After all, the issues exposed within The Byron Family weren't nearly as severe as those plaguing The James Family.
Frederic Byron was also far sharper than Latham.
"Frederic is trying to figure something out. Since the local wealthy businessmen don't want to get dragged into this mess, he's gone out of state."
Finding a buyer was no easy feat.
While Latham immediately thought of Dane's Vertex International, Frederic had his own extensive connections.
Both men were working separately to dump the absolute liability that was the Westside project.
"Is that so? Dad, you need to prepare yourself. Frederic might very well..."
Might very well what?
Lance didn't need to finish his sentence; Latham already understood exactly what he meant.
His expression darkened. "At this point, it would be entirely normal for them to be the first to break off the partnership."
"Business is ruthless. If Frederic decides to stab me in the back right now, I could understand it."
Understand it, yes, but accept it? No.
He and Frederic had grown up together.
Frederic's father and his own father had been close friends.
Their families were lifelong allies, which was why they had arranged the marriage between their children so early on.
He thought he and Frederic shared a solid bond, but if...
No, compared to family and wealth, friendship meant absolutely nothing!
Latham let out a long sigh. "If he really finds a way out, taking a small hit is fine. I'm just afraid the Byrons don't intend to leave us a way out at all."
If The Byron Family pulled out suddenly, all the pressure would crash down onto The James Family.
As Latham stepped out, he ran into Claire, who had just finished her shift at the lab. His face lit up with joy. "Claire!"
Claire, however, wasn't nearly as thrilled to see him.
"Are you here to visit Lance, Latham?"
He was drowning in his own problems right now. How did he have the time to come to the hospital?
"Yes. Octavia ran into some trouble, so I came to check on Lance and tell him not to worry too much."
Claire already knew about Octavia's situation, so she retorted, "Aren't you worried about her?"
"She is your wife, after all."
Her words were sharp and intentionally cruel.
If Octavia hadn't betrayed him, he absolutely would have been worried and would have done everything in his power to bail her out.
But thinking about how Octavia cheated on him, and how she was the one who caused the crash that killed Fallons baby and left her infertile-the resentment ran deep.
He just couldn't forgive Octavia.
If Octavia hadn't done that, Fallon wouldn't have retaliated, right?
And the company wouldn't be in this desperate state.
He was purely projecting his anger.
Seeing the storm brewing in
Latham's eyes, Claire found it utterly laughable. "Do you honestly believe everyone else is at fault, and you're the only innocent victim?"
"After all, in your eyes, it was just a typical 'moment of weakness'—and it's the women in your life who are being irrational and vindictive, right?"
Latham was startled by how sharp Claire was, which quickly shifted into humiliated rage.
"Watch your tone. I am still your father, and you will show me some respect!"
Was he seriously still putting on airs?
Claire clicked her tongue in sheer amusement. "You're right, Latham. My mistake for talking too much. Goodbye."
She wasn't going to waste another second on him.
But Latham had no intention of letting such a perfect opportunity slip away.
"Wait!"
He blocked her path. "Claire, it's my fault. I've been incredibly busy these past few days and haven't gotten enough sleep. My temper got the better of me."
"You know how bad things are at the company. Have you thought about what we discussed earlier? Could you help me get in touch with The Green Family?"
"I'm not forcing you; I just want another option."
Latham wanted to tell her that she simply didn't understand the business world.