Chapter 4 Domineering Aura

• Sweat beaded on Palden's forehead.
• He had repeatedly emphasized the utmost caution regarding the forced demolition, stressing the importance of keeping it under wraps. The kidnapping of Lysander was executed with meticulous care.
• Yet, despite these precautions, their actions were exposed.
• In mere seconds, Palden regained his composure. A faint smile played on his lips.
• "Miss Yeloria, you mustn't wrongfully accuse an innocent man. The forced demolition of Elderglen Orphanage has nothing to do with Valenwood Group.
• "As for the kidnapping, it's utterly baseless. Valenwood Group is a law-abiding, legitimate company. Even if there is some business competition with Umbravale Holdings, you shouldn't be slinging mud at us."
• Palden deflected the accusations effortlessly. He was confident that Aric had no concrete evidence. If he had, Galadriel wouldn’t be questioning him so brazenly.
• "Moreover, Miss Yeloria, even between husband and wife, there can be conflicting dreams. You never know who's telling the truth and who's lying, right?"
• Palden continued to dodge the issue skillfully.
• Galadriel glanced at Aric and shook her head. "Mr. Valenwood, I believe what Aric says."
• Palden's expression turned cold instantly.
• "Galadriel, the business of Valenwood Group has always been legitimate. If you have evidence proving I kidnapped Lysander, feel free to call the police. Are you seriously taking the word of a pretty boy over mine? That's ludicrous."
• As Galadriel was about to retort, Aric stepped in front of her.
• "Mr. Valenwood, don't be so hasty. You know well whether Valenwood Group operates within the law. Do you really think your actions are flawless and can deceive everyone?"
• As Aric locked eyes with Palden, a shiver ran down Palden's spine. Nevertheless, he maintained his calm demeanor.
• "Don't slander me baselessly. I have a clear conscience. If you keep spouting nonsense, I won't hesitate to report you for defamation."
• Aric chuckled softly.
• "Five years ago, a body was retrieved from the river near Grimstone Quarry. The deceased was Warren Clark. Does that name ring a bell, Mr. Valenwood?"
• As Aric finished speaking, a strange light flickered in Palden's eyes.
• His hand, hidden behind his back, clenched involuntarily.
• "No, I don't know. What body? What does it have to do with me?"
• Aric shrugged. "I didn't say it had anything to do with you. I just asked if you knew the deceased."
• Palden gritted his teeth. "I don't know him."
• Aric nodded slightly. "But you drank with him the night before he died. If you don't know Warren, you must know Ronald Huggan, right? If I remember correctly, he's still alive…"
• Palden's pupils dilated, his mind going blank, barely stopping himself from blurting out in disbelief. However, he held back as he realized that Aric was baiting him.
• "I don't know what you're talking about. Warren and Ronald have nothing to do with me. Miss Yeloria, if you have nothing else, please take your husband and leave. We can discuss business another time."
• Palden then turned and walked toward the elevator.
• He couldn't bear to hear anymore. He didn't know how much Aric knew. He had nearly forgotten some of these matters himself.
• However, as each name was mentioned, those buried memories surged back, threatening to drown him.
• "Mr. Valenwood, no need to rush off. I have many more names to list."
• Aric waved at Palden's retreating figure.
• Aric controlled the most powerful intelligence network in Aetheria, penetrating even national secrets, let alone a small Valenwood Group.
• On the way to Valenwood Group, he had thoroughly investigated the entire organization and Palden himself.
• Even though Palden had cleaned up his act in recent years, the facts couldn't be concealed.
• "Palden, within 30 minutes, I want to hear that Lysander is safe and sound. Otherwise, I'll tear down Valenwood Group," Aric said.
• The same words now carried no hint of jest.
• Without a word, Palden entered the elevator. As the doors closed, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Release Lysander."
• In the first battle for the Elderglen land against Umbravale Holdings, he had lost.
• He didn't know how much Aric knew. If Aric only had those names, it would be manageable, but if he knew what happened back then, he would not be allowed to live.
• A murderous intent flashed in Palden's eyes.
• …
• On the first floor of Valenwood Group, Aric received a call from Rowan, informing him that Lysander was safe.
• He breathed a sigh of relief.
• Hanging up, he noticed Galadriel's curious gaze, sending a shiver down his spine.
• "Galadriel, why are you looking at me like that?"
• Galadriel crossed her arms. "How did you know Palden would release Lysander?"
• Aric scratched his head awkwardly. "Maybe my domineering aura intimidated him?"
• Galadriel rolled her eyes again. "Forget it. You have grown up and have secrets. I won't pry. Are you free later? Let's have dinner."
• She then took the car keys from her assistant.
• She had originally scheduled a negotiation with Palden for the afternoon. Now that he had fled, she could dine with Aric.
• Aric grinned mischievously. "If you're treating me to dinner, I'm definitely free. No reason to miss out."
• As Galadriel was about to lead him to the car, her phone rang suddenly.
• As she glanced at the caller ID, her brow furrowed in contemplation before answering.
• "Hello, Mr. Grant. What's the matter?"
• The call lasted only half a minute. As Galadriel hung up, her expression darkened.
• "What happened, Galadriel?" Aric looked at Galadriel.
• Galadriel's frown gradually relaxed.
• "Aric, can you do me a favor? I'll treat you to dinner."
• Aric looked at her, clicking his tongue and taking a sharp breath. "Galadriel, are you selling yourself or selling your skills? If it's skills, I'm not that interested. If it's yourself, I might consider it…"
• Galadriel smacked him on the head.
• "What's with all these dirty thoughts? Someone introduced a suitor to me. Come with me and pretend to be my boyfriend to decline him."
• Aric wrapped an arm around Galadriel, feeling genuinely angry.
• Who has the audacity to pursue my sister?
• "Actually, Galadriel, we don't need to pretend."
• As Galadriel raised her hand again, Aric quickly dodged into the car.