Just as Trent was about to reply, Lance burst through the door and boasted, “Mr. Barton, we could have signed the contract at my office. Why do we have to meet here?"

When he finished his words, he noticed Lilah seated nearby. His expression shifted, and he said, "Lilah, what brings you here?"

At that moment, he was puzzled about Trent's intentions.

He didn't have to ponder the collaboration; he was sure Trent would choose to partner with him. Yet, Lilah's presence threw him off.

Lilah found the situation amusing. “What? You can be here, but I can't?"

"It's none of your business. Why are you here?"

Imagining the upcoming scene where he'd secure the cooperation and ink the contract, Lance felt even more self-satisfied.

“You mean Mr. Barton has already agreed to work with you?" Lilah asked him directly.

Lance's confidence overflowed as he said, "Isn't it obvious?" Do you really think Mr. Barton would partner with a group known for its poor reputation? Ha-ha!"

Securing this deal would bring him closer to completely taking over the Dillon Group.

As he fantasized about his future takeover, Trent's next words shocked him into silence.

“I refuse to work with those who harm others for their own gain. I called you here to urge you to focus more on your business practices.”

Trent's words made Lance's face turn pale. Remembering what he'd said earlier, he felt utterly embarrassed now.

His face flushed, and his eyes narrowed. After a moment, he finally said, "Mr. Barton, did I misunderstand? The Phillips Group's hotel has a bad reputation. Why would you partner with them? She's clueless about company management, and the victim's still waiting on her for compensation!"

“Look it up online. You'll see," Trent suggested gently.

Confused, Lance checked his phone and saw the online discussions, which made him blush even more.

Unable to contain his emotions, Lance felt his plans crumble.

ALL his schemes had fallen apart completely.

He stood frozen, speechless for what felt like ages.

Trent then declared, "Return home. You're no longer a candidate for partnership."

“What? Even in the future?" Lance blurted out, pointing accusingly at Lilah. "Mr. Barton, I had nothing to do with this! It must have been Lilah saying things behind my back! She always does this."