Revenge After Prison: Never Forgiven - Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Timothy approved Abigail's request. With no major project currently underway, granting leave wasn't an issue. Casually, he asked, "Is one day enough?"
"Yes, Mr. Newman. That'll be fine. Thanks," Abigail replied politely.
Timothy had reached the conference room by then. Hanging up, he spotted Jeremiah approaching from down the hall. Timothy greeted him. "Good morning, Jeremiah."
Jeremiah returned the smile, and the two of them looked clearly familiar. "Mr. Newman, good morning. By the way, is Abigail doing well?"
Timothy nodded and said, "Yes, she's doing fine—though she took a leave today."
Jeremiah paused, caught off guard. "Oh? Did something happen?"
Timothy stared back at Jeremiah, slightly puzzled. He wondered, 'Isn't it her privacy? Should I ask?'
He replied, "She didn't say. Just mentioned something personal."
Meeting Timothy's surprised gaze and realizing he'd asked too much, Jeremiah masked his discomfort, thinking, 'I wouldn't have pried if the CEO weren't so interested in Abigail.'
He nodded, "I see. Go ahead. I'll go to Mr. Robinson's office."
Jeremiah knocked gently on Sebastian's door.
"Come in." Sebastian's voice rang out.
Entering the office, Jeremiah set the documents neatly on Sebastian's desk. Having worked closely with Sebastian for years, he knew his boss preferred directness. Thus, he spoke up, "Mr. Robinson, I ran into Timothy earlier. He mentioned Abigail took a leave today."
Sebastian frowned slightly. "Took a leave? For what?"
Jeremiah sighed inwardly, 'I knew he'd ask.'
"He didn't specify, only that it was personal," replied Jeremiah
Sebastian frowned and said, "Well, you can go."
Inside the CEO's office of Fletcher Group, Abigail sat idly browsing her phone. Nearby, a small pile of snacks and coffee cluttered the desk—delivered by Ralph's secretary a moment ago. Abigail had no idea what Ralph was planning, but she decided not to dwell on it.
Suddenly, a notification popped up on her screen. Abigail unconsciously straightened, surprised to see Sebastian's text. [Why did you take a leave today?]
Confusion flickered across her face as she wondered, 'Why would Sebastian text me about this? Did Timothy tell him? Surely not.'
After hesitating briefly, Abigail decided to reply. She explained how Ralph had practically dragged her away to his office.
Once the message was sent, Abigail's fingers nervously traced the screen. 'Will Sebastian actually come for me?' she wondered but quickly dismissed the thought. 'Wait, why would I even think Sebastian would bother coming?'
Frowning, she pushed the unsettling thought away.
At Halden Group, Jackson stared at Sebastian in shock and asked to confirm, "Mr. Robinson, you're delaying the meeting?"
Jackson was confused by his boss's sudden decision, since the meeting was scheduled.
"Yes, get Jeremiah here," Sebastian answered plainly but didn't explain why.
Jackson's eyes darkened, jealousy flickering within him, but he kept his voice calm. "Yes, sir."
Moments later, Jeremiah entered the office and said, "Mr. Robinson, Jackson said you were looking for me?"
Sebastian stood up. "Come with me to Fletcher Group."
Jeremiah's eyes widened as he wondered, 'Why suddenly go to Fletcher Group? We have no business with them.'
Cautiously, he asked, "Mr. Robinson, should I bring any files?" He wasn't sure if the two companies had any business interactions while he was away.
"No," Sebastian replied shortly. "We're picking someone up."
Sebastian headed swiftly for the exit. Jeremiah hurried to follow, increasingly puzzled, but knew better than to question further.
As the elevator doors closed, Jackson emerged from around the corner, his expression looking extremely grim.
At Fletcher Group, a sudden knock interrupted the tense silence in the conference room.
Ralph glared coldly at his assistant, Reeve, who quickly moved to open the door. Outside stood a nervous secretary.
Reeve snapped, clearly irritated, "Don't you know we're in a meeting?"
The secretary spoke timidly, "Reeve, Mr. Robinson from Halden Group is here to see Mr. Fletcher."
Reeve paused, feeling startled. He signaled the secretary to wait and then returned to Ralph's side, relaying the message.
Ralph's eyebrows rose in surprise, and he wondered, 'Fletcher Group has no dealings with Halden Group. What could Sebastian Robinson possibly want to talk about with me?'
Ralph asked, "Where is Mr. Robinson now?"
"Downstairs," Reeve replied.
"Meeting adjourned." Ralph considered for a second and stood up decisively. Reeve immediately followed Ralph.
Moments later, Ralph and Sebastian faced each other across a table.
Halden Group, a dark horse in the industry, had managed to rival the established Fletcher Group in just a few short years.
Rumor said that Halden Group was a subsidiary of Robinson Group, yet its strength was undeniable.
Ralph had also heard rumors about Sebastian, the masked CEO whose face was reportedly scarred. This was Ralph's first direct encounter with Sebastian.
"Mr. Robinson, it's a pleasure. I'm Ralph Fletcher. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?" Ralph came directly to the point. He was genuinely puzzled. After all, their companies didn't do business at all.
Sebastian's voice was cool. "Mr. Fletcher, I'm here looking for someone."
Surprise flickered across Ralph's face, his tone slightly amused. "You came to my company to find someone? You're not serious, are you?"
The tension in the meeting room gradually thickened.
Sebastian's eyes turned slightly grim, his voice lowering dangerously. "Do I look like I'm joking, Mr. Fletcher?"
Ralph remained silent, but his skeptical gaze spoke volumes, as if saying, "Exactly"
Their eyes locked in a silent, charged standoff. Jeremiah and Reeve exchanged a brief glance, sensed the brewing storm, and quickly looked away.