Chapter 40 Timothy approved Abigail's request . With no major project currently underway , granting leave wasn't an issue . Casually , he asked , " is one day enough " " Yes , Mr. Newman , That'll be fine . Thanks Abigail replied politely . Timothy had reached the conference room by then . Hanging up , he spotted Jeremiah approaching from down the hall . Timothy greeted him . " Good morning , Jeremiah . " Jeremiah returned the smile , and the two of them looked clearly familiar . " Mr. Newman , good morning . By the way , is Abigail doing well ? " Timothy nodded and said , " Yes , she's doing fine - though she took a leave today ." Jeremiah paused , caught off guard . " Oh ? Did something happen ? " Timothy stared back at Jeremiah , slightly puzzled . He wondered , " Isn't it her privacy ? Should I ask ? " He replied , " She didn't say . Just mentioned something personal ," Meeting Timothy's surprised gaze and realizing he'd asked too much , Jeremiah masked his discomfort , thinking , ' I wouldn't have pried if the CEO weren't sa interested in Abigail ' He nodded , " I see . Go ahead , I'll go to Mr. Robinson's office . " Jeremiah knocked gently on Sebastian's door . " Come in . " Sebastian's voice rang out Entering the office , Jeremiah set the documents neatly on Sebastian's desk . Having worked closely with Sebastian for years , he knew his boss preferred directness . Thus , he spoke up , " Mr. Robinson , Iran into Timothy earlier . He mentioned Abigail took a leave today " Sebastian frowned slightly . " Took a leave ? For what ? " Jeremiah sighed inwardly , ' I knew he'd ask " He didn't specily , only that it was personal , " replied Jeremiah Sebastian frowned and said , " Well , you Inside the CEO's office of Fletcher Group , Abigail sat idly browsing her phone . Nearby , a small pile of snacks and coffee cluttered the desk - delivered by Ralph's secretary a moment ago . Abigail had no idea what Ralph was planning , but she decided not to dwell on it Suddenly , a notification popped up on her screen . Abigail unconsciously straightened , surprised to see Sebastian's text . Why did you take a leave today ? ] Confusion flickered across her face as she wondered , " Why would Sebastian text me about this ? Did Timothy tell him ? Surely not . " After hesitating briefly , Abigall decided to reply . She explained how Ralph had practically dragged her away to his office Once the message was sent , Abigail's fingers nervously traced the screen , " Will Sebastian actually come for me ? she wondered but quickly dismissed the thought . " Wait , why would I even think Sebastian would bother coming ? " Frowning , she pushed the unsettling thought away Chapter 40 At Halden Group , Jackson stared at Sebastian in shock and asked to confirm , " Mr. Robinson , you're delaying the meeting ? " Jackson was confused by his boss's sudden decision , since the meeting was scheduled . " Yes , get Jeremiah here , " Sebatian answered plainly but didn't explain why Jackson's eyes darkened , jealousy flickering within him , but he kept his voice calm . " Yes , sir Moments later , Jeremiah entered the office and said , " Mr. Robinson , Jackson said you were looking for me ? " Sebastian stood up . " Come with me to Fletcher Group , " Jeremiah's eyes widened as he wondered , " Why suddenly go to Fletcher Group ? We have no business with them " Cautiously , he asked , " Mr. Robinson , should I bring any files ? " He wasn't sure if the two companies had any business interactions while he was away . " No ," Sebastian replied shortly . " We're picking someone up . " Sebastian headed swiftly for the exit . Jeremiah hurried to follow , increasingly puzzled , but knew better than to question further . As the elevator doors closed , Jackson emerged from around the corner , his is expression looking extremely grim At Fletcher Group , a sudden knock interrupted the tense silence in the conference room . Ralph glared coldly at his assistant , Reeve , who quickly moved to open the door . Outside stood a nervous secretary Reeve snapped , clearly irritated , " Don't you know we're in a meeting ? " The secretary spoke timidly , " Reeve , Mr. Robinson from Halden Group is here to see Mr. Fletcher Reeve paused , feeling startled . He signaled the secretary to wait and then returned to Ralph's side , relaying the message . Ralph's eyebrows rose in surprise , and he wondered , Fletcher Group has no dealings with Halden Group . What could Sebastian Robinson possibly want to talk about with me ! ' Ralph asked , " Where is Mr. Robinson now ? " " Downstairs, " Reeve replied . " Meeting adjourned ." Ralph considered for a second and stood up decisively . Reeve immediately followed Ralph Moments later , Ralph and Sebastian faced each other across a table . Halden Group , a dark horse in the industry , had managed to rival the established Fletcher Group in just a few short years . Rumor said that Halden Group was a subsidiary of Robinson Group , yet its strength was undeniable . Ralph had also heard rumors about Sebastian , the masked CEO whose face was reportedly scarred . This was Ralph's first direct encounter with Sebastian . " Mr. Robinson , it's a pleasure . I'm Ralph Fletcher . To what do lowe the honor of your visit ? " Ralph came directly to the point . He was genuinely puzzled . After all , their companies didn't do business at all. Sebastian's voice was cool " Mr. Fletcher , I'm here looking for someone . " Surprise flickered across Ralph's face , histone slightly amused . " You came to my company to find someone ? You're not serious , are you ? " Chapter 40 The tension in the meeting room gradually thickened . Sebastian's eyes turned slightly grim , his voice lowering dangerously . " Do I look like I'm joking , Mr. Fletcher ? " Ralph remained silent , but his skeptical gaze spoke volumes , as if saying , " Exactly " Their eyes locked in a silent , charged standoff . Jeremiah and Reeve exchanged a brief glance , sensed the brewing storm , and quickly looked away .