He strode forward with long legs, admiring the surroundings as he walked to the front of the courtyard, just as Brian Carter came out to greet him.

In the sunlight, Brian Carter was dressed in an exquisite black suit, standing out beside the blooming flowers yet seeming unapproachable. His hair was cut just right, his features were clear, his complexion was excellent, and the blue agate ring on his finger reflected a gemstone-like brilliance.

Samuel Bennett simply stopped in place. After that meaningful text message, he was quite curious about what kind of attitude he would see from the other party today.

Brian Carter walked gracefully down the steps, extended his right hand, and said, “Mr. Bennett, it’s been a while.”

Samuel Bennett shook his hand, his large palm almost enveloping Brian Carter’s fingertips, and said, “A bit cold—haven’t fully recovered yet?”

“Thank you for your concern, it was just chilled by the wine glass.” Brian Carter asked, “Does Mr. Bennett like champagne?”

Samuel Bennett’s gentlemanly demeanor was very brief; he quickly reverted to his old ways, arrogantly provoking, “I didn’t attend the contract signing party. Are we opening champagne to celebrate again? Hopefully nothing will go wrong today.”

Brian Carter didn’t argue with the guest and accompanied Samuel Bennett into the villa. David Thompson and the others came over to exchange pleasantries, and everyone chatted cheerfully on the surface.

The meal was lively, with conversation flowing nonstop. Samuel Bennett and a few people from Ethan had a lively back-and-forth.

Brian Carter was curious about the projects they mentioned and listened attentively. Occasionally, Samuel Bennett glanced over and, feigning consideration, asked, “Should we slow down our speech?”

“Whatever is comfortable.” Brian Carter replied calmly and openly, “But we can drink more slowly, so we don’t get drunk.”

A narrow golf course had been built in the back garden. After the meal, Mrs. Carter invited everyone to have tea and play golf, to help digest.

Samuel Bennett leaned back in his chair, blowing his black tea to cool it, not wanting to get up. He looked up at Brian Carter and said, “Would you mind picking out a club for me?”

It was the first time Brian Carter had been ordered around, and as a caddie no less. He replied, “Looks like this tea is quite good—Mr. Bennett can’t bear to put it down.”

“Yes, it’s especially fragrant.”

Samuel Bennett waited for Brian Carter to pick out a club, then put down his cup and got up to take a shot.

Mrs. Carter said, “Little Brian, are you bored? Come play with us.”

Brian Carter wasn’t interested.

David Thompson said, “He was just discharged from the hospital not long ago. Let him wait a bit before exercising.”

Mrs. Carter said, “He’s young after all, and he’s recovered well enough.”

David Thompson finished his round, came over wiping his sweat, and said, “It’s better to take it easy. By the way, do you have any plans for what’s next?”

Except for Samuel Bennett, everyone looked at Brian Carter.

Back then, Brian Carter claimed he was going abroad to invest, but no one knew what he was actually investing in. The elders all understood that the investment was just a pretense—squandering money was the real deal.

Mrs. Carter had just enjoyed a few peaceful days. She didn’t expect her son to be successful, just feared he’d leave her again and something bad would happen.

Samuel Bennett lowered his head to study the brand of the club, completely unconcerned. He had already transferred the money he was supposed to give to The Carter Family; how Young Master Carter spent it was none of his business.

After all, this young master would never join the company anyway.

Unexpectedly, Brian Carter said, “I hope to work at the company.”

Samuel Bennett: “……”

Everyone was first shocked, then fell silent. The general manager’s shot nearly hit a tree.

Mrs. Carter gaped, “Little Brian, are you joking?”

Brian Carter had thought it through. The best way to integrate into society was to work. Since he had survived, he might as well make a go of it in this new era and see if he could stir up some waves.

There was another crucial point: although The Carter Family seemed well-off, in reality, they were living off their dwindling resources. Bearing the name “Brian Carter,” he wanted to do his part for The Carter Family.

After speaking, Brian Carter asked, “Uncle Thompson, do you support me?”

David Thompson said, “Ethan will be managed by Henry Bennett in the future. If you want to join the company, you’ll have to ask Mr. Bennett’s opinion.”

Samuel Bennett lifted his head with a flourish, secretly thinking that David Thompson, that old fox, had just kicked the ball to him with a single sentence. He found it quite amusing—after twenty-seven years of treating the company as a cash machine, only spending and never earning, now that it’s been sold, he wants to change his ways?

Work? It’s probably just for show.

Samuel Bennett said, “Focus on recovering your health first. Everything else can be discussed.”

After the game, everyone prepared to leave. Mrs. Carter invited Samuel Bennett alone into a side room and presented him with two exquisite gift bags. She had heard Samuel Bennett praise the black tea, so she packed some for him.

Unwilling to accept a reward without merit, Samuel Bennett didn’t take them, but reached out to touch the silk butterfly bow on the bag, waiting for what would come next.

Mrs. Carter was all flustered by Brian Carter’s “return to the right path.” Even if it meant losing face, she had to try.

Her face flushed. “Samuel, could you let Little Brian join the company? He’s changed a lot, very well-behaved now, and won’t cause you any trouble.”

Samuel Bennett said, “Auntie, employees are supposed to work. Just being well-behaved isn’t enough.”

Mrs. Carter said, “Just give him something to do, I’ll pay his salary. He doesn’t need to be entered into the personnel files—just treat him as a temp.”

Samuel Bennett still didn’t agree. “A company isn’t child’s play. I understand your love for your son, but Henry Bennett’s employment system is open and fair. What would the other employees think?”

Mrs. Carter said with embarrassment, “I wouldn’t want to trouble your people. Let someone familiar with Ethan show him the ropes.”

Samuel Bennett was adept at dodging, “I’m not familiar with Ethan’s staff yet.”