s no need to rush. No one else but you two can sign the contract, and the Severn Group’s representatives won't show up until you arrive at the company. Don’t worry. You won't lose this deal.”

Patrick and Susanne exchanged puzzled glances.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Where did this son-in-law of theirs suddenly find such confidence? Why would the prestigious Severn family of Ol‘ Mare grant them such respect? On what grounds?

+15 BONOS

“Alex...” Amber handed him a cup of hot tea, pursing her lips as she hesitated. ” Do you have some sort of connection with Severn Group? Do you...know their executives?”

Alexander accepted the tea, chuckling softly. Connections?

He was the Lord of War. With his immense prestige and unrivaled status, Alexander could easily make a corporation like Severn Group comply. After all, serving the Lord of War was a blessing beyond imagination for them, something they would never achieve in their lifetimes.

“| have a comrade who happens to be a relative of a high-ranking executive at Severn Group,” Alexander explained with a smile, delivering the well-prepared story he crafted in advance.

“Mom, Dad, you can rest assured that you're the ones meant for this project. Let Zoe wait outside and bow for seven hours and a half-not a minute less!” Alexander continued.

Outside the security door, Zoe clenched her fists, unable to suppress her burning anger as she thought, ‘So that bastard’s comrade is a relative of a Severn Group executive? It made sense why Severn Group’s stance was so unyielding, even throwing me out of the corporate building. | knew it! After all, how could a worthless man have such influence? Alexander...you damn bastard! You better pray you never fall into my hands, or I'll make sure you wish you were dead!*

Five hours... Six hours... A full 450 minutes, not a minute more, not a minute less.

Zoe maintained her deep bow, feeling the excruciating pain in her body. She was so uncomfortable that it felt as if a thousand ants were crawling under her skin. Her expensive dress was drenched with sweat, and she felt like her back was about to snap.

The security door opened slowly.

Patrick and Susanne had changed into clean and neat business attire, their faces glowing. They gazed at the disheveled—looking Zoe, and a sense of satisfaction washed over them.

Five years. They endured five years of humiliation and grievances. Thanks to Alexander, they had a backbone, and he helped them vent their frustration. Even if it was through a former comrade, even if they would never have this opportunity again, having this moment of vindication was enough.

+15 BONOS

Behind Patrick and Susanne, Alexander held Olivia and spoke to Zoe, showing no hint of sympathy, “Don’t forget that Olivia’s birthday is in three days, Zoe. You and Herbert will kneel before her during the birthday party and apologize. Otherwise, you will face the consequences!”

Zoe gnashed her teeth fiercely. She was on the verge of unleashing a torrent of insults, but she had to suppress her rage. The most crucial task at hand was

signing the contract. Once the contract with Severn Group was signed, her retaliation would come crashing down. She would crush Alexander and Amber’s family into dust!

“I'm sorry, Uncle Patrick and Auntie Susanne.” Zoe forced a smile as she swallowed her pride. “It’s getting late. I'll immediately notify Severn Group’s business representative to prepare the contract. My car is waiting downstairs, and I'll take you to the Office.”

After saying that, she discreetly glared at Alexander before hobbling downstairs. Maintaining a bow for 450 minutes had taken a toll on her, and every step made her ache. The pain was unbearable.

Alexander and Amber stood side by side, smiling gently as they lightly waved at the elderly couple. With a slight glance toward Zoe’s retreating figure, he smiled softly. “Mom, Dad, drive safe, and no need to rush. Don’t worry about signing the contract with Severn Group. | promise you won’t miss any of the rewards you deserve.”

Patrick and Susanne exchanged glances, smiling wryly. Rewards? They had signed many contracts before, and Zoe took away their share each time.

They just wanted to keep their jobs and not be dismissed by Zoe. What more could they ask for?

“Goodbye,” Patrick said with a bittersweet smile. He and Susanne got ready to leave. Alexander watched his in-laws go, smiling faintly.

Did Zoe really think he did not notice her resentful glares before she left? Did she really think she could plan her revenge after exploiting his in-laws and serving their purpose?

Zoe was too naive to think she could challenge and plot against him! +15 BONOS

Meanwhile, Zoe, limping to her Porsche, tried to keep up her pretense as she grabbed her phone. She wore a forced smile and spoke in the most ingratiating tone she could muster.

“Is this Severn Group? I’m Zoe Chesire, Assistant General Manager of Chesire Group. “Yes, yes, I’ve already informed Mister and Missus Chesire to come and sign the contract personally. “| hope... Wait, what?!”

Zoe’s expression fell as she listened to the voice on the other end of the line. The sweet, young voice of Severn Group’s female operator changed into a deep, gruff

one. “Understood. This is Bruno Severn speaking. Thirty minutes from now, I’ll arrive at Chesire Group to sign the contract in person.” Bruno immediately hung up after saying that.

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