Chapter 638

Melody had initially thought about packing some of Susan’s vegetable soup for Ken to take with him. But when she caught sight of his expression, she hesitated and asked, “Is it work again?”

“No,” Ken replied, not taking the call and instead ending it. He said directly, “It was from someone at the company. A higher-up named Quinn. He’s the one managing Pearly Antiques.”

“The antique shop that your mom left behind, the one you’ve been trying to get back?”

“Yeah.”

Hearing Ken’s confirmation, Melody’s eyes lit up. “Isn’t that great news? If he’s reaching out, it must be about Pearly Antiques. Congratulations, you’re finally close to getting it back.”

Ken forced a smile and told her, “Mr. Quinn, the one managing Pearly Antiques, works for Ulric. If he’s contacting me now, it’s likely on Ulric’s orders.”

Melody’s face grew serious. “Could it be a trap?”

“No, it’s definitely not a trap. In fact, it might be a pleasant surprise.” Seeing that name instantly made Ken think of the situation with Regina, so he had a pretty good idea of what was going on.

“What do you mean?” Melody was momentarily confused. Ulric was synonymous with bad news in her mind, so she couldn’t quite think rationally. She was about to press for more when Susan came out of the kitchen with a bowl of vegetable soup.

“The soup is ready.”

“I’ll have this one. Can you get a thermos and pack the rest for him to take to the office?”

“Of course!” Susan happily went to prepare the thermos. Even though she knew Ken and Melody were still sleeping in separate rooms, she couldn’t help but notice that their relationship seemed to be growing closer.

While Susan was busy, Melody took the chance to remind Ken, “Just be extra careful with anything involving Ulric.”

“I know.”

By the time they finished talking, Susan had returned with a thermos full of vegetable soup.

Melody firmly placed the thermos into Ken’s hands and, as she saw him out, reminded James, “Make sure he has it. The thermos will only keep it warm for a few hours. It won’t be as effective if it gets cold.”

“Yes, Miss Fox,” James responded, taking the thermos from Ken.

“You be careful too. Seventeen isn’t around, so I’ve sent a new death warrior over. He should be here soon.”

“Alright.” Melody didn’t object. There was a time when she resented Ken for having someone watch over her, but now she didn’t mind at all. She had nothing to hide anymore, especially after what happened with Regina. She was almost entirely exposed to danger, so she had no choice but to be extra cautious.

Melody was right. As soon as Ken got to the office, he was swamped with work. His abrupt departure during yesterday’s meeting had left the board members, who were already on shaky ground, scrambling to hand over their projects for his review. He didn’t get a moment’s rest until just before lunch when he finally had a few minutes to sit down.

James saw his chance and approached with the thermos. “Mr. Ken. Don’t forget to have the soup.”

Only then did Ken remember Melody’s instructions to have the vegetable soup while it was still warm. He unscrewed the lid, but the steam had already dissipated.

James quickly offered. “There’s a microwave in the break room. I can get a bowl and heat it up for you.”

“No need. Just add some hot water to it. I still need to visit the construction site in the west suburbs.”

James didn’t argue, but as he was leaving the office, he quickly returned. Ken gave him a questioning look, and James reported. “Mr. Quinn, the one in charge of Pearly Antiques, is here to see you.”

Ken massaged his temples, pondering, ‘So eager to meet me, just as I suspected. Ulric must be worried that I would tell Dad about Regina mentioning his name.’ Without any change in expression, Ken said, “Tell him to come back this afternoon. We’re heading out to the site now.” He picked up his coat from the chair as he spoke, ready to leave.

James moved faster, politely showing Mr. Quinn out before Ken could step out the door.

When Ken exited his office, James handed him a card that had been slipped into his palm. It was obviously a gift from Mr. Quinn. James handed over the card and quietly said, “Mr. Quinn seemed very eager to see you.”

Ken raised an eyebrow but didn’t take the card. He only said, “Check the balance later.”

“Yes, sir.”

On the way to the construction site, James checked the balance. “There’s 2 million dollars on the card.”

Ken scoffed. “Seems like Pearly Antiques is quite profitable.”

“Could it be…” James lowered his voice. “his money?” James was clearly referring to Ulric.

Ken shook his head. “Quinn’s made enough from Pearly Antiques to retire. He wouldn’t dare take Ulric’s money. When he comes back this afternoon, make him wait a bit before bringing him in to see me.” If Mr. Quinn wanted to curry favor, Ken might as well make him sweat a little longer. The surprise might just get bigger.

“Yes, Mr. Ken,” James responded, though his mind had wandered to another matter, thinking, ‘That vegetable soup… Mr. Ken still hasn’t had any of it. Should I remind him or not?’ In the end, James decided to let it go. It’d probably be better not to have cold soup anyway.

Meanwhile, Conor Quinn, who hadn’t managed to speak with Ken either time, was as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof. After much deliberation, he dialed Ulric’s number.

The call was answered quickly, and Ulric’s voice came through. “Did you give him the ledger of Pearly Antiques?” Pearly Antiques had hundreds of locations in Halcyon, including several underground trading spots. Without that ledger, it would take Ken at least a few years to map out the entire network.

Conor stammered, and Ulric immediately understood. “You didn’t meet him.”

Conor’s hand trembled, and even over the phone, he could feel the immense pressure. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault…”

“It certainly is. I went through all the trouble of getting you that position at Pearly Antiques, and you’ve done nothing to repay me…”

Conor’s face went pale, and he hurriedly said, “Please, give me one more chance. He’s at the construction site in the west suburbs right now. Once he’s back, I’ll make sure to hand him the ledger myself.”

Ulric was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “When you see him this afternoon, give him not only the ledger but also copies of Pearly Antiques’ account book from the past few years.” The ledger alone might not be that significant, but the account books were invaluable.