Chapter 1228: Wish to make to the Genie

[PIERSON CORPORATION]

Finn sat comfortably on the couch while Dean settled into the one-seater armchair.

"First of all, I would like to..." Finn hesitated briefly, considering his words. "...thank you for sending Max to meet us on the trip."

"Max?" Dean leaned back, feigning ignorance. "I didn’t know you met with Max during your trip."

"He told me you recommended the place for his team’s training ground."

"Ah." Dean nodded. "What a coincidence, then. Who would have thought, huh?"

Finn chuckled, shaking his head. Why was he surprised by Dean’s denial? Hence, he didn’t dwell on it since he had already delivered his message. The trip, though unexpected, had turned out well. Moreover, with Max in the mix, Finn had been entertained watching him get bossed around by Lily.

It also served as a reminder never to cross Lily. That woman was quite ruthless and wielded significant influence over the ladies. She was not to be messed with.

"Anyway, I just dropped by to see what you were up to," Finn said with a friendly smile. "But seeing you, I guess you’re fine. Better than I expected."

"And why wouldn’t I be fine?" Dean scoffed. "Atlas Bennet isn’t around, so not bumping into him for days has been a relief. I never realized how refreshing it could be to walk around the building without worrying about running into certain people. Surely, one would only appreciate what they have until they lose it."

Finn chuckled. "No wonder you’re glowing."

"Not to mention, Zoren Pierson isn’t here. I think for the past five days, a lot of people have enjoyed working without him breathing down their necks."

"Well, too bad for you and the others you’ve been dragging along," Finn teased, making Dean frown slightly. "Those two aren’t going anywhere."

"By the way, I heard something funny from Zoren Pierson while I was on the island," he added.

"Oh?" Dean arched his brow.

"He said you’re the one training Jonathan," Finn clarified, his eyes swirling with intrigue. "It made me worried."

"And why is that?"

"Jonathan Pierson is Zoren Pierson’s brother, and with William Pierson backing him, I was worried he might give you trouble."

"Pfft—" Dean pressed his lips together, trying to suppress his laughter, but failed miserably. He burst out laughing, shaking his head.

It was rare to see Dean laugh so hard. Given that this man was usually serious and full of malice, watching him laugh until he teared up made Finn furrow his brows.

"Finn, you were gone for just five days, and you’ve already turned into a clown." Wiping the corner of his eyes, Dean’s laughter subsided. "Them? Giving me headaches? Haha! That’s funny. But if a genie appeared right now, I’d only have one wish— for that trip of yours to last a lifetime so I could keep doing what I was doing."

Deep lines formed between Finn’s brows as the corner of Dean’s mouth curled into a cunning smirk.

---

[A Summary of the Pierson Corporation in the Past Five Days]

Zoren wasn’t always in the office. There were times he had to fly abroad for work or health concerns. Five days without him shouldn’t have been a big deal. However, his absence still made quite a few people happy. After all, they didn’t have to endure the immense pressure he exerted. More importantly, they no longer had to wonder if he would return abruptly.

The same people were also pleased about Atlas being away. Even though Atlas had only recently started at Pierson Corporation, he acted as if he had been there for decades. The worst part? Even when people questioned him, Atlas could shut them down effortlessly.

Jonathan, however, wasn’t one of those people. Unlike what to be expected, he had rarely encountered them. One might assume he had plenty of opportunities but with Dean as his supervisor? Jonathan might as well have been locked in the stockroom, serving as a glorified paper shredder.

Still, this was an opportunity.

On the first day of Zoren and Atlas’s trip, Jonathan arrived at the office with renewed motivation. He wasn’t the only one— just seconds later, William Pierson also arrived. Wanting to make a grand entrance, William’s presence quickly attracted a crowd at the entrance, eager to welcome and escort him. They rushed past Jonathan without a second glance.

Raising his brows, Jonathan slowly turned to look at William.

William wore a bright smile as he watched people flock to him.

"Hehe," William chuckled, walking into the building with his chin held high. His steps slowed as he neared Jonathan. "Good morning, nephew!"

Jonathan returned the smile and lowered his head slightly. "It seems you’re in a good mood today, Director."

"Haha! I’m always in a good mood!" Jubilant at the thought of having the place to himself for the next five days, William clapped Jonathan’s shoulder. "You’re early today, nephew. How about grabbing a coffee with me in my office?"

"Thank you, but I’m afraid I have to decline."

"And why is that?"

"I have a pile of work Director Dean handed me late last night. He’s expecting me to submit it this morning."

"Ah... Haha!" William laughed loudly, ensuring everyone could hear. "Don’t worry about that. If that’s your only reason for declining my invitation, then there’s no need to worry. I’ll have a word with Director Dean."

Jonathan’s smile widened slightly as he nodded. "If Director William says so, then..." He stepped aside, gesturing toward a direction. "Shall we?"

"Haha!" William laughed, nodding. His lackeys—who had managed to grovel their way back to his side—chuckled approvingly.

With that, the cheerful group headed to the elevator for their morning coffee. They carried a relaxed air about them.

There was just something about Zoren and Atlas’s absence that made the office atmosphere feel more enjoyable. On their way, they engaged in lighthearted conversation, exchanging smiles and laughter.

None of them had any idea what was coming.

After all, just because Zoren and Atlas weren’t there didn’t mean no one else was keeping an eye on them. Or rather, they weren’t the only ones who wanted to exploit this absence.