Nicholas Ainsworth's ears burned at those words, but there was nothing he could do. Might makes right. The victor is crowned king, the loser is cast out. He understood this principle well.
"Rest assured, President Grant. I'll do my best."
"Good."
Quentin Grant turned and left the meeting room.
Nicholas Ainsworth, however, didn't go straight back to the office. He drove until he reached the foot of a mountain and parked.
He got out of the car and gazed at the winding, verdant mountain path. Taking a deep breath, he started up the stone steps, one at a time.
It took a great deal of effort to reach the gate of the Azure Cloud Temple.
Gazing at the name above the gate, Nicholas Ainsworth suddenly understood Jean Grant's state of mind. 'To empty oneself of all worldly desires, to leave the mortal coil behind... perhaps it was better to live out the rest of one's days like this.'
"Sir, who are you looking for?"
"I'm looking for Jean Grant... oh, no, Serena."
"Please follow me."
