Zachary had no interest in the exact manner their partnership had begun, nor what other projects the
duo had launched together.
His only goal was to clarify whether or not Michael’s dealings with the Gold family pertained to him.
Zachary placed the folder back onto the table and summoned Bruce to investigate.
Just as Bruce was about to depart after receiving his orders, the secretary returned with the news of a
Mr. Brown requesting an audience with Zachary.
Bruce switched the focus of the monitor to the surveillance camera overlooking the reception. Sure
enough, Michael was standing in wait.
Zachary ordered for Michael to be shown up at his office.
“Should I proceed with the investigation, Sir?” Bruce asked.
Zachary nodded. “Definitely. Inform me the second you find something.”
“Yes, Mr. Nacht.” Bruce departed smartly.
Not long after that, Michael was ushered up into Zachary’s office. He appeared nervous and unsettled.
Zachary, on the other hand, was much more at ease as he gestured boisterously to the seats.
After reappearing with a cup of coffee for the guest, Lucy retreated tactfully into the shadows of the
room.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Brown?” Zachary cut right to the chase.
Michael hesitated. “I was supposed to speak to Charlotte about this but she is currently abroad. She
told me to speak to you instead.”
“You might as well be honest with me. She’ll fill me in anyway.” Zachary glanced at his watch. “I have
another meeting soon. You have ten minutes.”
“I’m sorry to have disturbed you.” It became evident to Michael that his appearance might have been
rather sudden. “I only wish to clarify myself.”
Zachary nodded encouragingly. “Feel free to speak your mind.”
“I have had business dealings with Gold Group, it’s true, but I was not aware of their true intentions of
toppling Nacht Group. I put myself in touch with Ms. Gold when I found out. I didn’t expect her to run
into trouble as well.”
Michael drew a deep breath before continuing. “As for the incident with Helena, I did think that you and
Charlotte were harsh to her. Jesse instigated the situation by coming to me, and with some provocative
words to force me to pitch the business proposal to Charlotte. Once I realized his ulterior motive, I cut
off ties with them immediately. I’d wanted to pull out my investment with them but it was too late. I am a
victim of the Gold family’s actions too, Mr. Nacht, just as much as you. I apologize for my actions and
wish to impress upon you that I did not know that they were being done to your detriment. I am also
thankful that I didn’t let it get out of hand. I came to you today because it was the right thing to do, not
because I feared your retribution. I knew that you would at least conduct your own investigation to
ascertain my involvement with the Golds before jumping to conclusions.”
“I only hope that my long-standing friendship with Charlotte would not be damaged by a
misunderstanding,” Michael continued. “I need to clarify things with you to the best of my ability and
make sure you understand what transpired. Though I can’t claim to be morally superior than most, I
would never dream of harming my friends.”
Michael paused to draw breath again.
“What’s more, I’d realize recently that you had been seriously ill when Helena assaulted you with the
vase. It must have almost claimed your life! No wonder Charlotte was so upset by it that she refused to
let Helena off the hook. I’d thought that it was unreasonable to demand Helena’s head the way she did
since it must have been merely a bruise. I was the one who was unreasonable. For that, and many
other things, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies.”
Michael stood up and sank into a deep bow.
“Thank you for saying all of that,” Zachary said with a gracious smile. “Charlotte has always spoken
highly of you. I hope that the friendship between the both of you blossoms into something that stands
the test of time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Nacht.” Michael appeared thoroughly surprised.
“You must have lost a lot in the fiasco with Gold Group. Let me know if there’s anything I could do to
help.”
“That would be too much to ask of you.” Michael hastened to decline. “I just came here today to clarify
things. I must say, it’s a great burden off my chest to see you well and happy. I’ve taken up enough of
your time, Mr. Nacht. Enjoy the rest of your day!”
“Goodbye, Mr. Brown.”
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda