Chapter 697 An Unexpected Approach
"You're impressive," Micah's smile was a knowing one. "However, allow me to correct you. The Clemens Group, according to this year's data, also holds the top rank!" Sadie, ever so blunt, challenged him. "You seem quite confident. What makes you so sure that the James Group won't outdo the Clemens Group?" Micah, with a casual, almost dismissive smile, responded, "The majority of the James Group's assets are in Europe. Naturally, the Clemens Group has the upper hand in the American Chamber of Commerce rankings. Tristan, of all people, should understand this logic!" At this, Sadie found herself momentarily at a loss for words. Truth be told, she didn't care much about the rankings. Her anger, inexplicably triggered by Amelia's earlier appearance, had driven her to confront Micah, to suppress him. Hence, her previous words and actions. "Excuse me," Micah said, setting down his glass and making his exit. Sadie watched him leave, her eyebrows knitting together. This man, always so calm and composed, elegant yet dismissive in his retorts, was no easy opponent. "The Clemens and James families are both exemplary, role models for us all," Arthur interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Wouldn't you all agree?" The businessmen around them nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes." "Miss James, a lounge has been prepared for you. Shall I escort you there to rest?" Arthur was exceedingly careful, wary of inadvertently offending the fiery young woman. "Excuse me, everyone," Sadie said, smiling and nodding at the surrounding people before following Arthur out. Micah's phone had been ringing incessantly, providing him with a convenient excuse to leave. Now, in the lounge, he finally answered the call. "Hello?" "What's the matter with you?" Mr. Clemens Senior's voice came through the line, scolding him immediately. "You had plans with Ella, and now you're ignoring her messages and calls. She can't even reach you. Are you toying with her?" It was then that Micah remembered his dinner plans with Ella. He had intended to discuss certain matters with her, but his schedule had changed, and he had forgotten. No wonder his phone had been buzzing with notifications. "My schedule changed, and I forgot to inform her," Micah responded nonchalantly. "She waited for you at the restaurant for two hours..." "What's the big deal?" Micah interrupted Mr. Clemens Senior. "If she can't wait, then she doesn't have to. She even went to you to complain." "She's not complaining; she's worried about you," Mr. Clemens Senior explained. Micah, growing impatient, retorted, "What could possibly happen to me? I'll explain everything to her later. You don't need to worry." "She's at home. When will you be back?" Mr. Clemens Senior pressed. Micah was at a loss for words. "Why did you bring her back home again?" He knew the children would feel awkward seeing Ella. "What's wrong? Don't I have the right to do so?" Mr. Clemens Senior shot back. Micah felt a headache coming on. "I'm at an American Chamber of Commerce event. I won't be home tonight. Have someone take her home, and I'll contact her tomorrow." "You can't just..." Mr. Clemens Senior began to protest. "I'm busy right now," Micah cut him off, ending the call. He glanced at the unread text message and chose to ignore it. "Mr. Clemens, sorry to disturb you," a pleasant voice suddenly came from behind him. Micah turned to see a young, beautiful woman with a stunning figure and delicate features. Dressed in an elegant, form-fitting black dress, she held a glass of red wine and looked at him from a distance, admiration in her eyes. "And you are?" Micah asked. "I'm Ariana Green. It's a pleasure to meet you," the woman responded. "May I have the honor of chatting with you?"