Chapter 391: Made me proud

"There’s only one Zoren Pierson in the Pierson Family, Mr. Bennet, and he is currently the head of the family. He wants you to be his special guest at the annual celebration of Pierson Corporation."

The chairman stumbled back into his seat, staring at Atlas with wide eyes. Even Sven felt like dropping to the floor, his heart sinking.

"The Pierson... Zoren Pierson..." Sven mumbled, his mind reeling as all his strategies disintegrated before his eyes.

A golden invitation was not just a color; it was a symbol of the highest respect from the head of Pierson Corporation. This golden card hadn’t appeared in years because the Pierson Family never regarded anyone as equal or superior to them.

But now, Zoren Pierson had sent his own right-hand man to deliver this card, like an emperor inviting a small noble family to his imperial palace.

’I thought his name was Zigzag Pierson.’ Unlike the tumultuous thoughts running through the chairman and Sven’s minds, Atlas could only recall how he had misheard Zoren’s name. ’Is this his way of getting to Penny?’

Atlas’s lips curved downwards, but then he noticed the chairman’s and Sven’s expressions. His frown turned into a smirk as he snapped his eyes at Benjamin.

"Will you accept this invitation, Mr. Bennet?" Benjamin asked politely, his little brain already shaking pom-poms while cheering, ’Please say yes. Even if it’s not for Miss Penny, do it so your additional brother can protect you.’

"Of course," Atlas smiled kindly. "How can I refuse such a generous offer?"

Benjamin’s smile stretched from ear to ear, but his expression shifted when Atlas finally extended his hand. When Benjamin took it, Atlas squeezed it tightly, closing the distance between them.

"But I’d like you to relay a message to your boss," Atlas whispered in Benjamin’s ear, his eyes glinting. "I’m accepting this simply because I’m giving him some face. So, he better not think he can bribe me with such a flimsy card for my sister’s hand."

"Hah..." Benjamin watched as Atlas slowly drew back, a smile still on the latter’s face. ’So, he doesn’t know my boss already has her hand, huh? Oopsie.’

"Of course," Benjamin nodded, maintaining his poise while gripping Atlas’s hand firmly. "I’ll definitely relay your message to him."

"Thank you." Atlas released Benjamin’s hand and lifted the card and envelope to his side. "I’ll reach out to Zoren Pierson in the future for lunch."

"My boss would surely anticipate that invitation."

Listening to this exchange, the chairman’s eyes twinkled as he stared at Atlas. ’So, he’s acquainted with the Piersons—not just any Pierson, but Zoren Pierson?’

’How?’ Sven, on the other hand, felt his entire body tremble. He sneaked a glance at the chairman and knew that he would now favor Atlas because it was the Pierson Family he had brought into their business. Even if Zoren Pierson himself didn’t do direct business with Atlas, many others would want to, just for a chance to get acquainted with Zoren Pierson.

’How did he get to know Zoren Pierson? That man... no, this isn’t right! I have to do something,’ Sven told himself, sensing his position in the company shaking. ’Atlas Bennet, just what tricks have you pulled this time?!’

Benjamin and Atlas exchanged more pleasantries before Benjamin bid them farewell. Atlas didn’t walk them out but asked Allen to do so. Once Allen closed the door behind them, the chairman quickly moved to Atlas’s side.

"Grandson, how come you didn’t tell me you were acquainted with Zoren Pierson?!" The excitement in the chairman’s voice was uncontainable, as if he hadn’t been planning to cane Atlas earlier.

Atlas almost laughed at his grandfather’s quick change of approach. ’Now, he calls me grandson, huh?’

"Oh, silly me!" The chairman laughed happily, even criticizing himself for not trusting his heir. "I put you in this position for a reason, and I’ve always known you’d take our family to new heights! I should’ve trusted my judgment!"

"Cousin, why didn’t you tell us sooner?" Sven chimed in. "If only you had, Grandpa wouldn’t have gotten angry at you!"

Atlas shot his cousin an unsympathetic look. "I did tell you I didn’t offend anyone in the Pierson Family."

"That’s right, he did tell us!" the chairman nodded, patting Atlas’s shoulders with approval. "Atlas, you’ve really made me proud this time."

Sven secretly ground his teeth as he watched the chairman embrace Atlas with praise.

As for Atlas, he didn’t feel the slightest happiness at his grandfather’s remarks. Until now, the chairman had only known how to criticize Charles’s children, even making unnecessary remarks about Penny. However, setting aside his personal dissatisfaction, Atlas remained silent.

The chairman was still his grandfather and his father’s father. Though unhappy with keeping the most dysfunctional member of the family content for the sake of peace, Atlas knew he had to stay silent for now.

"But next time, tell me if you’re making a big move so I won’t be surprised and have to scold you," the chairman advised. "Handle the Ito Motors and Prime Group negotiations."

"Grandpa! You can’t just do that! I’m already handling the negotiations with Ito Motors and Prime Group. Changing the person in charge might put us in a bad light!" Sven blurted out. "Although the Pierson Family is powerful, we still need to maintain the connections we’ve built ourselves—"

"Shut up!" the chairman roared, glaring daggers at Sven. "Sven Bennet, I told you to handle all negotiations with Ito Motors and Prime Group. But until now, nothing has been made official or resolved."

"That’s because Atlas interfered—"

"And that’s your fault!" the chairman hissed, not letting Sven make excuses. "In business, people will try to interfere for their own reasons. It’s your job to ensure no one can seize your territory."

Sven opened his mouth but ended up clenching his teeth. Atlas, on the other hand, arched a brow; this was the first time he had seen his grandfather scold his most beloved grandson.

’So, this is Zoren Pierson’s effect, huh? He can change even the most bigoted person’s beliefs with just his name alone.’

The chairman squeezed Atlas’s shoulders again and nodded. "Atlas, do your best, and your grandpa will always have your back. Great work today."

"Thank you..." Atlas nodded, his eyes sharpening as he added, "Chairman."