Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

Josie grasped the documents but, instead of departing promptly, opted to settle into Dexter's chair. With a deliberate turn, she positioned the chair away from the ongoing scene, deeply absorbed in scrutinizing the documents.

Preston remained on his knees, wrapped in a stubborn silence.

"You can leave. There's no longer a need for you to be involved with Eccentric Corporation's project." Dexter's voice resonated calmly through the garden as he meticulously continued pruning the vegetation with a pair of shears in hand.

Eccentric Corporation's project had been earmarked as Russell Group's flagship project for the latter half of the fiscal year. Dexter's directive for Preston to step aside was clear-his removal from this pivotal project implied that his position would soon be filled by someone else.

He was, in essence, being cast aside.

Preston's reaction was one of disbelief. "Mr. Russell, I dare say no one within the entire company has a deeper understanding of Russell Group's medical endeavors than myself. I'm willing to face any punishment, whether it be a cut in my bonus or salary, but please don't exclude me from this project."

His plea might have been valid, yet making such a declaration in Dexter's presence was undoubtedly overstepping boundaries.

Larry, picking up on the tension enveloping Dexter, interjected, "Mr. Kaufman, you have a long career ahead. There will be other opportunities. Let this incident serve as a valuable lesson for more prudent decisions in the future."

Nevertheless, Preston's focus was unshakably on Dexter, oblivious to the surroundings. "Mr. Russell, over the past two years, I've poured my heart and soul into my work. Even though my accomplishments may seem modest, I've never once acted against the company's interests. My loyalty is undeniable... The complexities of the project are not lost on me, which is precisely why I chose to collaborate with Greenleaf Corporation. I'm the only one within our company who fully grasps the subtleties of this endeavor. Finding a replacement could potentially jeopardize the project. Mr. Russell... I urge you to reconsider."

Dexter's expression tightened, his annoyance barely veiled.

"You claim to know all the intricate details of the project," he remarked with a hint of sarcasm, "so have you managed to uncover the identity of their boss?"

Preston, caught off guard, struggled to respond.

Every organization had its secrets. The true significance lay not in the identity of the boss but in one's expertise and competencies.

"I... haven't yet identified them, but I'm convinced that..."

"Preston." Dexter momentarily set aside the shears, casting Preston a measured look. "The elusive figure behind Eccentric Corporation is none other than Morgan."

"Morgan?" The name took a moment

to register for Preston. By the time he had become integrated into the core of Russell Group, Morgan had receded from the public's view his name unknown to many in the sector.

Yet Preston was intimately familiar with Dexter's history, reciting it as if it were second nature. Therefore, the mention of Morgan instantly triggered a connection.

Preston's complexion shifted

dramatically "Is this the same man who consistently opposed you, who usurped numerous projects from Russet Group, and inflicted a

significant blow in the stoel?

market... Morgan?"

"But wasn't he already defeated and withdrawn from the limelight?" he questioned.

Seeking to affirm his statement, Preston rifled through his memories, nodding fervently. "Indeed, his empire had crumbled, I had it investigated."

However, Dexter's icy stare eroded Preston's resolve.

"I... I've made a grave mistake... So it was all an illusion..."

In other words, everything he had uncovered was, in fact, a fabrication.

If Morgan was indeed the

mastermind behind Eccentric Corporation, the implications were profound Preston ceased his

resistance, his head bowed in

acknowledgment of his over.net

"I've been negligent," he conceded, "I'm ready to accept whatever penalty you deem fit." Content

Meanwhile, Josie remained engrossed in the meticulously compiled documents by Dexter, oblivious to their dialogue.

Dexter, disinclined to create further drama, suggested, "This plant is nearly dead. Take it with you, care for it until it recovers, then return to me."

Preston, barely rising from his position, accepted the nearly perished potted plant. "Given Morgan's skill in deceiving us all, dealing with him won't be straightforward. Please be careful, sir."