The Ex-Wife's Triumph novel Chapter 140

Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled shadows across the desk.

Kingsley was resting his eyes in his office chair when the vibration of his phone broke the silence.

It was a message from Thurston: [Not coming back? Or settling down there?]

His reply was terse: [A while longer.]Just as he put the phone away, a knock sounded.

Kingsley didn't lift his eyelids, his voice devoid of warmth. "Come in."

The door opened gently, and Xavier walked in quickly, holding a tablet. "Mr. Sherwood, The Holt Group has sent over the draft designs."

"Mn."

Kingsley responded, taking the tablet. He scrolled slowly, his eyes scanning every detail.

A few minutes later, he stopped, his tone disapproving. "They were efficient, sure, but there's absolutely no innovation on the original foundation. It's too conservative."

He handed the tablet back to Xavier. "Tell them to redo it. Follow the requirements stated previously."

"Yes, Mr. Sherwood. I'll provide the feedback immediately." Xavier took the tablet and retreated briskly, closing the door behind him.

The room returned to silence. Kingsley looked out the window, his fingers unconsciously tapping the desk, lost in thought.

Kingsley buried himself in paperwork, the scratching sound of his pen against paper filling the office all morning.

It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that he closed the last file, stood up to adjust his cuffs, and walked out of the office.

Outside, Xavier was standing side-by-side with the branch manager, clearly having waited for some time.

Seeing him emerge, the manager stepped forward and nodded respectfully. "Mr. Sherwood."

Jules smiled, feigning surprise. " The designs were submitted? I had no idea."

"Is Mr. Holt planning to shoot himself in the foot?" Kingsley scoffed, smoke drifting from his lips and obscuring the coldness in his eyes.

Jules snubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and leaned forward slightly. "Mr. Sherwood misunderstands. I'm not foolish enough to turn away money delivered to my doorstep."

"If you lack the capability, Sherwood Group will consider switching firms," Kingsley said calmly, staring at him with undeniable pressure. "The Holt Group isn't the only one who can do design."

Jules sat back lazily, his tone turning a degree more sincere. "Don't worry. I'll oversee it personally this time. I'll make sure they deliver blueprints that satisfy Mr. Sherwood."

"I only look at results, not promises," Kingsley interrupted coldly, adding, "Sherwood Group didn't choose The Holt Group because you're the strongest. Mr. Holt should know the real reason."

Jules's smile gained a touch of sarcasm. "Naturally. Mr. Sherwood has ulterior motives that have nothing to do with business. But neither Lucy nor I will appreciate that sentiment."