The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 645

A few minutes later, Aaron returned to the office after delivering the message.

"Lemuel said that as long as you are willing to back him, he isn't afraid of The Lees finding out about his employment."

Lance remained seated at his expansive desk, his expression unreadable. "Tell him I don't make investments that yield zero returns."

If Lemuel wanted SilverLeaf’s protection, he had to bring something of immense value to the table.

Aaron relayed the message once more. When he returned, Lemuel was trailing closely behind him.

"Mr. James, it is a tremendous honor to join SilverLeaf Industries, and I deeply appreciate you giving me the opportunity to take over the Project Department."

Lance sat with his long legs crossed, his posture radiating a relaxed but undeniably predatory arrogance. He cut the man off effortlessly. "You flatter yourself, Lemuel. You manipulated your way into that opportunity yourself."

Lemuel choked on his next words.

The underlying accusation was clear: Lance knew exactly how deeply Lemuel had schemed to win Ivan’s favor.

"Skip the pleasantries," Lance demanded coldly.

"If the day ever comes where you require it, I am willing to step forward and publicly testify to every single illegal dealing The Lees have orchestrated over the years."

As Geoffrey’s biological son, Lemuel turning on his own flesh and blood carried unparalleled weight. His testimony would be the fatal blow that shattered Geoffrey’s empire once and for all.

Aaron felt a surge of triumph, but when he glanced at his boss, Lance’s expression hadn't shifted a fraction. There wasn't a trace of satisfaction in his eyes.

"That’s hardly a tempting offer. Whether The Lee Family crashes and burns or not is none of my concern."

Lance stood up, his long fingers rapping methodically against the edge of his mahogany desk. The heavy, rhythmic thud sent a chill down Lemuel’s spine.

"If that is the absolute limit of your usefulness, then you will remain a standard, bottom-tier employee in the Project Department."

With that, he shot a pointed look at Aaron.

Catching the cue instantly, Aaron stepped forward to escort the guest out. "Back to work, Lemuel."

Lemuel had always known Lance was an impossible man to read, but he was completely bewildered by this outcome.

Alexa had mentioned them before, raving about how incredible they tasted but lamenting the hours-long queue required to get a single box.

"You're back!"

Susan’s warm voice drifted from the entryway. "Oh, aren't those the pastries Catherine was just saying she craved?"

"Mhm," Lance murmured, shaking the rain from his umbrella. "Where is she?"

"In the living room. It’s been raining since the afternoon, so there was no sunlight. Lanny didn't get to lay out in the sunroom today, and the little guy was absolutely furious. He’s been throwing a tantrum all afternoon."

As Susan rambled affectionately about the baby, Lance carried the pastries into the house.

He brought the crisp, damp scent of the rain with him. His striking, typically severe features softened into something incredibly warm as he walked into the warmth of the home.

Even though Lanny was only two months old, the infant already had a stubborn streak a mile wide. He demanded his daily afternoon sunbathing sessions in the glass room; miss one day, and there was hell to pay.

Even after being fed and burped, the baby fiercely refused to sleep. He flat-out rejected his luxury stroller, loudly demanding to be held in someone's arms instead.