Chapter 540: Chapter 540: If Only
Julian Lawson replied immediately.
Julian Lawson: I’m available. You decide the time and place.
After a while, Serena Sterling sent another message.
She specified the exact time and place clearly.
Julian Lawson replied immediately.
Julian Lawson: Okay.
Even though it was a simple conversation, Ian Yates sitting nearby couldn’t bear to watch.
Everything he wanted to say was stuck in his throat.
To be honest, it was because he was a longtime friend of Julian Lawson that he dared to advise him at this moment.
Ian Yates truly had Julian Lawson’s best interest at heart.
But now, seeing Julian Lawson like this, he knew it was hopeless.
At least in the short term, there’s no point in trying to persuade him.
Yet, he was unwilling to give up, so he couldn’t help but say, "Mr. Lawson, it’s not her meeting you alone. She’s meeting you with Silas Hawthorne."
The difference was significant.
Moreover, Serena was very clear about it, without any concealment.
"I know," Julian Lawson said.
His expression remained unchanged, but his mood improved significantly.
Ian Yates sighed deeply, feeling helpless.
"Alright," Ian Yates said, "I won’t say more, as long as you understand what I mean."
Julian Lawson nodded and reached out to pat Ian Yates on the shoulder.
Longtime friends, he understood Ian Yates’ good intentions.
The two then moved on to talk about other things, no longer fixated on the topic.
Not long after, Ian Yates left with his booklet.
Julian Lawson lay on the large bed alone, filled with anticipation.
He understood what Ian Yates meant.
Serena was meeting with him along with her husband, Silas Hawthorne, likely for business matters, but he was still full of expectations.
He turned sideways toward the cabinet and saw the veil hanging inside.
It was from that day a year ago that he had put it away.
"Goodnight," Julian Lawson said softly.
...
The next day.
Serena Sterling and Silas Hawthorne arrived at The Lawson Corporation early in the morning.
They first went to see Isla Lawson before heading to Julian Lawson’s office.
Julian Lawson was already waiting there.
As Jude Chaucer knocked on the door, he saw Silas Hawthorne pushing her in.
Julian Lawson’s lips involuntarily curled up.
"You’re here," Julian Lawson said, looking at Serena.
Serena nodded.
Julian Lawson then looked at Silas Hawthorne, who was pushing Serena, and they nodded at each other.
Jude Chaucer left and closed the door behind him.
They were there for a private discussion, which Jude Chaucer was informed of earlier, so many things were already prepared. At this point, he and the people Serena and Silas brought along stayed outside to ensure no one approached.
Serena thought for a moment and took out a document, handing it to Julian Lawson.
She had worked at The Lawson Corporation for many years and knew very well that things couldn’t proceed without aligning with The Lawson Corporation. That’s why Silas proposed meeting with Julian the previous night.
"There’s something we might be able to cooperate on," Serena said.
Julian Lawson reached out and took it.
Flipping through page by page, Julian Lawson’s brows furrowed slightly.
Serena watched his expression and only spoke after he finished reading, "The battle between MKK and SKR is significant to me. I hope MKK wins, and since The Lawson Corporation and MKK have a close cooperation, I think there are points where we can collaborate... also, it’s my request."
Julian Lawson placed the document on the desk, looking at Serena.
He understood her meaning.
Thinking, he said, "This is what The Lawson Corporation should do by default."
After saying this, Julian Lawson nodded at Silas Hawthorne, "Ever since MKK and SKR went to war, The Lawson Corporation, Hawthorne Group, and Ford Group have always supported MKK."
Serena looked straight into Julian Lawson’s eyes and continued, "I don’t just mean support."
Julian Lawson’s brows furrowed slightly.
"I must win," Serena said calmly.
"Reason," Julian Lawson asked.
Support is one thing, but if MKK falls behind, whether or not to pull out quickly is each family’s own choice.
But Serena clearly didn’t mean that.
And with Silas Hawthorne standing there, it meant they were in agreement.
The Hawthorne Family had already decided.
"I’ve already investigated my father’s matter," Serena said.
She took out another document and handed it to Julian Lawson.
Julian Lawson reached out without hesitation and took it.
Serena watched him.
She didn’t hide anything.
Because she knew, he wouldn’t divulge this matter.
She had some understanding of Julian Lawson.
"The situation now is different from before," Serena said softly, "I asked Archie, and their main pressure now is..."
Serena explained the situation in detail.
SKR had other supporters, which was why there had always been constraints.
MKK wasn’t a small player either; surviving for so many years was not just idle talk.
Not everything had to be done by them.
In fact, even if only the Hawthorne Family and Linton Family joined forces, they could achieve the matter.
The industries of the Hawthorne Family and Linton Family spanned the globe, never being small players.
But that would take too long.
A long time meant more variables.
Many unexpected events could potentially occur in the middle.
She couldn’t watch these risks exist.
Moreover, once domestic forces got involved, they couldn’t bypass The Lawson Corporation, and coming to Julian Lawson was inevitable.
And having one more force could also speed things up significantly.
Watching Julian Lawson turn to the last page of the file, Serena lowered her eyes slightly.
She and Silas Hawthorne had discussed how to approach Julian Lawson about the matter.
In the end, Serena decided to speak up herself.
She knew she could hide behind Silas Hawthorne, but Silas had said, how was it different if he spoke to her?
So, it was better if she said it herself.
This was her request.
"I know there are many considerations when managing a corporation, I..."
Before Serena could finish, Julian Lawson had already put down the document.
"No need for consideration," Julian Lawson said.
Without any hesitation.
"What do I need to do?" Julian Lawson continued, looking at Silas Hawthorne.
Serena pursed her lips slightly, looking at Julian Lawson.
"MKK winning is beneficial for The Lawson Corporation," Julian Lawson said, looking at Silas Hawthorne instead of Serena.
Silas Hawthorne started to explain the situation again.
"How will the benefits be distributed?" Julian Lawson continued, "I want the Zetania region and its surroundings."
Silas Hawthorne met Julian Lawson’s gaze.
"Agreed," Silas Hawthorne said.
The meaning was clear; Julian Lawson’s proposal of distribution meant this was a cooperation, not just assistance.
Then, Julian Lawson looked at Serena.
"Don’t overthink it," Julian Lawson said, "Serena, I promised you."
Years ago, he promised her that he would do all this.
"I’m just fulfilling the promise I made back then," he said.
Even though their relationship had completely changed from what it was.
But this was what he owed her.
Years of feelings, many life-and-death experiences, and the loss of two children...
He understood in his heart.
"Moreover, it’s also greatly beneficial for The Lawson Corporation," Julian Lawson continued, "this is also what The Lawson Corporation has been doing these days."
Serena looked at him.
"Thank you," she said softly after a long time.
Julian Lawson looked at her without saying more.
If he could, he’d wish to never hear her say thank you ever again.
He hoped they could be like they were in the past.
But just like the fact represented by Silas Hawthorne standing by her side now.
Just like Ian Yates had said.
She had no intention of leaving Silas Hawthorne.
And he...
"Let’s have lunch," Julian Lawson said, looking at Silas Hawthorne, "Together."
