Chapter 1039: Did he just say… Atlas?

Allen could understand being annoyed because someone was interrupting their work. After all, who would want their time wasted? That’s why Allen was initially understanding of the security guards; he even felt apologetic and ashamed.

However, after the security guards showed their true colors, Allen realized one thing.

This wasn’t about the access card anymore. These people had been judging him before he even walked in. Was it the way he looked? His clothes? His face? Or had they been watching when Allen was acting a little crazy outside?

Whatever the reason was, no one deserved to be treated or looked down on like this. They didn’t even ask for his ID! Allen offered to leave his license, but they wouldn’t even look at it. What they wanted was the one thing Allen didn’t have.

The only good thing they did was let Allen stay idle by the entrance. Even that was embarrassing, as he received odd looks from those who noticed him.

’I’m angry, but I’m also embarrassed.’Allen swallowed the rising tension in his throat. ’This is humiliating. I’ve been here before, and we weren’t stopped like this!’

But then again, Allen had been with Atlas, and they hadn’t used the main entrance. Even so, this was an annoying situation where Allen felt very helpless.

Meanwhile, the security guards couldn’t help but glance at Allen every so often.

"Let me guess," one of the security guards idly remarked, pointing his pen in Allen’s direction. "Once his friends get here, that friend won’t have the access card either. Then both of them will beg us."

The other security guard snickered. "Yeah, I can already see it unfold."

"These people think they can always beg their way in here. Even a security guard position is filtered thoroughly, and only the best are allowed in."

"That guy mentioned he was here five — six years ago? I guess whatever company he ended up with didn’t do well for him. Just look at that suit. It’s old and worn out. Seeing thousands-worth of suits every day, I know that one’s been through rain or shine."

The other security guard laughed, nodding in agreement. "He’s heading to the Pierson Corporation. He at least should’ve bought a new pair. Even if the only pair he could afford is cheap, at least he tried."

"Would you be lenient with him if he was wearing a cheap suit?"

"No freaking way."

And then they all laughed, as if Allen was some amusing spectacle to them. What they didn’t know was that Allen’s suit was from the same boutique where Zoren Pierson got his recent suits. After all, it was Penny who had been buying them for him — and this shop was even more exclusive than anything these security guards had ever seen.

They didn’t see Zoren every day, did they? They’d be lucky if they saw the big boss twice a year.

"Hey, hey!" Suddenly, the security guard on duty rushed to their small station. "Straighten up. Director William is coming!"

As soon as the rest of the team heard that, they quickly stood from their seats and rushed to their positions by the entrance. They looked like soldiers of the king’s palace, standing there with dignity.

"What’s going on...?" Allen wondered, furrowing his brows. "Just now, they were taking turns while the rest idled, but now they’re acting like they’re guarding the country’s border."

Allen’s question was answered when he stretched his neck to peek over the entrance. Multiple cars stopped in front of the building, and many older men stepped out as if they had just arrived together. However, the first men to step out didn’t enter the building immediately.

Instead, they stood upright, waiting until another car pulled up in front of them. One of the older men in a suit took the initiative to step forward and open the door.

"Uh..." Allen hummed, furrowing his brows as he recognized the man’s face. "Isn’t that... William Pierson?"

Allen knew William Pierson’s face because he had to. Atlas had been in talks to do a joint venture with the Pierson Corporation before he was kicked out. As part of their routine, Atlas and Allen had studied the Pierson Corporation and the major players in the family.

William was one of them.

"He looks... the same as in his photo." Allen crinkled his nose. "Maybe he’s a little bigger in person."

Considering William Pierson was tall with a wide physique, he did indeed look bigger. Well, Allen wasn’t surprised. Zoren Pierson was also tall, even though they had barely interacted.

’Sir Atlas said William Pierson is someone he wants to avoid at all costs... because he doesn’t want to deal with him.’ Another shallow breath escaped Allen as he shrugged off the thought and focused on the group of hypocrites that made up the security team at the Pierson Corporation. ’No wonder they’re all acting like they’re dedicated workers.’

A silly thought crossed Allen’s mind — if he reported these hypocrites, they might get in trouble. After all, Atlas wanted to avoid William because the latter was troublesome. Meaning, William was surely a piece of work.

Allen stayed on the sidelines, keeping his focus on the large group of men marching into the building. ’If I didn’t know better, I’d mistake William Pierson for the big boss with this entourage,’ he thought, following their movement with his gaze.

As Allen kept his eyes on the group, he noticed a figure walking in the opposite direction from William’s group.

"Sir Atlas!" Allen sighed in relief, forgetting everything else because he now knew he was saved.

Atlas, on the other hand, snapped his eyes toward the sound of Allen’s voice. The second he saw the relief on Allen’s face, Atlas’ expression darkened, and his steps grew quicker. The only time Allen looked like this was when he faced a helpless situation.

Unbeknownst to Atlas, the people he had just casually walked past were William Pierson and his entourage. Those who saw this almost gasped, while those around William frowned. William, on the other hand, furrowed his brows before looking back at Atlas’ figure.

"Did he just say... Atlas?" William wondered. "Atlas Bennet?"

The corner of William’s mouth curled into a smirk, and a glint flickered across his eyes.