“Mr. Collins,” Ryan said slowly, “I think you misunderstand something about me. I didn’t go through all the stress, humiliation, and pain of taking over McCarthy Technologies just to hand it over to another man because of baseless accusations. That company was not some trophy I picked up for display. I fought for it, I endured for it, and I bought it fair and square to teach the McCarthys a lesson. It is not meant to be tossed around like a bargaining chip at your convenience. Do you understand me?”Collins smirked and leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. His voice carried a mocking tone, like someone who thought he already had the upper hand. “Oh, I understand you very well, Mr. Walker. You’re a proud man. You’re bold. But pride does not erase evidence. Pride does not change the fact that we have records of transactions traced to your email and your accounts. If you do not comply with what I have suggested, then I’m afraid this matter will have to be dragged befor

Mr. McCarthy lowered his phone slowly, his brows drawn together in frustration. He pressed the phone to the table with a heavy hand, exhaling sharply. His wife, sitting across from him in her robe, instantly leaned forward.“What is it?” Mrs. McCarthy asked, her voice was filled with concern. “What did Collins say? Don’t tell me Ryan still managed to slip away again.”Mr. McCarthy’s lips tightened, and he finally nodded. His voice was low, almost growling. “That stubborn fool… Collins did his part. He fabricated the reports perfectly, planted the evidence, even presented it to him face to face. But Ryan still refused to comply. Can you believe it? Even with proof staring him in the face, he had the audacity to sit there and say he would fight in court. He told Collins he would win. He doesn’t tremble, he doesn’t break. He defies me at every turn.”Mrs. McCarthy’s eyes flashed with anger. She gripped the edge of the sofa tightly, her knuckles clenching. “That man… that wretched Ryan Wa

The next morning, Ryan walked out of the room with the proof Isaac had gathered.When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw Claudia seated in the living room. She was curled into the couch with a mug of tea between her hands, staring off into space. At the sound of his footsteps, she looked up, her expression instantly softening.“Ryan,” Claudia said, her voice both relieved and cautious. “You’re awake. Did you sleep at all?”Ryan moved toward her and sank into the couch across from her.He shook his head slowly. “Not really. I spent half the night replaying everything Isaac found. And now I know what I must do.”Claudia leaned forward, her eyes filled with concern. “What did Isaac find exactly? You didn’t tell me all the details last night, you just said you would handle it.”Ryan nodded, running his hand across his jaw. “Isaac traced the hack. The one who planted those fake chats into my email, the one who created that imaginary company, Prime Line, to frame me, it’s Collins.

Ryan walked down the stairs, buttoning his suit. Today was the launch of McCarthy Technologies under his name, and he was ready.Claudia waited at the bottom in a silver gown, holding a purse. When Ryan saw her, he smiled, and she smiled back.“Ryan,” she breathed softly, tilting her head slightly as she admired him, “you look so dashing. This suit, it’s perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look this… commanding.”Ryan finished buttoning his suit and stepped onto the last stair, his smile deepening just a little. “And you,” he replied, “look breathtaking. If today is meant to be a statement to the world, then having you by my side makes the statement even louder.”Claudia blushed lightly, though she tried to hide it by turning her head. She clutched his arm gently as he reached her, and her eyes shone with excitement. “Ryan, today is going to be a great day. I can feel it. Everything we’ve worked for is finally happening. This launch, it will silence every critic, every person wh

The tall figure walked with confidence, his bodyguards falling into step behind him, their sharp suits and earpieces announcing they were not just hired men but highly trained professionals. The man’s stride was unhurried, it was calm as though he knew he was commanding every one’s attention in the street.Mr. McCarthy straightened his coat, his face twisting into a confident smile. He drew closer to Ryan.“Now do you see?” Mr. McCarthy huffed. “That caliber of man could never be here for you. You are a local businessman, Ryan. A noise maker in this city at best. This… this is someone from beyond here. Someone whose reach and power extends far beyond your small circle of investors and partners. He is here for us. For my daughter’s wedding. That is the level of influence we carry in this world.”Ryan shook his head slightly, his expression calm, even amused. “And what makes you so sure of that, Mr. McCarthy?”Mrs. McCarthy immediately snapped before her husband could answer. “Because