The conference room doors swung open, and Andrew and Rachel stepped in slowly, side by side.

Rachel instinctively glanced at the old man in the center of the room and announced loudly, "Mr. Lloyd has arrived!"

The rest of the Chamber members immediately rose to greet him. Whether it was genuine or not, every face wore a smile.

However, the fierce-looking old man did not move a muscle—only his eyes glanced sideways at Andrew as he entered, his face showing clear disdain.

Andrew sat down at the head of the table and looked directly at him. "That must be Mr. Cillian Ulrich, I presume?"

Cillian chuckled as he pinched the cigar from his lips. "Didn't think Mr. Lloyd would know a nobody like me. Truly… I'm honored."

Andrew smiled pleasantly. "Oh, come now. Your name rings loud and clear throughout the Chamber. Even as chairman, I've got to admit… I tread carefully where you're concerned."

Cillian adjusted his expensive tailored suit, and the scorn on his face grew even more ob