In the few days Aidan was gone, Leanna went home at 10.00PM almost every day. As soon as she arrived home, she plopped onto the couch, unwilling to do anything at all.
She thought that it was tiring enough when she worked at the studio, but she never thought that it was nothing compared to managing a company.
No wonder Aidan always told her that it wouldn't make a difference whether she went to her little studio or not. She felt reluctant back then, but it turned out to be true.
However, she was only managing the complicated yet trivial matters in the company. For the actual work concerning business contracts and the like, Freddie was the one who helped her handle them all. She was completely clueless.
She even had to squeeze out some time to produce designs every day, and she wished she could just clone herself.
In the end, she decided that she wouldn't complain about Aidan anymore. She was amazed that he could manage the humongous Pearson Group so well, even making time to bring her on dates.
The next day, Leanna had just arrived at the office when Raymond rushed over to her. "Miss McKinney, there's a problem."
Leanna asked, "What is it?"
"We just received news that Old Master Pearson got into an accident, and things aren't looking up."
When Leanna heard that, she frowned and fell silent.
Seeing that she didn't reply, Raymond added, "But we're not sure of the actual situation yet. I've already sent someone to investigate, so we should have an update soon—"
"No need for an investigation."
It was at that time that Freddie walked in. "From the information I received, the one who got into an accident was Justin. Perhaps the outsiders didn't know that such a person existed, so as the news spread, the person in question turned into Old Master Pearson instead."
Raymond was bewildered as if he had no idea who Justin was.
Leanna looked at Freddie. "What exactly happened?"
"I don't know about that, but we should have an answer soon. It shouldn't be too serious."
"What do you mean?" Leanna asked.
Freddie sat on the couch. "Old Master Pearson had just contacted all the prominent figures in the business field of Highside, inviting them all to a banquet at the Pearson Family Estate tonight."
Leanna frowned deeper. "Justin was injured, but he's holding a banquet at this time?"
"Oh, no." Freddie explained, "This decision is way more complicated than you imagined."
Freddie was about to continue when he caught sight of Raymond still standing in the office. The latter froze, then said, "Well, then, Miss McKinney, I'll be leaving first."
Leanna nodded. "All right."
After Raymond left, Freddie asked, "Did he come in just now to tell you that something has happened to Old Master Pearson?"
"That's correct."
"Since Justin was the one who got into an accident, but somehow it turned into Old Master Pearson, and now that the news had already spread and undergone correction, everyone must be wondering who Justin was and how he is related to Old Master Pearson. However, the Pearsons decided to hold a banquet at this time. Can you guess what his true motive is?"
Leanna took a seat opposite Freddie and thought for a bit before saying, "He wants to take this opportunity to introduce Justin to the world?"
Freddie snapped his fingers. "Bingo. Because of his body condition, Justin has always been reclusive. Hence, save for those who are close to the Pearsons, very few people know that there is another legitimate son in the Pearson Family aside from Aidan, and that son is the true heir of Pearson Group."
Leanna said, "But I remember that Old Master Pearson wanted to welcome Aidan back into the Pearson Family exactly because Justin—"
"That was more than 20 years ago. Also, back then, Old Master Pearson couldn't have predicted that the pawn named Aidan would escape his control someday and turn into an existence he had to be wary of. He has run out of ideas, but he can only watch as Aidan grows stronger every day. Aidan is now controlling the entire Pearson Group and is thinking of removing the Pearson Family, so pushing Justin into the spotlight is the Pearsons' final move."
"I've been in contact with Justin on many occasions, but he's not that sort of person. Also, he has no interest in Pearson Group."
Freddie smiled. "I also have met him a few times, but this is no longer something Justin can decide for himself. Old Master Pearson made the decision to introduce Justin so that he can be a logical ruse to replace Aidan. He would still raise someone he trusts to take over Pearson Group."
Leanna was silent for a moment before saying, "But I still can't understand this. Aidan is his son too, even though… Sienna wasn't the one who gave birth to him, but since Old Master Pearson had acknowledged Aidan back then, how can he do such a thing now? It's as if… he wanted to put Aidan to death."
"That's because a pawn has to be completely under the player's control. If not, the entire game will shift drastically," explained Freddie. "When Aidan's wings grew stronger, he would remove Old Master Pearson's claws and render him powerless. In the end, Old Master Pearson will be trapped in the Pearson Family Estate under his mercy. When Old Master Pearson died, Aidan might even destroy his grave. Now tell me, will Old Master Pearson want to see this happening?"
Leanna went into deep thought before saying, "That's too much, isn't it?"
"With Aidan's temper, no one can say for sure."
Leanna said, "If they turned completely against each other like now, it's only reasonable that Old Master Pearson has such worries. But it's obvious that a long time ago, he already had the intention of replacing Aidan. If not for his actions, Aidan wouldn't have gone so far."
Freddie paused for a bit. "You have a point. Why did he do it before this?"
Leanna was stunned. "You're asking me?"
Freddie coughed. "Never mind, it's not important. Things have turned out like this, anyway. Now let's get to the topic at hand. You have to attend the banquet tonight as well."
"Why?"
"The Pearsons sent Crossley Group an invitation, and I know you're on good terms with Justin. If you ask him anything, he should be able to answer you. I'm now suspecting that the Pearsons were behind the incident in Lachstein so that they could divert Aidan away. So now we have to figure out their next step."
Before Leanna could speak, Freddie continued, "Don't worry, Oscar and I will keep you company, so you'll be completely safe. We swear we'll bring you out in one piece."
Leanna pursed her lips lightly. "All right."
If things truly were as Freddie had said, that the Pearsons were behind the Lachstein incident, Leanna had no idea what dangers Aidan would face.
Therefore, she had to make a trip over. At 6.00PM, Leanna and Freddie left together.
When they arrived at the entrance of the Pearson Family Estate, Oscar was already waiting for them.
Leanna looked at the large doors of the Pearson Family Estate, unconsciously clenching her fists placed on her knees. Her eyelashes were quivering lightly.
When she closed her eyes to ponder, she would remember those depressing and difficult days, which felt like she was being imprisoned. She never thought that she would return to that place one day.
Oscar got into the car and greeted her, then said, "When you go in later, take the opportunity to look for Justin. It'd be best if you could be alone with him and ask him about the details of the current situation. Leave the rest to us."
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