After he sent Shelley off, Benard quickly reported back to the president's office.
"Mr. Giblo, almost everyone from the media has gathered down there. The public relations team has made arrangements for them to have a meal on level 13. A private room has been reserved on level 17 for you and Miss Benday. Hence, we might need to hurry up."
However, Benard noticed that Zayn was still seated as he stared at the documents in his hand in deep thought. There were no signs of him budging.
"Sir, is something wrong?" Benard asked cautiously.
"Tell me, why would Grandpa suddenly ask Layon Benday to come? Is he up to something?" Zayn asked.
"Hmm… " Benard dared not answer. "I think you already know, Sir. Why would you want me to reiterate it?"
"What's the point?" Zayn rested his back on the sofa with an irritated look on his face. "He's already so old, yet he's still trying to marionette people around."
"You're not just anyone, sir. You're his grandson." Benard said while observing Zayn's expression. "The lineage of the Giblo family, all seven generations of it, is rested on your shoulder."
"So he needs to force me into marriage because of that?" Zayn growled in displeasure. "Is my only purpose in life, mating and producing heirs for the family?"
"I… " Benard was speechless.
"Summon Brandy, " Zayn demanded.
"What are you up to?" Benard panicked. "The press conference is starting any minute now. Sir, you mustn't act out of impulse at a time like this. Besides, whether Mr. Jombo would do anything or not is still up in the air."
"It would be the best if he did nothing. But if he does, I need to establish some countermeasures." Zayn stared at Benard. "What's wrong? Are you not going to be a rebel as well?"
"No, sir… " Benard could do nothing, so he called Brandy over.
"Mr. Giblo!" Brandy had always been in charge of external affairs. Yet he came back because the press conference needed more help around.
"Listen carefully." Zayn pointed at him and issued an order. "I don't want to see Grandpa and Layon Benday at the press conference later!"
"Umm…" Brandy was astonished as his eyes widened. "What you're saying is, you want me to intercept Mr. Giblo and Mr. Benday? Is this really okay?"
"If Mr. Benday is here by himself, by all means, let him in. After all, he has a mild nature. He won't do anything if Grandpa is not around." Zayn suddenly got serious. "But. If he's here with Grandpa, you must stop them from going any further!"
Brandy's expression changed drastically. "Sir, this is a tall order you're giving me…"
"I don't care how you do it. Get it done, by hook or by crook! Or you're fired!" Zayn's domineering presence was at full force.
Brandy felt desperate as he looked helplessly towards Benard for some assistance.
However, Benard shrugged, indicating to Brandy that there was nothing he could do.
"Alright. Now leave." Zayn massaged his temples, exhausted. "Go and tell Shelley that I'm not eating anymore. We'll meet in the conference room at one o'clock!"
"Yes, sir, " Benard answered as he pulled Brandy with him out of the office.
Brandy looked dejected. "Isn't he just sending me to my death by asking me to stop Mr. Jombo?"
"Death would be better." Benard sympathized with him. "But there's no other option. You know Mr. Giblo's temper."
"What should I do?" Brandy let out a deep sigh.
"Pray, " Benard told him. "Maybe Mr. Giblo was overreacting – I mean, there's a chance that Mr. Benday will come here alone. Mr. Jombo didn't even say anything, so maybe he's not coming."
"What if he came?" Brandy looked at Benard with his piercing gaze.
"Umm…" Benard had no idea as well. "Then you'll just have to face it head-on."
"You b_stard!" Brandy cursed. "I'm the one dying here, not you. Stop gloating!"
"Hey, do you think I got the better end of the straw?" Benard made a long face. "If anything happened at the conference, I'll be in dire straits too!"
"Whatever. I'm done talking to you, " Brandy said as he left.
Benard sighed as he watched Brandy leave.
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