Chapter 576

Charles rose suddenly, the smooth motion of his body commanding attention. His gaze swept across the group with cool indifference, revealing neither joy nor anger—only detachment. "I'll leave you to it," he said, his voice low and calm, as though this gathering had already faded from his interest. He’d only been seated for a short while, but his disinterest had grown unbearable. "Just remembered something I need to take care of. I’ll head out first." No one dared press him to stay. "Of course, Mr. Hampton. Take care." "Shall I walk you out?" An investor quickly stood, ready to flatter him to his car. Charles waved off the offer with an icy finality. "No need." The refusal was quiet, but its chill was unmistakable. But Alberto Patrick refused to let it end like that. "Mr. Hampton..." she said, her voice lowered—tinged with desperation, frustration, and something unspoken. "You're... leaving already?" Her eyes pleaded, but Charles’s indifference remained unshaken. "Mhm." He gave a slight