Nathan adjusted his tie and walked directly into the hall. Recently, he had been busy in Pelens dealing with matters of the National Security Bureau, but he couldn’t neglect business entirely. So, when Kendal Roy extended an invitation, he gladly accepted.
Nathan’s arrival sparked a wave of discussion.
“Isn’t Nathan the direct heir of the Fletcher family, one of the prominent Eahta clans, and a member of the National Security Bureau? Truly one of the most outstanding talents of his generation. He’s been in Niarak for a while, but it’s rare to see him out.”
“He’s supporting Ms. Sharp, probably to boost his own reputation. Unfortunately, he’s up against Ms. Woods. There’s no way he can win.”
“He’s too young, doesn’t seem to understand his limitations. Ms. Woods is far too powerful. Even if Mr. Fletcher himself got involved, it wouldn’t make a difference.”
“Nathan must be here to concede. He’s likely realized how formidable Ms. Woods is and wants to negotiate. If Ms. Sharp keeps resisting, Nathan will probably abandon her.”
The general consensus was that Nathan’s presence signaled his withdrawal. Without his support, Rose’s efforts would amount to nothing.
“Madeline, Nathan is here! Come on, let’s go!” Paulina Johnston’s hands trembled with excitement as she spotted Nathan, her eyes glowing with joy.
To her, the appearance of her ideal son-in-law meant everything.
If Rose continued her struggle, Nathan would inevitably cut ties and abandon the collaboration, leading to the bankruptcy of Sharp’s Group. Flynn would bear the brunt of the investors’ fury and be scapegoated. With Flynn out of the picture-and divorced for some time now-Nathan would surely confess his feelings to her daughter!
Wealth and fortune were just around the corner.
Maria Johnston, you’ve built a billion-dollar company, Berrygate Group, in Pelens. Impressive. You’ve married Eduardo Wong, the man who should’ve been mine, and you’re living a life of luxury. Every time you visit home, our relatives fawn over you. You must feel so proud of yourself.
But just wait.
Once Madeline marries into Eahta, I’ll rise with her success. When I return triumphantly, all the admiration and praise will belong to me! You’ll be the one left in the shadows.
And Madeline’s uncle-you’ve always looked down on my family, haven’t you? Try it again, and see what happens! I’ll have the power to humiliate you, and you’ll be forced to smile through it.
Madeline’s heart raced with excitement. She’d been dreaming of this moment for so long-the proposal was surely coming soon.
And with Charlie Carlson, Corbin Calder, and others-Rose’s suppliers-signing three contracts with her because of Nathan, her future looked bright. The deals were worth billions, and she was determined to make the most of them, proving her capabilities. When she accepted Nathan’s proposal, she would do so as someone worthy.
“I’m not just a pretty face. I have the talent to match,” she thought to herself.
The hall buzzed with energy.
“Wow, it’s lively here. Looks like almost every entrepreneur in Niarak has shown up. Ms. Woods is here too, and even Ms. Hussain.”
Nathan strode into the room, scanning the crowd with a composed gaze. His eyes landed on Layla and Lilia, and he offered a polite smile.
“Nathan,” Lilia greeted him coldly. Her impression of him wasn’t favorable. At her last event, Nathan had insulted a prominent jewelry star to save Madeline, humiliating her in the process.
“Nathan, since you’re here, let’s talk about the Sharp’s Group,” Layla said, her tone icy.
In recent weeks, Rose, with Nathan’s backing, had dealt significant blows to the alliance of three companies. Layla had no intention of being cordial to him.
“The Sharp’s Group?” Nathan frowned in confusion.
“I don’t have any partnership with the Sharp’s Group. Why would Ms. Woods want to talk to me about it? Shouldn’t you be speaking to Ms. Sharp instead?”
He turned to Rose, his face showing genuine puzzlement.
His words caused a ripple of laughter through the crowd.
“Nathan is denying that he helped Ms. Sharp? What a stroke of bad luck for her. Ms. Woods brought in billions in investments, and it looks like Nathan got scared and pulled out early.”
“I thought Nathan might inject some funds into the Sharp’s Group, but who knew he’d wash his hands of it so quickly?”
“There’s no point in Ms. Sharp resisting anymore. She’s surrounded with no way out.”
To most people, Nathan’s denial was an obvious attempt to protect himself. Layla’s massive investment had made the Sharp’s Group’s defeat inevitable. Nathan seemed to be distancing himself to safeguard his reputation.
Nathan, meanwhile, was utterly baffled by the murmurs around him. He had no idea what everyone was talking about.
He had come to Niarak to manage business for the Crimson Star Hotel, but his primary focus had been the King of Poison case. He had spent most of his time in Pelens and had little to no involvement in Niarak’s business scene. He wasn’t familiar with the feud between Rose and Lilia, nor did he care to be.
Rose let out a bitter laugh.
“Everyone, please stop speculating. Nathan and I have no partnership. We’ve barely even met a handful of times.”
In the past, she might have been happy to use this misunderstanding to confuse Lilia, but now it no longer mattered.
“Ms. Sharp is quite gracious,” someone murmured. “Nathan helped her so much before, but now that he’s trying to distance himself, she’s doing him a favor by playing along and covering it up.”
“Exactly. Nathan’s investment failed, and he’s afraid of becoming a laughingstock. Rose is just helping him save face.”
“There’s no shame in losing to Ms. Woods. She’s too strong. There’s no need for Nathan to deny his involvement with Ms. Sharp.”
“True. If anything, withdrawing early shows foresight. Nathan’s business acumen is impressive for someone his age.”
Despite Rose’s attempts to clarify, no one believed her. They assumed Nathan’s denial was a calculated move to protect his reputation, given the overwhelming advantage Layla’s billion-dollar investment had brought.
Rose sighed, exasperated.
“My trump card has nothing to do with Nathan. Please stop guessing. I’ll reveal it in half an hour.”
“If you withdraw your investments from Ms. Hussain now, it’s not too late.”
“But once I make my announcement, anyone allied with Ms. Hussain will be my enemy.”
Kendal Roy had been right-when two powerful forces clashed, the smaller players would inevitably get caught in the crossfire.
Rose decided to give everyone a chance.
If they withdrew from Lilia’s side, she would forgive them. But if they refused, she wouldn’t hesitate to crush them.
Those who followed her would prosper. Those who opposed her would perish.