After exchanging pleasantries, Leonard arranged for the household staff to take Yvonne and Stephen back to their rooms to rest.

Once they left, Claude went up to Leonard. "Leonard, what on earth are you trying to do?"

Since that day, Leonard still hadn't shared his plan with Claude. Claude had been dying to know what he was up to.

"Mark has destroyed our business, yet you're trying to be the mediator. Do you think he'll take you up on it?"

"What do you know?" Leonard side-eyed Claude.

"If we don't come up with an excuse to get Mark to come to our territory, are you going to wait to fall into his trap?"

Claude was at a loss for words. "I-It sure is better that he comes to our territory."

Leonard retracted his gaze. "Just follow my lead. At least, we have to find out why Mark is doing this to us."

…

Mark was nowhere to be seen, even during dinner that night.

Seeing how the food was getting cold, Leonard awkwardly picked up his cutlery. "Let's not wait. Let's eat."

Claude was