Talon had no idea about Nia's decision. As the car slowly made its way down the street, he couldn't help but smile when they finally returned to Philadelphia. It felt like he had been away for ages, and he was eager to see Ariya.
The security guard at the entrance recognized the chairman's old car and saluted respectfully. He didn't know who was inside, but if someone could drive the chairman's car in, they were definitely not someone he could mess with.
Talon stepped out and was about to enter Arilon Group to surprise Ariya when he spotted Jensen at the door.
"Hey, I'm with the Philadelphia Willis family. My sister is your chairman. I've been here for two days, and I need to get in to see her. If I can meet my sister, I can provide you with proof to enter," Jensen said, his tone laced with intimidation.
He added, "This has been delayed for two days already, and if it drags on, can you handle the consequences?"
The head of security was unyielding. "No, we've been instructed by Azureblade that no one from the Willis family is allowed to see the chairman. If you want, call the chairman directly. If she lets you in, I won't stop you. Or you can call Azureblade; if they say the word, I can let you through."
"Dude, if I could get through to Ariya, I wouldn't be wasting my breath with you!" Jensen exploded. He had tried calling Ariya multiple times over the past two days, but her phone was off, and she hadn't come home last night. Was she spending the night with that boss again?
The head of security wasn't aware of Jensen's thoughts, but he was annoyed by the swearing. "Mr. Willis, please watch your tone when speaking to me. If you curse again, don't blame me for being rude. Arilon Group is no longer Yuvi Group; it's not just anyone who can waltz in. I don't know what the Willis family was like before, but think twice. Even Ralphy from Skysoar Group wouldn't be this arrogant!"
Jensen quickly put on a smile, feeling frustrated. "Hey, I'm just trying to express my urgency; I'm not cursing at you. I'm begging you, let me in! Once I see Ariya, I'll definitely get the proof you need!"
"You need to leave now, or don't blame us for being rude!" The head of security pushed Jensen's arms away with force, causing him to stumble almost out the door.
"You guys!" Jensen pointed at the security guard, wanting to shout but then forced himself to hold back. 'Ariya, if you ever find yourself in a position where you need to beg for help, I'll make sure to deal with you!'
"Mr. Storm! Is that you? Are you here to pick up our chairman?" The head of security changed his attitude completely when he saw who was coming down the stairs.
Jensen turned to see Talon.
Realizing the Willis family's situation was all tied to Talon, he scowled. "So that's why today's going so badly. I ran into a useless person like you. Now that Ariya is the chairman, do you think you can just rise to the top? You're still just a nobody, destined to follow Ariya around like a lackey!"
Talon glanced at Jensen, uninterested in someone stuck in the past. He shook his head and walked into Arilon Group.
Jensen panicked and shouted at the security guard, "Hey, stop! Are you blind? He doesn't have a pass either! How can you let him in? If Ariya finds out a useless person like him got in, you're all going to be in trouble!"
The head of security was furious as Talon slowed his pace. "Shut up! The chairman's husband doesn't need a pass to get in or out of Arilon Group. Jensen, I suggest you leave now. If you say another word, don't blame me if I lose my temper!"
Jensen was equally fired up. "That's not fair! He can get in because he's Ariya's husband, but I'm her brother! Why can't I go in? You must have taken a bribe to let him in! I'll definitely report you to Ariya. When she hears about this, she won't let a useless person like him slide. You might end up fired!"
The head of security was also enraged and instructed his men. "If he wants to complain, he better see the chairman first. Get Jensen out of here and make sure he doesn't get back in! Don't hold back, and if anything happens, I'll take responsibility!"
Jensen quickly fled out of the Arilon Group's main door, gritting his teeth. "You guys wait! Once I see Ariya, I'll make sure she deals with you!"
"I'll be waiting!" the head of security said, feeling satisfied.
Talon crossed his arms, enjoying the show. He turned to the head of security and said, "Nice job. What's your name?"
"Oh, I'm Chace Spooner. I've been with Arilon Group for three years!" the head of security replied eagerly.
"I think Arilon Group still doesn't have a head of security. I'll mention it to Ariya; you seem like a good fit," Talon said.
Chace was stunned for a moment before bursting with joy. "Thank you, Mr. Storm! I promise, as long as I'm here, no unauthorized person will step foot in Arilon Group!"
Talon nodded slightly and headed towards the chairman's office, where he found Ariya.
Ariya was clearly busy, scribbling notes with her right hand while occasionally pausing to think. She wore a floral dress, and her hair was casually tied up, giving her a homely vibe. She even had beads of sweat on her nose.
"What are you writing?" Talon knocked on the door and leaned against it, asking softly.
Ariya looked up quickly, her face lighting up with joy. "Talon, you're back? Did you finish with the Gordon family?"
Talon walked over to her desk and noticed she was working on a speech. He couldn't help but smile. "Everything went smoothly. You know, whether you write a speech or not doesn't really matter. Powerful people can get applause even with just a word. Honestly, your speech is a bit too long."
Ariya sighed in frustration. "Talon, I've sent out invitations to twenty-four companies, and so far, I haven't heard back from anyone. If they don't come, I can't just stand there in silence, right? Plus, my dad said he would bring city officials, and I can't embarrass him. It's really tough for me…"