Reborn Through Fire (Kisa and Gilbert)
Chapter 1602

Hayes laughed and patted Kohen's shoulder. "You're still too young and inexperienced; it'd be even more dangerous for you to go. While I'm away, take care of the family and company affairs. I'll replace opportunities to train you when I return."

Kohen sighed. "Alright."

Seeing his disappointed expression, Hayes could not help but tease. "If I were to have an unfortunate accident on this trip, the entire burden of the family would fall on your shoulders, and I'm afraid you wouldn't have a moment to spare."

Annoyed by his words, Kohen replied, "You're about to leave, can you not say such ominous things? You're scaring me."

Hayes chuckled and shook his head. "Fine, I won't scare you anymore. But you should become stronger too. If I'm no longer around one day, at least you'll be able to protect the family."

Kohen rolled his eyes. 'He said he wouldn't scare me, but he keeps saying ominous things!'

He shot a glare at his older brother before turning to Jensen and Mia. "Protect your boss, understood?"

"Yes!" Jensen and Mia replied in unison. However, Jensen furrowed his brow, a strange feeling of unease settling in his heart.

Reaching Linsborough by plane took only two hours.

As soon as the plane touched down, they were greeted by a welcoming party. "Hahaha, Mr. Hayes, long time no see," said a man in his thirties, leading the group. With elongated eyes and a hawkish nose, his smile exuded a sinister aura.

"Curtis is quite courteous, sending his beloved grandson to personally welcome me."

The man with the sinister face was named Kendall Burton, the heir of the Burton Group. The Burton Group used to be a fierce rival of McCray Corporation, but suddenly expressed a desire to cooperate, raising suspicions about their intentions. However, if the two groups could truly collaborate, it would elevate McCray Corporation's business to new heights.

"You are an honored guest, so of course, I had to personally come and greet you. My grandfather originally planned to come, but I stopped him, as you know, he is getting on in years."

Hayes smirked. "So, will you be the one directly discussing the deal with me?"

"Yes, to be honest, my grandfather is too old and shouldn't be handling these matters anymore."

Hayes chuckled without a response.

Kendall studied him for a few seconds, his gaze suddenly drawn to Mia standing behind him. "Oh, Hayes, bringing such a beautiful woman with you on a business trip? You sure know how to enjoy yourself while working."

Kendall tried to touch Mia's hand, but as soon as his hand brushed her face, a sudden pain shot through his wrist. Mia had grabbed his wrist, bending it into a terrifying angle. "Damn! Let go, you wench!"

Hayes slightly curled his lips, reprimanding Mia. "Let Mr. Burton go. He is our partner this time, and we can't afford to offend him."

Mia emotionlessly complied and pushed Kendall away.

Kendall rubbed his sore wrist, glaring at Mia venomously. "This little wench is quite feisty, isn't she, Hayes? So, this is your taste."

Hayes laughed softly. "Women, after all, are more interesting when they're spicy, right? If you like this kind, I will have her accompany you next time."

Mia's face changed subtly, but she did not show too much emotion. Jensen furrowed his brow, looking at Hayes. He was suddenly having trouble understanding this man. Perhaps people like them were born heartless, and to them women were just a source of interest, not emotion.

Kendall burst into laughter. "Sounds good, a woman that Hayes has had a taste of must be something special."