His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Honestly, this kind of news shouldn't even make the headlines. I bet someone's trying to stir up trouble. Headlines can cause a ripple effect, like how Welton International's stock is fluctuating right now," Casper observed, his eyes narrowing.

It was clear that this was an attack aimed directly at his company, Welton International.

"If that's the case, we can't just ignore it. We owe it to ourselves to find out who's behind this. Get to the bottom of it."

"Got it."

"There's no need to make a special trip for this," Casper said, leaning back in his chair, looking worn out. "I'll be back in a few days."

Dillon was just an assistant. Regardless of how serious the situation was, he couldn't make decisions for Casper.

After all, it was only a few hours' journey.

"Mr. Casper, finding the real culprit might be easy, but... Ms. Eliza, could she misunderstand?" Dillon cautiously suggested.

They had only just patched things up.

News like this could upset any woman.

Casper's love life always seemed to be a series of hurdles, each one different from the last.

Casper let out a soft sigh, a mix of resignation and bitter amusement in his voice, "These photos are so convincing that even I'm almost buying it. How am I supposed to explain this?"

"You really shouldn't have been out drinking in broad daylight. Now, there's no way to explain it away," Dillon teased.

Casper's mouth twitched, and he playfully swatted Dillon, "You're giving me a lecture now?"

"Of course not. It's just that your luck seems particularly rough," Dillon said, showing understanding.

"Look who's talking." Casper gave Dillon a sideways glance. Caroline was about to marry Luke, yet Dillon acted like it didn't bother him, "Caroline and Luke's wedding is coming up soon. Doesn't that bug you?" Dillon's expression faltered.

What could he possibly feel?

What dare he feel?

"Mr. Casper, please don't joke about me and Ms. Caroline."

Casper's gaze grew intense, knowing all too well the pain of not being with the one you love. His persistent pursuit of Eliza was all because of love.

Dillon, too, longed for his own slice of romance.

But some things were beyond his reach.

Love had become less significant.

He stayed silent.

Casper didn't push further, instead shifting the conversation, "Once we sort this out, I want you to spend some time in Africa."

"In Africa?" Dillon was puzzled. Was this some kind of banishment? "Mr. Casper, did I do something wrong?"

"We've secured a mining operation

there. I need you

to oversee it. It

could be for a year, maybe up to five," he said, not leaving room for refusal, You're single anyway. It'll be good experience. When you get back, I'll promote you to vice president."

"I'll pass on the VP role." He wasn't interested. Over the years, he had grown used to being by Casper's side. The title of vice president might sound impressive.

Every vice president at Welton International had to play nice with Dillon, Casper's assistant.

If he actually became a VP, he'd have to deal with jealousy and opposition, which wasn't what he wanted.

"Mr. Casper, if you really want to promote me, I have a small request."

Casper raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, "Oh? Let's hear it."

"If I do well in Africa and when I

come back to Falconridge, I'd like et

to... leave Welton International, step away from your side, start my own small business, and then...

Maybe then, he could settle down.

He could marry, have kids, and take care of his own, just like the Welton family did.

"Mr. Casper, don't worry, I'll make sure to find a suitable successor before I leave."

Such a plan was unexpected for Casper. Dillon had been his right-hand man for years, and though he had always treated him

well, at the end of the day, Dillon was

still just an assistant.