Chapter 280 Zev’s Warning
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In the project department office, Zev led Hanson in, only to find that the department head had not come out to greet them, a clear sign of disrespect towards Zev’s new role as the acting head of Lockhart Group:
Despite Zev’s position as the grandson of Wade and the sole heir to the ckhart family, his military background rather than one in finance or management led many within the company to doubt his capability to lead.
This skepticism was evident as they seemed to have deliberately deceived him on a project contract, underestimating him as merely a figurehead who was there to collect dividends rather than truly manage the company.
“Where is the head of the project department?” Hanson inquired, breaking the awkward silence.
The assistant, looking nervous and avoiding eye contact with Zev, muttered, “Mr. Kilmer… He has a meeting,” with a quick glance towards the closed office door.
“Huh, Mr. Kilmer has a meeting? Can’t he recognize who the real boss is?” Hanson scoffed, half–amused and half–annoyed at the audacity. He wondered what exactly Clarissa had told the project department staff to make them so dismissive of Zev, the only heir and future president of Lockhart Group.
The assistant kept his gaze lowered, too intimidated to respond.
As Hanson moved to confront Dave Kilmer directly, Zev calmly raised his hand to stop him, choosing a more composed approach.
“It’s okay, Mr. Kilmer is busy with work for the group. I’ll wait for him here,” Zev announced, ensuring all the project department staff could hear him.
He then strode over to the rest area with confident steps and sat down, his presence alone making the temperature seem to drop.
The staff members all lowered their heads, clearly uncomfortable under his gaze.
It is exceptionally cold today…
Hanson stood by Zev’s side, supporting him as they waited.
The assistant to the department head was sweating profusely, evidently anxious about the situation.
It was highly inappropriate to make Zev, the president of Lockhart Group, wait like this.
Dave was certainly taking a risk with this bold strategy.
The tension in the project department was palpable as the entire team worried about Dave’s delayed
appearance.
“Dave is pushing it too far. What has Clarissa promised them?” Hanson fumed, growing in agitated after half an hour of waiting. “I’m about to kick the door down.”
asingly
Zev, checking his watch, responded with a calm that contrasted sharply with Hanson’s growing frustration. “When Sidney recommended you, he described you as steady and capable. I always thought I was the quick-
ona
hut it ceems vou’re even more imnatient than I am”
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unapter 280 Zev’s Warning
information about Hanson.
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Hanson looked at Zev, slightly taken aback. “Before coming here, Mr. Hardison warned me that you were like a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment, not mature or stable enough. I thought you were impulsive and reckless. Clearly, one shouldn’t always trust rumors.”
This exchange altered Hanson’s initial perception of Zev.
When Sidney first introduced him to Zev, Hanson was skeptical. Both were ambitious young men, eager to prove themselves, making the decision to collaborate crucial. Zev, a former soldier without prior management experience and reputed for his quick temper, did not seem like the type to achieve greatness. However, after spending a week with Zev, Hanson’s views had shifted dramatically.
In school, Hanson had always believed that inherent talent was more influential than sheer effort, and Zev was evidently someone of exceptional ability.
If Zev had started his career in financial management, he could have surpassed his father’s already impressive business accomplishments.
The genetic qualities exhibited by Zev were indeed extraordinary.
Hanson managed to bring Zev up to speed in just seven days, and Zev quickly understood concepts after only one explanation.
Previously, Zev’s father had established himself as a business prodigy before even finishing college, quickly rising to prominence in the business world.
However, his brilliance drew too much attention, and tragically, he faded early and passed away young.
Sylvester Lockhart was a figure whose loss was deeply felt by his contemporaries.
Following his son’s death, Wade found himself grappling with the loss for many years.
“My honey says that the business world is a battlefield without gunpowder. Being impatient and impulsive solves nothing; it only makes people think I lack substance. I need to remain composed and maintain an air of mystery,” Zev said confidently as he adjusted his tie.
Hanson nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Kelly was indeed the only one who truly had influence over Zev.
After a forty–minute wait, Dave finally emerged from his office, feigning busyness. “As I was saying, securing this collaboration with Brilliance is crucial!” he declared.
As the other meeting attendees dispersed, the assistant hesitantly informed Dave, “Mr. Lockhart has been waiting for you for forty minutes.”
Only then did Dave turn to Zev with a casual smile. “Oh, Mr. Lockhart, you seem to have a lot of free time on your hands. If you need anything, just let me know, and I’ll come to you later.”
Dave appears friendly and harmless on the outside but is actually deceitful. Right now, he was clear, ot taking Zev seriously.
“I’ve reviewed the contracts from the project department. Were all these projects negotiated under you?
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Dave, swelling with pride, responded, “Of course. As the head of the project department at Lockhart Group, I oversee all project approvals and reviews. I’m always swamped with work…”
Zev raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading into a stern expression. In front of everyone, he thrust the problematic contract at Dave. “Is that so, Mr. Kilmer?”
The tension in the room spiked, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.
Dave, caught off guard, picked up the contract, and his expression darkened as he realized the implications.
The contract was not only legally dubious but also compromised the company’s interests.
Dave turned to Zev, anxiety written all over his face.
Zev’s tone was icy. “Mr. Kilmer, are you available to discuss this now?”
Dave, wiping the sweat from his brow, quickly nodded and bowed. “Mr. Lockhart, please, let’s go to my office.”
“No need for that. Right here will do,” Zev interrupted, his voice stern. “In front of everyone here in the project department, read aloud the sections I’ve marked in red on this contract,” he commanded. “Let’s see how competent you really are as the head of this department!”
Zev was resolute in his goal to root out all of Clarissa’s allies.
Hanson watched Dave closely, curious about the look on Clarissa’s face when she discovered upon her return that her network within the company had been dismantled.
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