?<strong>Chapter 325:</strong>


    Katherine eximed, “Rafael’s in terrible condition! Both Shawn and I tried reaching out to him, but he’s not opening up. You need toe and see him!”


    Joelle was uncertain about how to reply with Adrian right there. Her concern for Rafael had already been significant, and learning about his poor condition only intensified her worries. Adrian abruptly stopped the car. “You should go. We can also handle the matter with Jonathan along the way.”


    He was aware of Joelle’s concerns for Rafael and proactively offered a solution before she could request one. This approach would prevent any potential difort. Clutching her phone, Joelle replied, “Alright, Kathy, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”


    Katherine, on the other line, felt as if she had just heard some intriguing news. Considering thete hour back home, she wondered why Joelle and Adrian were together. Could there be something going on between them?


    Shawn approached and inquired, “What’s going on?”


    “Nothing,” Katherine answered, debating whether to share the news with him.


    Shawn didn’t pursue further, adjusting his outfit in the mirror. Katherineplimented, “You look sharp, Shawn! Are you heading out on a date?”


    “No,” Shawn responded, his heart racing as their eyes met. He then hastily pretended to adjust his sleeves to break away from her stare. “I have a meeting. How about you? Any ns for today?”


    Katherine checked her watch. “Oh no, I’m runningte!” she blurted out, grabbing her bag and dashing off.


    Her team had tracked down Frankie’s schedule, and she was eager to see him in person. Once, when Joelle asked why she was so focused on finding him, Katherine answered, “I can’t end it just like that.” She arrived at the club where deals were negotiated. Ten minutes after her arrival, Shawn arrived at the entrance.


    His assistant said, “Mr. Watson, Arlo Todd has declined our offers several times, despite the generous proposal you’ve put forward. He’s not interested in changing positions. It’s tough to find such integrity in academia and research these days.” Inside the private room, Arlo wasn’t seated. He stood by the window, gazing out.


    His life was a repetitive cycle—research institute, library, home. He worked tirelessly every day, his eyes red from fatigue, often too engrossed in his research to notice anything else. “Hello,” Arlo greeted as he turned around, appearing as remote and detached as his photographs suggested.


    As they settled into their seats, Arlo wasted no time. “I’ve declined your offer several times. While I appreciate your persistence, I must refuse again. I’mmitted to my current employer under contract, and I’m not nning to leave.” Shawn offered a smile. “So the reason you turned me down is not because of the sry I offered.”


    Arlo’s expression turned serious. “It’s not the offer itself. It’s about keeping my promise.”


    Shawn ordered a cup of coffee. “I’ve looked into your situation, Arlo. You have the capability to lead a team, something your current job hasn’t offered you. Loyalty is valuable, but not when it blinds you.”


    Arlo remained quiet for a short while. “I hear what you’re saying, but—”


    Shawn interjected firmly, “No buts. Join me, and I’ll pay ten times the penalty fee if you leave. I’ll also finance your own research institute, and you’ll have full control over three development departments.” Arlo was speechless.


    Shawn’s offer showed an incredible amount of trust in him. He had never been valued this highly before. As the quiet lingered, Shawn leisurely sipped his coffee. “Take all the time you need to consider. I value not just your skills, but your integrity as well.”


    Arlo bit his lip. “Perhaps we should start with dinner.” Shawn’s smile broadened. A meal together would indeedy the groundwork for more dialogue. Previous attempts by HR to engage Arlo had been quickly rebuffed. “Very well.”


    The servers began to serve the dishes. As Shawn reached for a cigarette, he paused, recognizing one of the waitresses. Just then, Katherine nced his way, and Shawn promptly extinguished the cigarette.


    “Shawn?” Katherine whispered. Wasn’t this Frankie’s private room? What was Shawn doing here, then?


    Shawn’s assistant, seizing the moment, eximed, “Frankie,” drawing everyone’s attention. He then turned to a bewildered Arlo. “You should take the offer!”


    Arlo looked between Shawn and the assistant, puzzled. “Take the offer?”


    Katherine’s focus switched from Shawn to Arlo. So this was Frankie? The same guy who had disappeared after she had sent him a selfie during their online chats?


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