Layla threw out a sharp remark before turning to walk toward Lilia, leaving Flynn standing frozen in place.
Was this woman seriously threatening to break his legs?
Not far away, Kendal Roy was mingling with guests, a wine glass in hand. As she passed Molly, she initially planned to ignore her but stopped abruptly, her eyes brimming with disdain.
“So this is what you meant by I’d regret it?” she sneered. “The Sharp’s Group wants to leverage $70 billion to pry $120 billion loose and win the game?”
She never missed a chance to mock Molly. The more miserable her sister was, the more satisfied Kendal felt in her revenge.
Flynn’s earlier behavior had indeed surprised her-completely unexpected, to be honest.
But so what?
$70 billion might buy The Sharp’s Group some time, but it wouldn’t change the outcome.
Molly’s face darkened. “I’ve conveyed my message. If you don’t want to listen, there’s nothing I can do.”
When it came to business secrets, she wasn’t about to reveal everything to Kendal Roy.
Rose had $50 billion, and Lilia remained in the dark. Failure was inevitable.
Once this dust settled, her sister’s $1 billion investment would undoubtedly go down the drain.
Kendal shook her head and chuckled. “I know what you’re trying to do. You feel sorry for Rose and want me to stand firmly by her side to fight Lilia, right?”
“Well, stop overthinking it. If Rose were willing to swallow her pride and beg me, I might just give her a chance.”
“But unfortunately, she’s always been so ungrateful, showing me no respect whatsoever.”
“Just wait. Once Ms. Hussain forces The Sharp’s Group into a corner, Rose will be on her knees, begging me to plead with Lilia for mercy.”
Kendal was confident, narcissistic, and proud to the extreme.
She thought she was unbeatable, commanding respect from all around her. In her mind, if Rose treated her with proper courtesy and they joined forces, they might even have a chance to contend with Lilia.
Molly shook her head and let out a deep sigh.
Oh, sister, don’t you see? Your true threat isn’t Rose-it’s Flynn!
Do you think Flynn only has $70 billion? He has $50 billion in cash, too!
Clinging to outdated thinking will be the death of you.
From Kendal’s perspective, however, her misunderstanding was somewhat understandable. After all, Flynn producing $70 billion was already beyond everyone’s expectations.
No one imagined that Flynn had connections to Achela’s financial titans, let alone that Mr. Rainier would offer $5 billion to back him.
Seeing Molly’s gloomy expression, Kendal assumed she’d hit the mark and smirked coldly. “I’m telling you this so you stop bothering me about Rose.”
“Even if that woman is desperate and penniless, I won’t lift a finger to help her.”
“Oh, and Athena and the others will be staying in Niarak for a while, at least until I’ve secured my position as captain of this ship.”
“During this period, don’t show your face too much. If they see you, it might ruin their mood.”
With that, Kendal turned and left.
The party she was hosting tonight was meant to boost her prestige. Flynn had soured General Yancey’s mood, and Rose had ruined her plans.
Kendal hated the two of them to her core. Even if Rose begged tearfully with money in hand, Kendal wouldn’t spare her a glance.
She was eager to see how those two fools would meet their demise.
The banquet soon came to an end.
Even though Flynn offered $70billion, Lilia’s side showed no fear.
“Better to sing in the rain and die than live under someone else’s roof.” That was the Sharp family’s creed, which also reflected Rose’s character-unyielding and defiant.
She’d rather go down fighting than bow to anyone.
Speculation swirled: once Lilia poured billions into the stock market, Rose would be forced to cut her losses.
Perhaps she’d sell one of her Ancient Formulas to stay afloat.
That, many believed, was Rose’s last card.
But when you’re besieged on all sides, how much could your Ancient Formula even be worth? Business is profit-driven-buyers would undoubtedly push the price down.
How much could Rose even gain in the end?
—
As the guests began to leave, Rose approached Flynn with a faint smile.
“Tomorrow’s a holiday. Want to grab something to eat together?” she asked.
Her face was glowing with a healthy flush, her bright, clear eyes sparkling like stars. She wore a red gown, her flawless, alabaster skin peeking through the neckline, half-hidden, half-revealed.
Tonight, Rose’s beauty was at its peak-ethereal, almost otherworldly.
Flynn’s gaze drifted downward, and he couldn’t help but stare. Rose noticed, her expression turning fierce as she scolded, “Hey! Where are those dog eyes looking?”
Flynn raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Misunderstanding. I was just admiring your outfit-it looks stunning. I was thinking if you added a pearl necklace, it would elevate your elegance even further.”
Having spent so much time around Flynn, Rose knew his tricks all too well. This scoundrel clearly lusted after her, yet he always managed to come up with some high-sounding excuse.
Her outfit looked good? Of course, it did-her neckline was exposed! Wouldn’t it look even better if she wore nothing at all? What a scumbag!
“Dinner? Ms. Sharp, inviting me to eat-what a rare occasion,” Flynn teased with a smirk. “But unfortunately, I’ll be heading to Pelens with Scarlet tomorrow.”
“To meet her parents? Spending the holiday at her house?” Rose paused, taken aback.
Flynn nodded. “Something like that.”
“Oh…” Rose’s expression faltered, an inexplicable wave of emotions stirring deep within her-sourness, bitterness, and something she couldn’t quite put into words.
She didn’t understand why she felt this way.
Whatever it was, it left her in a foul mood.
Flynn, oblivious, seemed quite pleased with himself, as if Rose’s dinner invitation was some monumental achievement.
“Mr. Clark, what are you and Ms. Sharp chatting about?” Scarlet suddenly appeared, linking her arm with Flynn’s.
Molly followed close behind.
Rose smiled faintly. “Nothing much. I was just inviting you all to my place for dinner. But since you’re heading to Pelens tomorrow, Molly and I will eat on our own.”
“Oh, what a shame,” Scarlet said with a smile. “I’ve learned so much about corporate management from Ms. Sharp recently. I’m very grateful. How about this-when I get back, let’s all have a meal together?”
“We can head to Thodell Mansion, and I’ll cook for everyone!”
Rose smiled again. “Sounds great. Scarlet’s cooking is excellent-still unforgettable from the last time.”
Flynn forced a grin. “Ms. Sharp, you can’t just sit idle. Learn a few tricks from Scarlet. Your cooking could use some improvement.”
“Even your shredded potatoes end up burnt…”
Everyone burst into laughter. Rose, her face flushed with anger, reached out to pinch Flynn hard.
Scarlet joined in, playfully hitting him as well.
Not far away, Madeline watched them laughing and chatting, her heart sinking as if something heavy was pressing against her chest, making it hard to breathe. She turned and walked toward the exit.
Paulina Johnston caught up to her, offering words of comfort. “Madeline, don’t be upset. The happier they are now, the harder they’ll cry later.”
“Layla will teach Flynn a lesson. In the end, he’ll lose everything-even his life!”
“Flynn’s wealth and glory are fleeting. It won’t last!”
“Scarlet will leave him, too.”
“Flynn will still be the worthless man he’s always been!”
Madeline bit her lip and nodded firmly. “Yes! I have no regrets. No matter how capable Flynn is now, he’s still the man I kicked to the curb.”
“I’ll find someone better-someone even better than Nathan!”
“I’ll never beg that bastard Flynn! Never!”
As she finished speaking, an Audi A6 pulled up to the entrance of the Peninsula Hotel.
Rose’s suppliers-Corbin Calder, Charlie Carlson, and Tristan-stepped out of the car and headed straight into the lobby.
“Ms. Kaur, we’ve canceled our contract with the Kaur family. You’ll need to find other projects,” Charlie said grimly, getting straight to the point.