Today, the maiden volumes of the most recent publishing project were unveiled in all major bookstores throughout the city. Astonishingly, the sales rocketed to an unprecedented figure after just one day.
Bryan, Mary, and Joy were utterly taken aback. They couldn’t fathom why, despite multiple contracts being canceled, the books still graced the shelves as usual – and even achieved unexpected success. Yet perhaps Agnes and her family were most perplexed by this turn of events.
In the evening, Agnes, accompanied by her mother, sat leisurely in the living room sipping tea, speculating that Mary’s unsold books would probably gather dust and become food for moths. Their delight was interrupted when the news broadcast announced the tremendous success of Mary’s project, hinting at its potential to become a bestseller after only one day in the market.
Mrs. Frank, visibly annoyed, placed her teacup down with a thud and turned off the television. Agnes, equally exasperated, looked at her mother with pleading eyes. Mrs. Frank, sensing her daughter’s distress, tried to comfort her.
“I’ll ask your father to investigate this matter right away. This cannot stand.”
Agnes eagerly added, “He should teach those who oppose us a fierce lesson. If someone’s supporting them from the shadows, they need to understand the dire consequences of meddling.”
Mrs. Frank nodded in agreement with Agnes, quickly dialing Mr. Jonathan. Shortly after, voices from outside indicated that Mr. Jonathan had arrived, escorted by his trusted associates.
Agnes rushed to him, clutching his hand affectionately.
“Father, do you know what’s transpired? I don’t know how, but those detestable people have foiled our plans. I was so furious seeing his smug, insincere smile on the TV. I wished I could’ve crushed him.”
Seeing his family’s discontent, Mr. Jonathan consoled, “Worry not, my dear. I’ve weathered countless storms in the business world. Some upstarts can’t challenge me. I will get to the bottom of this and ensure he learns a painful lesson for upsetting my precious daughter.”
“But we need to find out: is this Andrew’s doing, or is another player opposing us behind the scenes?”
Mr. Jonathan pondered, “Who in this country would dare to challenge me? If there is such a person, they must have a death wish.”
He took his daughter’s soft, delicate hands into his, assuring, “Rest easy, my child. I didn’t achieve my position without facing challenges. Anyone who upsets you is courting trouble with me.”
The three of them shared a hearty laugh, delight evident in their eyes. Mr. Jonathan even predicted that Andrew’s days were numbered and assured that the publishing house would soon belong to Agnes, allowing her to do as she pleased.
Buoyed by the assurances of her influential father, Agnes felt genuinely relieved. She cheerfully resumed sipping her tea, engaging in lively conversation with her parents.
Mrs. Frank’s mood seemed to have darkened, the words Mr. Jonathan uttered causing her unease. Her mind raced, fearing the day the truth might surface. With her strong-willed nature and clear distinction between love and hate, she worried that forgiveness for her and her child might be unattainable.
Young Agnes was relatively carefree, often demanding and trusting too deeply in the man she innocently called her father, never contemplating that the dynamics could someday shift.
…
Luck had shone on Andrew when someone stepped in to purchase all the books from a canceled contract, ensuring the publisher’s normal operations. Mr. Jonathan, it was no challenge to investigate who was behind the action.
The crafty Mr. Jonathan delved into those connected to Andrew and eventually uncovered a lead. With newfound determination, he plotted a decisive move to conquer the thorn in his side. Their prolonged business dealings had been delayed, but he knew its significance to Andrew and knew that Andrew would not pass it up.
Upon receiving word from Mr. Jonathan, Andrew grew wary. Yet, he couldn’t outright refuse, given that his current influence wasn’t strong enough to challenge the older man openly.
The person Andrew was set to meet was a high-profile client eager to inspect a new prototype before deciding on a partnership. Mr. Jonathan sternly reminded him to be meticulously prepared. Failure was not an option.
At seven in the evening, punctual to his commitment, Andrew arrived solo at the designated restaurant, though the others were yet to show. A waiter guided him to a pre-reserved room to wait.
Fifteen minutes turned into half an hour, and still no one. Andrew’s intuition signaled something amiss. Suddenly, the door burst open, and law enforcement stormed in, demanding a search, suspecting him of harboring contraband.
At that moment, Andrew grasped the situation. Drawing from years of experience navigating such terrains, he stood calm and unflustered, allowing the search to proceed.
The head officer’s face betrayed his disbelief upon failing to find any incriminating evidence. He had been confident of his intel about illicit trade happening there. Stepping out, he made a phone call, presumably to report.
Returning with visible annoyance, Andrew’s tranquil demeanor silently proclaimed his innocence.
Andrew sighed in relief as the officers departed, evading a blade’s betrayal. His prudent nature and foresight made him suspicious of this particular meeting.
Although Vĩnh Hà was supposed to have a stake in the deal, why was Andrew the only one present? He had agreed, hoping to meet the client and negotiate at an undisclosed location unknown to Mr. Jonathan.
If all went well, he might wrest this business opportunity from Mr. Jonathan’s grasp, no longer needing to dance to the older man’s tunes.
Andrew mused, predicting Mr. Jonathan’s intensified wrath and retaliation. Thus, he must act swiftly to carve his path. In a do-or-die battle, one must do whatever it takes to ensure survival.