Chapter 410: Is It That My Face, Enrico’s, Isn’t Good Enough for You?
Paige felt a little numb. She sat there, pressed her lips together, and said, “The issue of abolishing the slum laws has caused an uproar. Both the understanding and the not-so-understanding citizens are protesting in the streets. I believe the faster this is resolved, the less damage it will do to Country A.”
“Well said,” Enrico remarked, tossing the file in his hand onto Rafael’s desk. He slowly leaned forward, placing both hands on the back of her chair. Tilting his head toward her, with a serious expression, he asked, “So, I wonder how many remarkable things President Paige has done to achieve this quick resolution?”
“…”
Give me a break.
Paige sat there, feeling uneasy under Enrico’s gaze. Everyone around was watching them, each with a different expression.
She smiled faintly. “No matter how much I do, it can never compare to what Mr. Gustin has done. As a major tycoon standing up for justice for the slums, your noble character is truly a model for us all.”
“…”
The crowd silently observed. If anyone knew how to flatter, it was certainly Paige.
Enrico stared at her for a long time before saying, “President Paige sure knows how to give compliments.”
After speaking, Enrico pulled another chair over and sat down beside her. Looking at Rafael, he said, “I also agree that the sooner this issue is resolved, the better.”
This tone signaled that they were back to business.
It seemed like he wasn’t going to press further, and Paige quietly let out a sigh of relief. She focused and turned to Rafael, continuing the discussion with everyone, “I think the focus going forward shouldn’t be on the division among the tycoons but rather on the presidential election.”
“Exactly,” Rafael agreed with a serious expression. “With the election coming up, all kinds of people will emerge, including international forces. Now that I’m tied to the slum issue, my opponent will undoubtedly take an opposing stance.”
In other words, if the abolition of the slum laws succeeded quickly and well, it would be a major achievement for him. Otherwise, he might not be able to keep his seat.
“So, I plan to head to Wind Island as soon as possible,” Paige said.
“Yes, Mr. Smith just mentioned that while President Paige has documents in hand, we should also hear directly from the slums to be sure,” Rafael said, glancing at Jason.
Upon hearing this, Enrico shot a cold glance at Jason. “Jason, are you suggesting that my and Paige’s assurances aren’t enough? If that’s the case, you don’t need to stand on our side.”
Jason broke into a cold sweat, quickly forcing a smile. “Mr. Gustin, of course, I trust you and President Paige. I was merely relaying the concerns of the other tycoons.”
“It better be that way,” Enrico said coldly. “I’m used to being a dictator. I don’t particularly like hearing voices that question me.”
Who else but Enrico could get away with calling himself a dictator in the presidential office?
Paige sat there, watching Jason’s face turn stiff. “Yes, yes, Mr. Gustin, I understand.”
Having someone like Enrico on her side made everything so much easier. It was immensely satisfying.
What had been planned as a two-hour meeting ended in just 20 minutes. Rafael closed the file in front of him and summed up, “Then it’s settled. The Public Law Council will revise the legal provisions as quickly as possible. Mr. Gustin, Mr. Smith, you both manage the domestic economy. As long as Country A’s economy remains stable, others won’t have an opportunity. I will campaign for this election with a platform of eliminating discrimination and ensuring equality for all in Country A.”
Rafael’s tone grew more passionate as he spoke. It had been a long time since he had worked for such an idealistic vision. He stood up unconsciously, saying, “I hope we can work together to build a better Country A.”
Everyone echoed the sentiment.
Carrie glanced at Paige from the side, her eyes filled with hope. Paige smiled lightly. She, too, liked the current direction of things.
Since the meeting ended early, Rafael invited everyone to tour the presidential residence. Jason, Beatrice, and the others got up, led by the butler to explore various parts of the estate.
Enrico, however, remained seated, his face still dark.
Paige had no interest in the tour either. She instructed Carrie to go ahead and explore, then stayed behind to look at Enrico. “It’s a good thing you were here. Otherwise, Jason would have used the opportunity to make all kinds of demands again.”
“Oh?” Enrico looked at her with a dark, penetrating gaze. “So I’m still considered a good presence in President Paige’s eyes?”
The way he kept calling her “President Paige”…
Paige felt a little exasperated. “I thought your participation in the meeting meant you weren’t mad anymore.”
“Hmph.”
Enrico snorted. “I just didn’t want to see someone attend their first presidential office meeting, walk in smiling, and leave in tears.”
If he had really made a scene, Paige’s image as a CEO would have been utterly ruined today.
“So, some people, even when they’re angry, still speak up for me,” Paige said, feigning sudden realization as she tugged on his sleeve and softened her voice. “Enrico, how can you be so good?”
“I’m not good at all. I even think I must be dead, since President Paige never responds to me.”
Enrico’s tone was grim.
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Paige thought for a moment, then stood up from her seat, walking directly toward the nearby tea table.
Enrico leaned back in his chair, his eyes coldly tracking her movements.
Paige picked up a delicate teapot and poured a cup of lightly scented tea. Her fingers were slender and beautiful, making even the simple act of pouring tea look like an elegant painting.
She set the teapot down.
Enrico turned his gaze away.
Paige walked over to him with the tea in both hands. “Mr. Gustin, how about a cup of tea to apologize?”
“I don’t want it,” Enrico said, turning his face away from her.
“…”
So stubborn.
Paige looked at him helplessly. “I told you before, I’ve been really busy lately. You ask me out every day, and I really can’t keep up. But soon, we’ll be heading to Wind Island, and then we’ll be together all the time, won’t we?”
“Keep up?” Enrico narrowed his eyes, repeating the word as his face darkened. “You consider my invitations something you need to keep up with?”
“…”
Paige stayed silent.
Enrico stood up from his chair, stepping in front of her, his sharp eyes closing in on her. “Paige, are you saying my face, Enrico’s face, isn’t good enough for you?”
Was he not handsome enough?
“That’s not what I meant,” Paige replied.
“Then why use the word ‘keep up’?” Enrico pressed her.
“Can you not be so particular? I just meant that I can’t keep up with a daily schedule of dates. Don’t you think we each have our own careers? Shouldn’t we reduce the frequency of our dates a bit?” Paige countered.
The number of dates was really too much.
When he had lost his memory, he was so well-behaved, patiently waiting for her. But once he regained it, his true nature surfaced again. Although he no longer tried to lock her up as he once had, he still insisted on her constant presence. She simply couldn’t manage that.