The Ares LLP partners were all clapping in approval.Right now, their worst fear was Nate using the evidence he had in hand to sue them. But if Nate relinquished that right, they wouldn't face legal repercussions—not even the feds could get them when it was company-approved.Their second demand was to distance themselves from Nate. After all, no one would willingly work for someone so revolting and cunning, and thus, resigning was ideal.However, the two conditions stated instantly cleared Nate's mind.In fact, he soon became livid as he looked around at everyone and growled coolly, "I offered all of you an olive branch to assure you would get off unpunished while ensuring we can keep working together to get rich, but why should I follow through if you're all bent on leaving?"So, I will give it to you straight—I kept the evidence exactly because I was worried you would all turn against me, and every last one of you is in on this. Walk out on me, and it will be jail time!"As h

Julien didn't know about the Oskian mindset.He had been raised with the idea that harmony was never the intention when it came to conflict—at best, the key was to strategically retreat and bide his time until they could find a killing stroke.Still, Charlie's tip offered him a new insight—there were ways to enslave without looking like he was doing it.With that in mind, he reclined against his seat and smiled, "In that case, let's see how far they go."Charlie smiled faintly too, glancing at the partners who were both thrilled and nervous, "I'm sure they'll soon stall into a stalemate. Once each side realizes they have no clear advantage, they will be wary. However, as long as no one steps out to declare anything, everyone will remain uncertain, so they will all be left hanging after the hollering."In truth, the argument had already waned in intensity.Jimmy may have declared that he would take the partners' side, but Nate's focus was on Julien, not Jimmy.After all, Julien w

Julien paused and glanced at Charlie before he knew it, "There's no truth that stays hidden. It's only natural that others will use your dirty laundry against you, and don't forget—it's not just moral corruption you're guilty of, it's the violation of the law."Everyone sulked at that—if Julien had said that much, it was clear that he was not on their side.However, that was when Julien turned toward Nate, "Naturally, as the head of Ares LLC, it was really dishonorable that you'd do such a thing to maintain control over your employees. Try not to do that in the future."Nate was actually surprised that Julien was clearly on his side, labeling the partners' actions as moral corruption and violation of the law.Thrilled, he nodded respectfully at Julien, "Yes, Mr. Rothschild! I definitely won't do such unseemly things from now on!""Good," Julien nodded, seeing that he was utterly earnest. "I personally admire you, Nate—if you just set your sights higher and not leave leverages that

Nate was actually surprised that Julien was so meticulous with the details, and he quickly said, "There's nothing to worry about, Mr. Rothschild! I will sort out everything once we return to the States, and they will be here on time to report for work." Julien nodded. "They can report to Jimmy. He will be their representative.""No problem!" Nate replied without hesitation. "It will be done!"Satisfied with his attitude, Julien smiled, "I'll be staying in Aurous Hill for a while. When I'm done, why don't you join me for dinner when I return stateside? If you can make it, of course.""I-I'll definitely make it!" Nate exclaimed right then, endlessly thrilled. "I'll be on standby 24/7, sir!""Good. It's a date," Julien nodded and turned toward the others. "That's all for today. Do cooperate with Nate when you get back and finalize the transition—try not to increase their list of losses. Everyone here is an adult, so as long as we find a balance point, I'm sure we can all put everyth

Charlie chuckled as he asked, "So, you're still keen for a return to the Calligraphy and Painting Association?""Yes! Why not?!" Jacob huffed before he knew it. "I've been thinking about it over the last few days, but I've made up my mind. It's like they say—why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up! I've already been thoroughly humiliated, so at this point, nothing can hurt me."Charlie nodded. "I'll try asking.""Well, you have to be quick, like I said," Jacob promptly told him. "Don't wait until he gets promoted…""Promoted?" Charlie chuckled. "I don't think that's going to happen with his character. Who knows, he might stay in the Calligraphy and Painting Association forever."Jacob was naturally unaware that Charlie had already tasked Don Albert with calling in a few favors from Isaac Cameron's old connections to snuff out any chance Kenny Bay had for a promotion.He wanted to dump Jacob and rise above on his own? Charlie would tie him to the Calligraphy and