Chapter 154: Chapter 154: You’re Full of It
Henry Hartwell considered himself a smooth talker, but he was always outmatched in front of this man.
He could only secretly speculate that something big was going to happen on June 2nd.
"Okay, I’ll call you as soon as I get the answer. Let’s get to the point. I’ve been swamped these past few days and don’t have time to entertain you."
Henry Hartwell was likely the only person in the world who dared to speak to Adrian Quincy that way.
Adrian Quincy said expressionlessly, "Claire was late because of me."
Hearing this, Henry Hartwell was thunderstruck. "This is your ’business’?"
Adrian Quincy nodded.
Henry Hartwell was stunned. "You... Eldest Young Master Quincy, the incorruptible Duke Quincy, are pleading on behalf of some girl???"
"It’s a man’s duty to dote on his wife. A harmonious and loving marriage contributes to the citizens’ sense of well-being."
"Yeah, right. Are you and Claire Sinclair married?"
Previously, Henry Hartwell could only guess that Claire Sinclair had a significant connection to this man. Now, it seemed they were probably inseparable.
Adrian Quincy didn’t answer the question directly, only saying, "She still has a long way to go. You need to look after her."
"Ah, so this *is* business after all."
Henry Hartwell sighed, finally understanding the man’s intentions.
’It wasn’t a plea, but an assignment. Looks like that girl’s easy days are numbered... and so are mine.’
Adrian Quincy said in a deep voice, "Claire isn’t physically fit. Don’t let her just sit in the office all the time. Organize some team-building activities. I can provide the personnel."
"I can do that. I’ll nail down a time for the team-building event. Just remember to assign me a few of your men. I’m not equipped to train this gaggle of pampered young masters and misses we have here."
Adrian Quincy gave a nod. He had said all that needed to be said. He placed the file back on the shelf and turned to leave.
Henry Hartwell glanced at the file he had returned to the shelf. The folder read: *Cybercrime Psychological Analysis Report.*
’So... was that guy just browsing, or was he *just browsing*?’
...
Exiting the records room, Adrian Quincy strode toward the exit. His elegant gait was like a river in motion, a captivating sight that drew everyone’s gaze.
He paused briefly as he passed Claire Sinclair.
Claire Sinclair looked up in confusion, not understanding why he had suddenly stopped.
The man suddenly reached out and patted the back of her head. Then, without a word, he was gone.
Claire Sinclair was left speechless with frustration. ’What in the world was that for!’
As they watched the distinguished figure depart, everyone turned to look at Claire Sinclair, their eyes filled with undisguised envy.
"Claire Sinclair, you seem to be quite familiar with Young Master Quincy."
"Young Master Quincy seems to have a soft spot for you..."
Claire Sinclair gave an awkward laugh and explained, "It’s not what you guys are thinking. Mr. Quincy’s hand probably just felt itchy."
Her colleagues were left speechless.
...
After half a day of work, Claire Sinclair finally finished revising her draft.
Just as she was about to take her draft for a final review, Henry Hartwell burst out of his office. "I have some bad news for everyone. This Friday, we’re having a physical fitness test. Three thousand meters for the men, eight hundred for the women. Anyone who fails will have to be completely overhauled."
Someone asked, "Hanson, what do you mean by ’overhauled’?"
Henry Hartwell gave a wicked grin. "I’ve borrowed a few people from Quincy Manor, and a venue to go with them. Those who fail will be sent to a training camp for a month-long, military-style program. You’ll be reassessed afterward. You can leave the training camp when you pass the physical fitness test, and not a moment before. Of course, the press will cover all expenses, so it won’t cost you a single cent."
"One last thing. If any of you want to quit, or feel you have no chance of passing, you can submit your resignation directly. Reporters at the Astoria Daily Press need to be physically fit to chase down big stories. So, kids, give it your all."
