Chapter 446
Tyler gave Mr. Simmons a sharp look, while Linda regarded Simmons with quiet expectation.
“It’s just a regular piece of land. Nothing special,” Simmons said quickly, trying to downplay it.
“I see,” Claude replied thoughtfully.
Tyler broke the moment with an invitation. “We’re about to have breakfast. Would you like to join us?”
“No thanks. I’ll pass,” Claude declined politely.
Tyler nodded quietly in acknowledgment.
As everyone began to disperse, Simmons said his goodbyes to Claude.
Claude turned to his secretary and remarked, “Looks like the Harris Group is up to something new, huh?”
“Do you want me to investigate?” Lilah asked.
“Yes,” Claude answered firmly.
She nodded, “Got it.”
Tyler wouldn’t be working with someone like Lionel Simmons without a reason. Tyler and these men came from vastly different worlds. The only reason he’d reach out to them was to leverage their influence in rural areas—places where a city-born man like Tyler had little control.
Claude returned to the monastery where he was staying. Lilah handed him her notes as he entered. He glanced over them and grinned.
“This must be one of the Harris Group’s biggest plans. No wonder he needed help from those people,” Lilah observed.
Claude closed the folder. “They’ve always been ambitious. Tyler is always chasing more.”
“What should we do now?” Lilah asked.
“It’s time for me to step in,” Claude said quietly.
Lilah said nothing, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Suddenly, Sophie burst into the room. “Claude! How are you?! You really scared us!”
Claude turned to see Sophie and Jacob quietly entering behind her.
“Hello, Ms. Sophie,” Lilah greeted warmly.
Before Jacob could intervene, Sophie threw her arms around Claude in a tight embrace. “You’re okay, right?! Tell me you’re okay!”
Claude looked down at her, a faint smile touching his lips. “How did you find me here?”
“You don’t know how worried we’ve been!” Sophie exclaimed, tears glistening in her eyes. “Your mom has been crying every day. She was so afraid you might… break down…”
Claude met Sophie’s gaze with a gentle expression. “You have more faith in me than I have in myself. So, I’m stronger than you think.”
But for Sophie, the recent events had been overwhelming. “But that was crazy! You had to quit your job at—”