Uncle Martin's expression paused momentarily, tentatively speaking, "Sir, if apologies are in order, they should be mine. Moreover, it was Miss Cannon who inadvertently collided with me. This reasoning seems rather flimsy, doesn't it?"

Barrett glanced at him, "You're the one who collided, yet you're inviting her for coffee?"

Naturally, he realized this excuse wasn't quite suitable. In the past, as the CEO of the Smith Family Group, he could easily arrange a meeting under the pretext of discussing business or collaboration opportunities, which would have seemed perfectly logical.

With the capital of the Smith Family Group behind him, there would have been little reason for her to refuse.

But...