?Chapter 1247:


    Meanwhile, Malcolm followed instructions, sitting on the sofa and pasting a servile smile on his face.


    “So, Mr. Howe, what’s next? Just give me the signal.” Eager hands rubbed together, his gaze betraying hunger for more. “Will you arrange for me to meet the boy—Salex?” This child held the key to their entire scheme.


    Seeing Salex up close would settle Malcolm’s nerves and let him move forward with confidence.


    Suspicion never left Malcolm’s mind—dealing with Alex always felt like navigating a maze. He knew he needed to stay alert.


    A sly, unreadable smile flickered on Alex’s lips as he heard the request, but his eyes went icy cold. “Is something wrong, Mr. Pierce? Or is it that you don’t trust me?”


    No one would get close to Salex so easily. For Alex, the boy was his ultimate ace.


    Malcolm, sharp as ever, was clearly working an angle of his own.


    An awkward beat passed before Malcolm let out a brittle chuckle. “Not at all, Mr. Howe. I only want to make sure we’re covering every detail.”


    A fresh wave of caution washed over him—Alex was dangerous and impossible to predict.


    Clearly, any hope of seeing the boy today had vanished.


    Even so, Malcolm decided that as long as they could bring down Noah and split Wall Group’s assets, the gamble was justified. A quiet scoff from Alex closed the subject for good.


    “There’s nothing for you to worry about. Salex is too young for these introductions,” Alex said, dismissing the idea with a single wave.


    Without missing a beat, he shifted the conversation. “Now, what’s thetest on those shareholders?”


    The realization that he’d been stonewalled made Malcolm grit his teeth in silence.


    Still, he forced a bright tone. “Everything’s under control. Even if those stubborn old men make trouble, they’ll only be aiming for Wall Group. No one’s looking in my direction.”


    The shareholders Malcolm had supposedly worked with were simply chess pieces—fodder for the chaos inside Wall Group, designed to keep Sadie and Noah busy and off-bnce.


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    A razor-sharp look from Alex warned Malcolm not to overstep, cold and cutting. He could use Malcolm as needed, but wouldn’t tolerate a single threat to Sadie’s safety.


    A chill swept through Malcolm as Alex’s unspoken threat hung in the air.


    Understanding exactly what Alex expected, Malcolm thumped his chest, eager to reassure. “Please, Mr. Howe, you have my guarantee. None of this will ever touch Ms. Hudson. You have my word.”


    Alex’s affection for Sadie was in as day, but Malcolm had no interest in the man’s feelings—his only focus was personal profit.


    Sensing the meeting had run its course, Malcolm bowed politely. “It’s gettingte. I’ll take my leave now, Mr. Howe.” Not a single word left Alex’s lips. Instead, he lifted his coffee mug, savoring a slow, deliberate sip.


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