Before Douglas could respond, Vernon jumped in, saying, "Oh, Clement, look at the company you're keeping! If this gets back to Mr. Yardley, you won't be able to survive anywhere in Gray City. You know the consequences."

Clement was dumbfounded. He even started to wonder if Felix was just dropping names. After all, Dorian's status was on a completely different level.

Douglas went even further by turning to Clement and saying, "Either you slap him twice, or you're blacklisted at Concord Bank after tonight. Your choice."

He had been looking for an excuse to put this arrogant brat in his place. How dare someone try to get a loan while bypassing him, the lending director? Felix had just handed him the perfect opportunity.

"Whew! Dr. Zeller, I'm so sorry that I'm late!"

Just as Clement was about to throw them both out, heavy breathing came from the doorway. A man appeared, bent over and red-faced, clearly having run quite a distance.

Before Felix could speak, Douglas and Vernon tur