Addicted To The Genius Lady With A Thousand Faces

Chapter 545:

“Why?” Burnet inquired.

“It must be because the feud between Doomsday Base and Peridot Consortium is beyond reconciliation,” Connor elaborated. “Discovering Black Mallow’s identity won’t pave the way for negotiations. Why do you continue to pursue this?”

Burnet mulled over Connor’s remarks and then nodded in silent agreement. He had long understood the gravity of the situation but clung to the hope that negotiation might solve the problem. Yet, neither side was inclined to compromise.

After a brief pause, Burnet exhaled deeply. “So, it’s inevitable that Black Mallow and Clarissa will be in a mortal combat, correct?”

Connor affirmed with a nod. Marissa’s behaviors had made this quite clear.

Then, he cast Burnet a meaningful glance. Burnet had just confided that he would stand with Clarissa should she and Black Mallow be thrust into mortal combat. Since Connor was Marissa’s partner, his allegiance lay with Black Mallow, setting the stage for an eventual conflict between him and Burnet.

Reflecting on this, Connor stood and made his way to the wine cabinet, selecting a bottle of fruit juice and filling two glasses.

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“Your asthma acted up today, so alcohol is off the table. Let’s toast with this juice instead. Cheers!” he proposed.

For the time being, their bond remained strong, but it would sever once Black Mallow and Clarissa entered into conflict. Connor held no grudges against Burnet; both were driven by the desire to protect those they cherished. There was no room for hatred. Still, he was resolved to keep Black Mallow safe from Burnet and Clarissa’s reach.

Confused by Connor’s impromptu toast, Burnet smiled wryly. “You’re making this sound like a farewell, buddy.”

Connor responded not with words but by swiftly drinking his juice, showing his empty glass to Burnet as a sign of his earnestness. He then set down his glass, cautioning, “Take your time, Burnet. Mind your asthma.”

Without overthinking, Burnet took a leisurely sip of his juice, commenting, “This is quite refreshing.”

Connor’s smile broadened. “Feel free to have more. We’ve shared many years of friendship, and this juice brings back memories of our camaraderie. It’ll be sad not to enjoy such moments in the future.”

Burnet finally sensed something amiss and fixed Connor with a penetrating look. “Connor, is there something you need to tell me?”

“Yes, there is, but now is not the right time,” Connor admitted sharply.

He refilled his glass with fruit juice and raised it towards Burnet. “Cheers.”

Burnet nodded, sipping his juice quietly without pressing for more details. Though he detected an underlying tension, he chose not to push Connor for explanations. If Connor chose to share, he would; if not, Burnet would wait.

After finishing his juice, Burnet stood and announced his departure. “I must go now.”

Connor rose as well. “I’ll walk you out.”

This gesture surprised Burnet; Connor had never before shown such formality. Typically, Burnet would come and go as he pleased, with little fanfare from Connor. But today, the offer to escort him out seemed laden with unspoken words.

What could be altering their dynamic so significantly? Burnet pondered but could not pinpoint the change. As they had shared past brushes with death, trivial issues had never threatened their bond, including business matters that concerned their companies’ interests.

Burnet speculated about what critical issue could be straining their relationship now.noveldrama

Though many questions lingered in Burnet’s mind, he resolved not to press for answers if Connor was not ready to divulge them.

Their friendship would endure as long as unspoken tensions remained just that—unspoken. If their bond was to end, they would face that moment with courage when it arrived.

The two men exited Connor’s office, walking towards the elevator. Connor pressed the call button for Burnet and watched silently as Burnet stepped inside and the doors closed.

The fact that Marissa was the successor of the King of Doomsday Base placed Connor in a difficult position because it involved a secret

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