Though Ashley kept her gaze forward, the way she clutched Arthur’s hand betrayed her nerves. Arthur gently squeezed her hand in reassurance, silently telling her to stay calm and wait to see what would happen. Soon, the bodyguard approached them. The sheer presence he radiated—honed by years of protective work—made both Arthur and Ashley instinctively tense up. Still, Arthur could sense the man meant them no harm. The guard leaned in slightly and said in a low voice, “Mr. Arthur, the Governor would like a word with you.” As he spoke, the guard gestured politely, already assuming Arthur would follow. There was no room for refusal—not that anyone here would dare turn down Mr. Drake’s request. Arthur instinctively looked at Ashley. Without hesitation, he said, “Can I bring Ashley with me?” He wasn’t about to leave her alone in a place like this. The guard had only mentioned the Governor wanted to speak with “you”—not “you two.” Arthur still wasn’t sure what Mr. Drake wanted. Whether he was friend or foe remained to be seen. But judging by the way they looked at him, Arthur didn’t feel any malice. Having Ashley by his side was still safer than leaving her alone among this crowd of old sharks. Ashley was young and hadn’t experienced the darker side of human nature. Alone in this room full of cunning veterans, she could be eaten alive. Arthur, though also young, had gone through far more than most. He was far more grounded than others his age. The bodyguard hesitated, glancing toward the head of the room. Drake had been watching the whole time. Seeing the guard’s glance, he gave a subtle nod. It was slight, but after over a decade in service, the guard didn’t need more.He turned back to Arthur and nodded. “Both of you, please.” Relieved, Arthur and Ashley both let out a breath. Arthur quickly thanked him, then took Ashley’s hand and followed the guard toward a side room. The side hall was empty. The guard simply asked them to wait. They sat quietly for a while before Drake finally strolled in. Arthur and Ashley immediately stood, greeting him with respectful, well-mannered voices. “Good evening, Mr. Drake.” The way they stood—straight and proper—made them look like obedient students meeting their teacher. Drake’s stern face broke into a laugh. With that one chuckle, the room’s tense atmosphere lightened considerably. Arthur and Ashley both relaxed a little. Drake waved casually. “Sit, sit. No need to be so stiff.” As he spoke, he moved to the main seat and settled in comfortably. Arthur and Ashley sat opposite him, posture straight, hands on their laps, every bit the model students. Drake chuckled again. “Hahaha, ah, youth really is a wonderful thing. Look at you two—so full of energy. Us old guys can’t compare.” His white hair betrayed the years, and there was a hint of wistfulness in his voice. Arthur quickly responded, “Come on, sir. What are you saying? You’re in your prime. We couldn’t possibly compare to your experience and achievements. We should be learning from you.” His words were humble, respectful—and laced with smooth, flattering charm. Even Ashley turned her head to glance at him in surprise. Her Arthur was really becoming quite the sweet talker.That compliment was effortless. Drake clearly enjoyed it. He was used to having solemn, careful people around him. Arthur’s relaxed, natural flattery was a refreshing change. Drake waved a hand. “I’m already halfway in the grave. What’s this ‘prime’ talk? Don’t make me laugh.” But even as he said it, a faint smile lingered on his face. Seeing his words land just right, Arthur let out a small breath of relief. So Drake wasn’t as unapproachable as he’d seemed. Arthur followed up with another wave of well-placed compliments—nothing short of a full-on rainbow barrage. By the end of it, Drake was smiling broadly. Everyone loves a kind word, after all. Then Drake’s gaze drifted to Ashley, seated close beside Arthur, and he teased lightly, “You two youngsters seem pretty close.”