Chapter 94

Clifford was on the sofa, flipping through a file. He glanced up. “Sit.”

Santino gave a slight nod and took the seat opposite him. "What's so urgent that you called me to the office this late?"

Clifford tossed the file onto the table. "You know about the import restrictions we were facing, right?"

"I do. Hasn't that been resolved?"

"It has, but some questions remain."

"What kind of questions?"

Clifford pulled out a cigarette and lit it, leaning back into the sofa as he watched Santino through the haze. "The company that targeted us—you've worked with them before. What do you know about them?"

Santino paused, thinking for a long moment. "We've partnered with so many companies. Which one are you referring to?"

"TOPSUN."

Santino's expression shifted slightly. "Ah, so it was them."

Clifford raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

Picking up the file, Santino scanned it as he spoke. "I did work with them on two occasions. The first time went well enough, but on the second project, they started cutting corners. They wanted a long-term contract, but I kept sending their proposals back for revision. I suppose they finally got fed up, because they broke off contact and abandoned the partnership. Are you saying that's connected to this?"

Clifford watched him quietly, the cigarette burning between his fingers, a veil of white smoke hanging between them. Santino's expression never wavered from its usual pleasant smile.

He took a final drag from the cigarette, then leaned forward to extinguish it in the ashtray. "Perhaps," he said, his tone unreadable.

"Is that all you called me here for?" Santino asked.

"Yes and no."

"There's something else?"

Clifford looked up, his deep-set eyes studying Santino's face. He hadn't scrutinized

him like this since the day Santino married Renata.

"You've been with the company for a while now," Clifford began, his tone casual You're diligent, and your work is flawless. But as important as work is you need to maintaina balance Don't neglect your family.

On the surface, it sounded like concern. A layer deeper, it was a warning to pay more attention to Renata. But digging even further, it was a subtle way of asking why a man of his talents would be content to marry into the Lambert family. Aside from his salary aneba year-end bonus he held no actual shares, yet he poured his heart and soul into the company as if it were his own. It was hard not to suspect he had ulterior motives.

Santino's smile faltered for just an

instant. "Thank you for the reminder,

Clifford I suppose I've been too

eager to prove my worth to the

family, and in doing so, I've

neglected Renata. That's my failing."

"It's understandable. But working at such a high intensity can take a toll on your health."

“Clifford, I should be saying that to you. Your workload is far heavier than mine. When it comes to hard work, I don't even come close."

Clifford chuckled. "Then let's forget about work for tonight. There's a gathering later. You're coming with me."

"Is it a business dinner?" Santino offered. "I can handle it. Latisha is downstairs waiting for you. You two should head home. You need to practice what you preach about work-life balance."

Clifford's eyes narrowed, his smile turning cold. “You brought her here?"