Marko let out a deep, sarcastic chuckle, fully convinced of his imminent victory. He sat opposite Celine. "This contract... offers a practical way out, Cousin. I will help inject fresh funds, take over the debt restructuring, and restore your tarnished reputation through my powerful network." He then pushed the contract closer to Celine, forcing her to confront it. "In exchange, you simply sign over majority ownership to me. I, Marko, will temporarily take over control of BeAnd Company."Celine's breath caught in her throat. Signing this contract meant losing everything Kakek Martin and she had passionately built. Marko would turn it into a subsidiary under his own management, completely dismantling its independent structure. It was an unbearable loss, a personal betrayal she couldn't allow. She stood up abruptly, scattering the financial documents."You're nothing but a scavenger, Marko," Celine hissed, standing as tall as possible, despite the deep weariness overwhelming her. She co

Leon carefully led Celine back to her desk chair. He ensured she was settled before bending down, resting his elbows on her table, meeting her gaze intently. His eyes had fully regained their sharp, analyzing intensity, stripping away the playful mask he used when interacting with the world outside the ongoing danger. He looked serious, focusing entirely on strategy."An anomaly in the sensor readings has been detected in a different zone," Leon explained, his voice low and carefully measured, choosing his words carefully so as not to cause more panic. He was referring to Tuan Wilson, who, under the banner of Anomali Wilson, had sent a fresh alert to his personal channel. "There is another contamination attempt currently taking place in the new packaging facility. They are hitting hard and quickly.""Another attack? But... why now? After the opening chaos, why repeat the same method?" Celine exclaimed, utterly dismayed, running her hands through her hair. The overwhelming reality that

The crisis reached its pinnacle when the phone in the control room rang loudly. Celine hesitantly picked up the receiver. It was a new call, yet one she instantly recognized."Hello? Who is this?" her voice wavered, betraying deep weariness and palpable despair.The caller's voice on the other end—deep, smooth, and laced with absolute, terrifying menace—immediately sent a chilling ripple through the tense office air. It was Dion Walker."Celine, darling, I trust you’ve thoroughly absorbed all the current reports?" Dion’s voice drifted through the line, superficially friendly but hiding a layer of malice that sent an instinctual alarm ringing through Celine. He deliberately added the affectionate term to heighten her immediate psychological discomfort, establishing dominance through mock familiarity.Celine flinched at the deliberate tone, gripping the receiver with trembling determination, trying to maintain her composure. "Mr. Dion," she replied, her voice strained, injecting formali

Dion chuckled softly. A mocking laugh. "Oh, really? Why would you refuse it, Ms. Celine? Do you not realize that your entire venture is currently shattered, and you won't easily fix it alone? You won't find a single partner to solve these problems. Even a close partner would likely betray you eventually.""I believe in pride and firmness, Mr. Dion," Celine retorted, her tone slightly more certain. She tightly closed her eyes, seeking strength. The smell of rust in the air grew sharper, mixing with the surrounding aroma of her despair. Yet she felt she could; she believed she could resolve everything, fighting alone."Firmness won't save your crumbling business, Ms. Celine," Dion snapped back cynically, like someone who knew every detail that others overlooked. "Look around you; how severe are the problems you're facing right now? What remains? Hollow pride? Or perhaps a stack of overdue bank documents and consumer lawsuits? I only see liability in your empire.""What am I supposed to

Grandpa Martin’s words echoed in Celine's mind. She knew Leon often did unexpected things, but this time, the stakes were too high. Lives, reputation, legacy... all depended on this single choice. Anxiety and despair crushed her heart. Leon specifically told her not to meet Dion. However, doing what Leon asked would hurt all her staff who depended on her. Forced to solidify her resolve, she tried to suppress the throbbing pain in her head. This was a choice between preserving a vague hope she didn't understand and saving the livelihoods of those who depended on her. Despite the bitterness, she knew she had to meet Dion."I... I will go, Grandpa," Celine declared, her voice laced with strong, though fragile, determination. She picked up her jacket from the back of her chair. The air outside the factory was already darkening, but the distant buzz of city life was still audible. "I cannot abandon those who rely on my decisions. A leader must take risks."Grandpa Martin looked at her deep