chapter401

With a steady and purposeful stride, Fitch approached Thalassa, his tone maintaining a respectful professional distance. “Ms. Everhart, the executive transport is arriving shortly. It would be most efficient if you allow our chauffeur to drive you to the Sinclair Group headquarters.”

Thalassa felt a brief wave of relief as she checked the time. It was nearing ten, and in this unfamiliar district, navigating public transit would likely lead to further delays. She valued her professional reputation and had no intention of giving Lysander another reason to question her punctuality. She accepted the offer, settling into the car as it accelerated toward the city’s financial hub.

Meanwhile, in the tranquil but high-pressure atmosphere of the CEO’s office, Zephyr sat on the plush lounge sofa, his presence as imposing as the mahogany furniture surrounding him. Lysander moved with practiced grace, pouring a cup of English Breakfast tea for his grandfather.

“A leader shouldn't be tasked with the minor hospitality of the office,” Zephyr remarked, his sharp gaze reflecting a deep-seated disapproval. “It seems your new secretarial arrangements lack the precision I’ve come to expect from the Sinclair Group. A secretary who is absent when her superior is at his desk suggests a lapse in management.”

Lysander set the teapot down, his expression unreadable but calm. “The Sinclair Group adheres to modern labor standards, Grandpa. This includes a flexible approach to wellness and personal recovery when required. The efficiency of my office is not measured by a single morning’s logistics.”

Zephyr took a slow sip of his tea, his eyes narrowing. “You acquired an entire firm just to facilitate her transition back to this role. You’ve always been a man of strategic calculation, Lysander. I hope you haven't traded that objectivity for a personal project.”

“Our agreement regarding her tenure is still in effect,” Lysander reminded him, his voice low and firm. “We agreed to a ninety-day evaluation period to assess her professional fit and her contribution to the group’s culture. I intend to honor that timeline based on objective performance, not hearsay.”

Zephyr paused, the reminder of their verbal contract momentarily silencing his critique. He had heard whispers from Leopold about Thalassa’s unconventional influence, and his instinct was to eliminate any perceived instability within the family empire. However, Lysander’s unwavering commitment to the agreed-upon process was a trait Zephyr himself had instilled in him.

“I expect you to remain rational,” Zephyr said finally, standing to leave. “The reputation of the Sinclair name is built on the quality of the people we choose to represent us.”

Not long after Zephyr’s departure, David entered the room with a subtle look of concern. “Mr. Sinclair, your grandfather has detoured to the Human Resources department.”

Lysander’s gaze darkened. He rose immediately, his stride swift as he made his way toward the administrative wing.

In the HR manager’s office, Zephyr was in the midst of a sharp inquiry. “I personally facilitated the administrative fees for Ms. Everhart’s previous departure! How is it that she has been reinstated without a formal review by the senior board? This suggests a lack of oversight.”

The HR manager was visibly shaken. “Sir, the reinstatement was handled as a direct executive appointment by Mr. Lysander himself. We followed the internal protocols for a direct-hire transfer...”

“Protocols are meant to protect the firm, not bypass its standards!” Zephyr’s voice resonated with the authority of a man who had built the company from the ground up.

“Then it is fortunate that the standards are being upheld by the current CEO,” Lysander said, stepping into the room. His presence was commanding, instantly drawing the focus away from the trembling manager.

Zephyr turned, his posture straightening. “I am merely ensuring that our administrative records are consistent with our previous decisions.”

Lysander stood before his grandfather, his aura as cold and precise as the skyscrapers outside. “If you are concerned about a thirty-thousand-dollar administrative discrepancy, Grandpa, I assure you it has been accounted for within the executive budget. Your personal generosity in the past was noted, but professional appointments today fall under my jurisdiction.”

The irony in Lysander’s tone was subtle but unmistakable. Zephyr felt a rare moment of hesitation under his grandson’s unwavering scrutiny. “Your grandmother is expecting me for lunch,” he said, adjusting his coat. “I’ll leave the rest to your discretion.”

As Zephyr stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, he came face-to-face with Thalassa. She was perfectly composed, dressed in a crisp white blouse and a tailored pencil skirt—a look that exuded a modern, chic professionalism.

Upon seeing him, Zephyr’s expression remained guarded, a hint of old-world prejudice lingering in his eyes. He offered a curt, cold nod before brushing past her, leaving Thalassa to step into the elevator with her head held high, ready for the day’s work.