Stewart sat with his legs crossed, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Turned into what, exactly? Smitten by charm, or blind to right and wrong?”

Both, if you ask me.

Of course, Dalton didn’t say that out loud.

Stewart seemed to read his thoughts. “Funny,” he chuckled. “I have a feeling that the one who’s blind and smitten isn’t me, but someone else entirely.”

Before Dalton could respond, Stewart continued, “And as for who my mentor values the most, well, it’s not me. You flatter me too much, Mr. Ramirez.”

Dalton was taken aback. Even bringing up Kenton Wagner hadn’t fazed Stewart.

Stewart wasn’t about to let Dalton off easy. “If you feel the need to stand up for Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Ramirez, you’re welcome to terminate our contract. Of course, you’d have to compensate PrimeStar for any losses.”

Dalton thought he was speaking reasonably. But Stewart was clearly hostile, even suggesting ending their business relationship.

It was absurd.

Dalton pressed his lips together, trying to maintain his composure. “Mr. Ferguson, there’s no need to act on impulse—”

Stewart met his gaze steadily. “I’m not acting on impulse. I’m quite serious.”

Dalton was momentarily stunned.

Stewart’s eyes were cold and detached, but his expression was serious. In that moment, Dalton realized Stewart meant every word.

Was it really necessary to go this far just because he spoke on Vesta’s behalf?

The more serious Stewart seemed, the more Dalton felt he was being unreasonable.

Dalton tightened his lips, searching for words, but Stewart had already lost interest in the conversation.

Standing up, Stewart said coolly, “Since you’re not here to discuss business, Mr. Ramirez, I won’t keep you. Chester, show him out.”

Dalton’s face darkened. “Mr. Ferguson!”

Stewart’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “You’re awfully invested in someone else’s girlfriend, Mr. Ramirez. I wonder if Mr. Henderson is aware of your concern for Mr. Hawkins?”

Dalton paused, lowering his gaze, his tone softening. “Mr. Hawkins and I have a business relationship. She seemed genuinely eager to resolve things with you, so I thought I’d try to mediate.”

“Is that so?”

Stewart wasn’t interested in probing Dalton’s feelings for Vesta further “I’m not in the mood for business discussions right now, Mr. Ramirez. Please, leave.”

“Mr. Ferguson!”

“Chester, show him out.”

Stewart’s firm stance left Dalton with no choice. After a lingering glance, he turned and left.

Outside PrimeStar, Dalton found Vesta still waiting, and he stopped.

Vesta looked up and asked, “Done already, Mr. Ramirez?”

Dalton hesitated before replying, “Yes.”

Then he added, “I spoke with Mr. Ferguson. He knows you’re waiting, but he doesn’t seem inclined to meet with you. It might be best if you head home and rest, Mr Hawkins.” en

Vesta shook her head. “This is really important to me. I still want to see Mr. Ferguson. You go ahead if you have other matters, Mr. Ramirez.”

Seeing the worry etched on Vesta’s face, Dalton felt a pang of sympathy.

But he’d done all he could to help her.

Just then, a thought struck him-Kenton.

If Kenton knew what Stewart was up to, he might just reign him in a bit.

He and Vesta were merely business partners, and no matter how much he

sympathized with her, he had no grounds to intervene further.

Before leaving, he simply said, “Well, I’ll be off then. Until next time.”

Vesta smiled and nodded.

Dalton turned and walked away.

Once in his car, he hesitated for a few minutes before calling Abelard Ramirez.

It was hours later when Abelard returned his call, asking, “What’s up?”

Dalton hesitated before speaking.

“It’s not a big deal, really. It’s hime

Stewart’s success has made him a

bit reckless and thoughtless in his actions lately-”