Delia left with a light step, and the lively atmosphere instantly mellowed into silence.
It almost felt like the faint scent she carried was still hanging in the air.
Curtis’s slight flush faded quickly.
He turned the wheelchair toward the study.
He glanced at Noah and said, “Hand over all the materials we prepared on the Fleming Group to Benjamin.”
“Yes,sir.” Noah responded immediately, striding to the cabinet and pulling out a folder.
He handed it over with both hands.
“Mr.
Bennings, everything’s in here.
The confidential stuff is clearly marked.”
Benjamin took the folder, weighed it in his hand.
His usual lazy grin toned down a bit, a trace of seriousness showing in his eyes.
As he flipped through a few pages, his brow slightly lifted.
The analysis inside was solid-clearly not slapped together overnight.
“Not bad at all.” Benjamin shut the folder.
He looked up with a teasing glint.
“This is thorough.
Real thorough.
Looks like you’ve been planning your wife’s takeover behind the scenes for a while, huh?
Bet she doesn’t even know how deep you’ve dug.”
He smirked.
“Scared she’ll burn out, or just worried she might miss the key stuff?”
Curtis’s ears went a bit red under the pointed words, but his expression stayed firm, even deliberately serious.
“The situation with the Fleming Group is messy.
Edward’s been running the show for years.
It’s not something she can untangle overnight.
She hasn’t had much exposure to this side of things-being extra prepared will save her a lot of detours.”
He paused, then added, “This matters a lot to her.
I’m counting on you.”
Benjamin watched his friend, knowing full well Curtis wasn’t just playing the dutiful husband-he was really guarding Delia like she was made of glass.
He’d known Curtis for years and had never seen him this meticulous about anyone.
It wasn’t just about duty-he was protecting her with everything he had.
Benjamin chuckled, choosing not to call him out any further.
He tucked the folder under his arm, tone turning more solemn.
“You got it.
You’ve done the homework.
And since you’ve asked me directly, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.
Your wife’s business is my business too.”
All three moved into the study, and when most of the key discussion had wrapped up, Curtis glanced at the time and said to Noah, “Go bring Delia in.
She and Benjamin should sync up properly.”
Noah nodded and stepped out. The source of this chapter is g.com.
Soon after, upbeat footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Delia appeared at the door.
With a gentle smile, she asked, “Are you guys done?
Can I come in now?”
“Of course!
Been waiting for you,” Benjamin beamed and motioned toward the couch.
Delia sat across from him, her expression growing serious.
“Mr.
Bennings, I assume you’ve gone through the material.
Can we go over the Fleming Group’s situation now?
Just tell me what you need from me.”
“Absolutely.” Benjamin picked up the folder but didn’t open it again.
“To be honest, I thought this was gonna be a tough nut to crack.
But after going through what you’ve got here, it seems a lot more manageable.”
He leaned in slightly.
“The Fleming Group’s foundation isn’t bad.
As long as we move fast and play our cards right, cut Edward out completely, we can get the company back on track without jumping through too many hoops.”
Benjamin glanced at Curtis, who had been unusually quiet all this time.
“Curtis couldn’t bear to let you stress over this stuff, so he dragged me back from abroad just to make sure everything’s covered.
Wouldn’t even let you get a speck of dust on you,” Benjamin said, shaking his head.
“Total simp.”
Delia blinked, surprised at first.
Then Benjamin’s teasing made her pause.
She subconsciously turned to look at Curtis.
He was tight-lipped, eyes pointed somewhere far away like he hadn’t heard a thing.
Classic “I didn’t hear that, not my business” mode.
But the slight flush on the tip of his ears sold him out completely.
So he’d been quietly clearing the road for her all along…
Delia bit down the odd warmth pricking her nose and offered a small, sheepish smile.
“Thank you for coming to help, seriously.”
“Don’t sweat it.” Benjamin waved it off.
His tone might’ve been teasing, but he meant every word he said.
“It’s not about cash-it’s about being willing to go the extra mile for a friend.
Since I’m here, I’ve got your back.”
“With everything laid out, there’s no point wasting time.”
Delia took a deep breath, her expression firm.
“I think now’s the perfect moment.
You agree?”
“Absolutely.” Benjamin snapped his fingers approvingly.
Then after a beat of thought, he scratched his chin.
Off to Fleming Corporation.”
With the plan set, both stood up.
Delia turned to Curtis, a hint of reluctance in her eyes.
Curtis met her gaze and gave a slight nod.
“Go on.
Call me if anything comes up.”
With Benjamin by her side, he felt a lot more at ease.
*****
Fleming Corporation’s HQ towered in the heart of the commercial district, dressed to impress.
Delia and Benjamin stepped out of the car and made their way into the main lobby.
Behind the sleek reception desk sat two sharply groomed women, their makeup on point.
The moment their eyes landed on Delia, a flicker of recognition stuttered across their faces.
“Hi there, do you have an appointment?” One stood up with a strained smile, avoiding full eye contact.
Clearly, they knew exactly who she was but were pretending otherwise.
Too fake.
Too obvious.
Delia’s lips curled slightly.
“Didn’t realize I had to book an appointment to walk into my own company.”
“Um…” One of them hesitated, glancing at her coworker.
The other quickly stood up, her words clipped and stiff.
“Sorry, but the CEO gave strict orders-no unauthorized access unless you’re staff.”
The moment she said it, a few security guards subtly edged closer.
The commotion caught the attention of staff passing through the lobby-eyes began turning.
Delia took in the scene, the absurdity hitting her like a slap.
She-Fleming Corporation’s largest shareholder-was being blocked from walking in?
She let out a soft laugh, more incredulous than amused, and stepped forward.
“The CEO gave orders?” Delia echoed, her tone sharp with sarcasm.
“You’ve got some guts.”
“I own Fleming Corporation.
I’m the majority shareholder.
And he thinks he can lock me out?”
“Call Edward.
Now.
Tell him to drag himself down here.”
“Y-yes, of course!” The receptionist fumbled for the phone, her hands shaking.
She may’ve figured playing dumb was the safer route, but Delia’s no-nonsense vibe said otherwise.
Any more pushback and they’d end up ticking off both sides.
Benjamin stood at her side, hands in the pockets of his slacks, watching the whole thing unfold like a show.
So this was Mrs.
Stockton-quiet and easygoing with Curtis, but way more intimidating than she let on.
Guess Curtis really had good taste after all.