The shock lasted only two seconds.
Edgar immediately set down his coffee cup, his fingertips brushing imperceptibly along the edge of the desk as countless thoughts raced through his mind.
Combined with what the other man had just said, the purpose of his visit was already self-evident.
He slowly stood, a smile appearing on his face as he said in a steady voice:
"You're here to ask me to return to Vought, aren't you? Solomon, frankly, we did have our differences before, but that was merely a matter of opposing positions. I apologize for the arrangements I made against you, and I hope you can let bygones be bygones."
He paused, his tone brimming with certainty, as though convinced the other man could not do without him:
"If you let me return, I'll work for you wholeheartedly. Public opinion, stock prices, riots across the country... I can help you clean up every one of those messes."
In Edgar's view, this was a deal in which each of them got what he needed.
Solomon had the power to crush everything, but he knew nothing about business operations, maneuvering against others, or how to control this vast game spanning politics and commerce.
Edgar, on the other hand, had spent his entire life playing power games. What he did best was clean up messes and bring runaway situations back on track.
The other man was overwhelmed now. He had no better option than turning to Edgar.
Solomon suddenly laughed. The sound was soft, yet carried undisguised mockery.
"I've noticed that you people who fancy yourselves clever all have the same problem. You think far too highly of yourselves."
He raised his eyes to Edgar, without a trace of warmth in them.
"I do need you to deal with those troublesome matters, but not