Seated across from each other in leather chairs in the living room, Mr. Hayes couldn’t contain himself any longer; his words tumbled out like water breaking through a dam.“Ethan, seriously, thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me that you actually want to listen when Chairman—”Ethan laughed. “Come on, don’t even start. Honestly, I should be the one apologizing for the way those idiots treated you. It was embarrassing.”Mr. Hayes shook his head. "No.""They were just doing their job. No need to apologize.”Ethan watched the Mr. Hayes with a relaxed smile, enjoying the desperation that seemed to pour from every pore. "So, about—""Before we get to business, Mr. Hayes..." Ethan cut in. "What would you like to drink? We have an excellent scotch that I think you'd appreciate. Or perhaps something softer?"Mr. Hayes shook his head, his eyes darting nervously. "No, no, I don't need anything. Please, I just want to discuss the situation. Time is running out for me."Ethan's sm

Ethan chuckled. "Mercy? As how?""Ever since the scandal, the stock of not just Hayes Pharmaceutical but Copper Group has been in freefall,” Mr. Hayes explained, words tumbling out faster now."Crisis has been happening behind the scenes that the public doesn't know about yet. It's only a matter of time before everyone realizes we're worth nothing."He ran a trembling hand over his face. "I've spent every remaining resource and penny the family has to try to make the charges against the company go away. Just disowning Damian wasn't enough. And to make things worse, investors have been pulling out one by one, and the board of directors is losing trust and hope in my leadership."His voice cracked. "Only Chairman Aurelius can help me and my family now because I know he has the resources, influences, and power to make it happen.""And since you’re obviously close to him, maybe you could get him to help me and forget what my stupid, estranged son did with his greedy attitude."Ethan let t

Mr. Hayes flinched visibly but quickly composed himself. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said, shaking his head firmly. "Good." Ethan nodded, a knowing smirk spreading across his face. "Keep playing dumb. It suits you." He stood up slowly, circling the chair where Mr. Hayes sat rigid with tension. "You know what I find most amusing about all this? How easily you toss aside even your own family." He stopped directly behind Mr. Hayes. "Your own flesh and blood, discarded like yesterday's trash the moment they become inconvenient."Mr. Hayes gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. "Are you talking about Vivian? Damian's brother?" His shoulders squared slightly. "My decisions, including disowning Damian, are my way of teaching them a lesson for their failures and not following my guidance." "What’s wrong with that?” he asked, letting a hint of confidence slip into his voice. "What's wrong with that?" Ethan repeated, almost laughing. "Then tell me, what's wr

Mr. Hayes swallowed hard, his eyes briefly flicking to where Damian had gripped his hand tightly. Mr. Hayes quickly pulled his hand away, wincing as pain shot through his already bruised body.He took a step back, eyes narrowing at the son he no longer acknowledged, and masked his shock with a scoff."Do you think I'm joking when I say you have nothing to do with this family anymore?" He spat, his voice laced with contempt. "Or are you here to beg me to take you back? Finally realized you can't survive without the Hayes name, didn't you?"He circled Damian like a predator, despite his own injuries."I've heard all about your... adventures," he continued with a cruel smile. "Sleeping in cheap motels, borrowing money from people who once feared you. How the mighty have fallen, Damian."His lips curled in a smirk. "I heard you couldn't even keep that car you bought with your own money. Had to sell those fancy watches too, hmm? Tell me, how does it feel to be nothing?"To Mr. Hayes' su

On the phone screen was an email chain—one Mr. Hayes recognized all too well. His own words, in black and white, ordering the use of the cheaper chemical compound.And below it, attached files showing every falsified safety report, every bribe, every cover-up—all bearing his electronic signature.But what truly made his blood run cold was the recipient list at the top of the email: the entire board of directors, major shareholders, and—most damning of all—the federal regulatory committee's confidential tip line.The email had not been sent yet. It was still in draft form. "Where did you get this?" he croaked, his earlier confidence evaporating like morning mist.Damian leaned back, a satisfied smile playing across his lips. His eyes never left his father's face, drinking in every flicker of panic that crossed those features. "Take a guess,” Damian smirked, finally picking up his glass for the first time since the conversation began. He took a slow sip, his eyes still on the old ma