Orion was back.


    "Sir, why are you here?" he asked.


    Thane had a notorious disdain for Yorick''s romantic entanglements, especially when it came to Urs. His irritation was palpable, considering the critical juncture the Quarry Group was facing at the moment.


    Orion knew trouble was brewing the moment Thane showed up.


    Yorick took another drag from his cigarette, inhaling deeply- a clear sign of his growing agitation.


    "Did you find anything?" he asked, his voice cold.


    Orion hesitated, clearly thrown off by Yorick''s continued fixation on romantic issues at such a critical time.


    It seemed almost inevitable that the Lugar family had already sealed the deal with Jeremy. Thane''s involvement was probably ast-ditch attempt to secure a slice of the pie, though the biggest gains were already lost. Nodding, Orion replied, "Yes, she was with the man who attacked you."


    Yorick fell silent.


    Scratching his head, Orion added, "Ms. Quinn seems to be in a rtionship with that man."


    Yorick''s expression hardened at this.


    Before Orion could continue, Yorick''s phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Urs, reading simply:


    [Rick, I guess I can''t recuperate at Wave Residence, right?]


    The message only served to darken Yorick''s mood further. He remembered the mocking they had subjected Ste to not too long ago, how they imed she''d be nothing without the Larkin family, doomed to struggle on her own. How ironic, he thought, considering Ste had been staying at Wave Residence all this while. It made their previous taunts seem utterly foolish.


    Facing Urs''s message, Yorick tersely replied with a single word: [Yes.]


    -


    In


    Despite his reluctance to admit defeat, the situation with Wave Residence was a lost cause. Ste''s stance was clear - she wouldn''t budge on anything rted to her, silently mocking their efforts from afar.


    MS


    Yorick''s frustration grew as he thought about it, his expression turning thunderous.


    About ten minutester, Thane emerged, clearly infuriated after failing to negotiate a deal. The fiery exchange of nces between him and Yorick spoke volumes.


    Unable to contain his anger, Thane stormed up and kicked Yorick, nearly sending him to the ground if not for Orion''s quick support.


    Thane stormed off, his rage palpable, leaving Yorick to ponder the disastrous negotiations.


    Max, who had apanied Thane, rushed out to follow him but was stopped by Yorick.


    "How was it?"


    Although Yorick could already tell the oue from Thane''s expression, he still couldn''t help but ask.


    Max sighed, shaking his head. "The Lugar family decided to partner exclusively with the Patel Group in Portis City. They''ve made it clear they wouldn''t coborate with us."


    en


    Seeing Yorick''s grim expression, Max thought for a moment and then reminded him, "With the trouble you''ve caused with Ste, now..."


    Recalling the things Mr. Lugar had said earlier, Max couldn''t help but shake his head.


    "If I may remind you, ording to some rumors from Ferrond, it''s said that Mr. Lugar is fiercely protective of his own."


    Yorick was taken aback.


    Protective of who? Ste?


    It''s just a woman.