Chapter 1067Â
Chapter 1067Â
As if sensing Sharon’s distraction, Thomas’s explanation faltered. He lowered his gaze to hers.Â
“What’s wrong?”Â
His eyes held her reflection.Â
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Sharon snapped back to reality, a flush of shame warming her neck. What had she been thinking? If Thomas had wanted to harm her, he’d had countless opportunities. She felt foolish for her momentary suspicion toward someone who had never given her reason to doubt. 1Â
She had never viewed Thomas as a man in that way, and likely, in his eyes, she was simply his employer–not a woman to be pursued.Â
“It’s nothing,” Sharon said, averting her gaze and changing the subject. “I didn’t know you were so knowledgeable about business.”Â
She expected his usual modest deflection–a simple ‘I know a little.‘ But his reply was straightforward.Â
“Yes. I’ve held corporate positions before. I’m familiar with the landscape.”Â
Sharon blinked in surprise, though it made sense. A man of his sharp intellect and composure was never meant to be just a bodyguard.Â
As the thought settled, Thomas spoke again.Â
“So, if you have questions, you can come to me first. If I can’t help, then contact Xavier. His schedule is packed; taking up his time could cost him millions.Â
“I, on the other hand, am your employee. Using my expertise is what you’re supposed to do. No matter how close you and Xavier are, he’s an external contact. You can’t rely on him indefinitely.” 2Â
Sharon considered this. He was right. She had already leaned on Xavier for too many favors.Â
She nodded. “You’re right.”Â
A faint, approving smile finally touched Thomas’s lips. 2Â
The next day, Sharon and Victoria arrived together at the top–floor conference room of the Kalen Group headquarters.Â
The room was unusually full. Not only were shareholders, directors, and senior executives present, but also distant branches of the Kalen family and members of Shayla’s maternal family, the McKinzies.Â
At its peak, the McKinzie family had rivaled the Kalens in influence. Years of poor management, however, had driven them to the brink of collapse–until the Kalen Group intervened with a capital injection that saved them.Â
Now, the once–prestigious McKinzie family was a shadow of its former self, surviving under the Kalen family’s protection.Â
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Chapter 1067Â
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Back then, Richard had shown mercy for Shayla’s sake, choosing not to acquire the McKinzie holdings outright and allowing them to retain nominal control.Â
Though the McKinzies had long fallen from elite circles, the Kalen name still afforded thern a measure of respect, with many families offering courtesy for old times‘ sake.Â
Even in death, Shayla’s legacy endured through her three sons. The bond between the Kalen and McKinzie families, however strained, could never be fully severed.Â
Richard introduced Victoria and Sharon to the assembly.Â
The shareholders from Shayla’s faction had met Sharon at the recognition banquet. She greeted them with a composed smile and a polite nod.Â
They returned her courtesy with visible warmth and approval.Â
Sharon bore a striking resemblance to Shayla, and her poised performance at the banquet had honored her mother’s memory. Many of them held high hopes for her.Â
When the introductions were complete, Richard turned to her, his tone genial. “Sharon, this is the current head of the McKinzie family–your uncle.”Â
Sharon looked over to see a middle–aged man, around Richard’s age, smiling kindly at her.Â
“Sharon, is it? I’m Clark McKinzie, Shayla’s eldest brother–your uncle.”Â
He then gestured to the young man beside him. “And this is Sebastian, your cousin.”Â
Sharon’s gaze shifted from her uncle, Clark McKinzie, to her cousin, Sebastian McKinzie.Â