Chapter 44

Kendrick glanced instinctively at Marilyn, following her gaze to Robert, who wore a proud expression. Kendrick snorted coldly. "You don't even realize you're about to die. Do you think a woman can protect you? Labelle Group can't even protect itself."

He strode toward the Labelle Group building. Marilyn and Kendrick entered; Robert loosened his arm from around Naomi's shoulder.

Naomi smiled. "Robert, if you use me as a shield again, I will be angry."

Robert rubbed his nose. "Sorry."

"It's okay; we're best buddies. I don't know how many people would want Mr. Zabinski to use them as a shield, but have no chance," Naomi said, playfully punching his arm. "Let's go to dinner!"

Kendrick and Marilyn proceeded directly to the 17th floor, where Labelle Group was located.

Meanwhile, in the chairman's office, Connor reviewed documents. His secretary knocked and entered. "Mr. Labelle, Mr. Kendrick Zabel is outside. He says he's from the Zabel family of Acocester and wishes to see you."

Connor frowned. "Kendrick? What's he doing here? Show him to the reception room."

The secretary nodded and left. Connor pondered. The strained relationship between the Zabel and Zabinski families was well-known. At the auction, and later at Stephen's birthday banquet, Kendrick had openly clashed with the Zabinski family.

Connor mused, "The Labelle family aligns with the Zabinski family. Recently, the Zabel family has stolen several projects from Labelle Group. What does Kendrick want?"

After considerable thought, he went to the reception room.

"Mr. Labelle!" Kendrick extended a hand.

This assertive gesture—typically reserved for equals or superiors—was noteworthy. Younger generations usually offer both hands to elders. Kendrick, however, clearly didn't consider himself junior.

"Mr. Zabel, you're quite handsome. Please sit," Connor said, laughing as they shook hands.

After the secretary served tea and departed, Connor asked directly, "Mr. Zabel, why are you here?"

Kendrick chuckled. "Mr. Labelle, I'll be blunt. I'm here to warn you—and the Labelle family—to sever ties with Robert!"

Connor frowned.

"While the Acocester Zabel family isn't among Acocester's leading enterprises, it's still significant. Their ambition to challenge the Zabinski family in Navarre is widely known. Kendrick's warning carries considerable weight," Connor reflected.

Connor said, displeased, "Mr. Zabel, are you threatening me?" He continued to think, "Before the Zabels sought to distance themselves from the Zabinskis, Kendrick tells me to cut ties with the Zabinski heir. Beyond a Zabel Group warning, I can't think of any other reason for this."

"No," Kendrick shook his head. "Mr. Labelle, you misunderstand. I'm simply reminding you. Robert is, after all, a target now."

Chapter 45