Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter 440: Chapter 288: Knowing People and Delegating Properly_1

But it was quite obvious Grendel was overthinking things; sometimes, intelligent people are prone to scaring themselves.

Lance, of course, knew Grendel had strong administrative abilities, but the priority had always been dealing with the Old Ancestor. The real shortage was talent with research capabilities. In all of Hamlet, only she could take over the Witch’s legacy and continue to drive the research. As for minor administrative tasks, I can handle those myself. Why would I delay a research talent for such trivial matters? I’m not a fool. This trade-off wasn’t even a choice; naturally, he assigned her to the research post.

Knowing how to employ people effectively is a leader’s most crucial skill, but people’s hearts are so unpredictable...

Grendel also realized she might have been overthinking. However, admitting the real reason was impossible; she was a bit too thin-skinned for that.

She could only accept the documents and agree.

”I understand.”

Lance, thinking she might be reluctant to handle the Witch’s affairs, added, ”I know this is difficult, but you’re the only one I can trust right now.”

”I’ll complete it as soon as possible.” Grendel didn’t linger. Taking the materials, she quickly departed.

The moment she stepped out the door, a blush crept up her face—not from shyness, but from the embarrassment of her misunderstanding.

Just then, she bumped into Tamara, who was approaching from the opposite direction. They exchanged a glance and passed each other without a word.

Grendel calmed down from her earlier embarrassment, somewhat curious. What could that Romani woman want with the Lord in such a hurry?

But she didn’t dwell on it. Clutching the documents tightly, she hurried off. Developing the Gangrenous Fungi would be no simple task.

Even with the remaining spore samples, they required cultivation and continuous improvement.

For her, this was also an incredibly challenging undertaking.

Tamara, being a shrewd individual, noticed Grendel’s unusual demeanor. A man and a woman, alone in there... what else could they be doing?

She couldn’t help but recall what that bitch Amanda had said this morning. Considering Grendel’s equally ample bosom, a look of disdain flickered across Tamara’s face as she muttered under her breath, ”That shameless pair...”

However, though that was her expression one moment, the next, as she opened the door, a faint smile touched her lips as she greeted the man seated before her.

”Greetings, My Lord!”

”Get to the point. I’m very busy.” Lance glanced at the newcomer. Honestly, he thought, irritated, can just anyone walk in and bother me like this? Isn’t there anyone to stop them, or an appointment system, or at least a notification? Oh, right. The Guard responsible for this is probably at the tavern, drinking and bragging right now.

”I can be your advisor and provide you with knowledge of Mysticism. I just need you to do me a small favor in return.”

”I don’t need a charlatan full of lies as an advisor.” Lance looked at Tamara with a mocking glint in his eyes. This wasn’t him trying to drive a hard bargain; it was simply that Tamara was someone he would find it very hard to trust again.

Indeed, Lance had always been this direct. He could be patient and guide Grendel, but he wouldn’t waste time on someone he deemed worthless.

With a deceitful woman, it was best to see her true colors and then cut ties cleanly. Getting too entangled often led to being trapped—the sunk cost fallacy.

Hearing such blunt, merciless words, Tamara froze on the spot.

Even with her thick skin, she felt a wave of embarrassment and instinctively lowered her head to hide her emotions.

I, Tamara, have never been outdone by anyone in my entire life! When have I ever been treated like this? But could I show my displeasure, curse the man before me, and then storm out? Obviously not. She knew her situation all too well.

”I believe there’s been a slight misunderstanding between us.” When she lifted her head, that smile was, astonishingly, still on her face.

To endure such an insult without reacting—that wasn’t something an ordinary person could do. Only those who were deeply cunning and ruthless were capable of it.

Seeing this, Lance knew Tamara was indeed ruthless. He paused in thought for a moment before speaking.

”Alright, none of us are fools. If you have something to say, say it directly.”

Lance had no intention of beating around the bush with her; he preferred to lay things out plainly.

Upon hearing this, Tamara’s smile grew even more radiant.

As long as there’s room for negotiation, things can be worked out, she thought. The real fear is when even the possibility of discussion is gone.

”I...”

But just as Tamara began to speak, Lance cut her off with a raised hand.

”I won’t help you kill Amanda.”

Lance knew what this woman, Tamara, was plotting the moment she started to angle for something; the hatred on her face was barely concealed.

Being cut off so abruptly, Tamara’s expression soured, her brow furrowing as a gloomy look settled upon her.

”Let’s not even discuss whether you can afford the payment,” Lance continued. ”Even if you did kill her, what then? Your problem isn’t Amanda; it’s the entire Seeker of Omens organization. If one Amanda dies, another Amanda will come after you. You’ll be alone, forced to flee again, and eventually caught. You can’t count on being lucky enough to run into me every time.”

Lance observed Tamara’s demeanor and slowly shook his head. She did possess some cunning, but hatred had clouded her judgment to the point where she hadn’t even figured out who her real enemy was.

It had to be said, Lance’s words made Tamara rapidly regain her composure. She wasn’t agitated like before; instead, she began to ponder quietly.