Leo stared at his laptop screen for a long time, his teeth gritting. The apartment price kept ringing in his ears louder than a bell. 300 million freaking dollars. Even if he emptied every single cent in his account, it wouldn't reach half the amount, and the bloody time was ticking.He scratched the back of his head nervously, his eyes darting to his phone. When it buzzed, his heart skipped painfully as he rushed for it. “H…hello,”“Hello Mr Leo,” A polite, calm voice reached him. “We received your application for a loan, however, we regret to inform you that we cannot approve that amount without collateral,”Leo's grip tightened against the phone. “What if it's short-term? I can repay the full amount within a month. I…I can guarantee it—”“I’m sorry, Mr Leo…” the male voice replied smoothly. “But after reviewing your information and bank records, we have to decline. You don’t have any assets under your name that meet the requirements for a loan of this size,”Leo sounded desperate,

Drake's screen buzzed as it lit up –Incoming transfer from Silas.A text message popped up: Young master, the transaction has gone through. Leo Conner has completed the payment for the penthouse. 150 Million Dollars. Please confirm payment.Another text message followed: I looked into the source of the funds. Leo borrowed the money from a loan shark. His total outstanding debt is now as high as $300 million, and the repayment deadline is within one month.Drake chuckled coldly. That loser, he had fallen for the trap just as he had predicted —Drained everything he owned and gone bankrupt, all to pretend he was successful and still maintain his lie of owning the apartment.Desperate to keep a perfect facade before Lydia, he didn't mind shooting himself in the leg. Pathetic.He snorted. Truly, a Leopard truly doesn't change its spot. Once Leo failed to pay up this time, then it was over. His life would be screwed. The truth would finally come out and Lydia would see her new toy for the s

“Mum? What're you doing here?” Aria frowned. “I don't remember giving you the keys to my apartment,” “The damn door was unlocked,” Her mother snorted. “Don't try to skip my question. I asked what was going on here? And who's this guy?” She questioned, her eyes taking in a wet Drake. Aria brushed a hand through her hair. “Mum, this—” “Meet us in the living room. I can't stand this,” She interrupted coldly and walked away, Aria's aunt and Kelvin following closely behind. Aria turned to him, water dripping from her hair. The air was awkward, but she forced the words out of her mouth. “I…I have some spare clothes you can use and a towel to dry yourself,’ She paused. “Sorry about this, and—” “It's fine,” Drake nodded. “Let's go,” In the living room, the air was tense. Mrs Shane, Aria's mother, sat on the sofa with a straightened back. The perfectly tailored suit she wore did nothing to soften the rigid posture she held, arms crossed tightly as her lips pressed tight. Her gray eyes hel

Kelvin crossed his legs in his vast office, swinging in his executive chair. His dark hair was perfectly styled, giving him a sharp look. His face was composed and cold, but a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked at his screen, enjoying the visual. A knock sounded on his door and a lady walked in –his assistant. “Good morning, Sir. I spoke to the investors and they've finally accepted the deal. Of course, they have no idea of the 70% hidden cut like you instructed. I wanted to let you know that they'll be signing the contracts by noon,” Kelvin looked up, the cold look on his face dissipating into a smile. “Great! I knew those old fools wouldn't stay stubborn for long, especially when we kept giving them baits. I can finally secure more profit from this deal," “Yes sir,” The lady nodded. “Also, there's a woman by the name Ivy Chen who wants to see—” “Let her in immediately,” Kelvin interrupted and the lady nodded with a bow before leaving the office. The door

Lydia stretched lazily on the vast bed, a tired yawn escaping her lips as her eyes opened slowly. Her vision was still blurry from sleep, but she jerked up, realizing that she had fallen asleep last night on the floor. She had cried herself to sleep like always. She pushed herself up, despite the protest from her aching muscles. She walked to the wall mirror, but the image starting back at her made her flinch. She looked a mess. Like a walking corpse. Her once bright skin was now pale and dry. Dark circles bruised the skin beneath her eyes. An awful feeling pricked at her chest, a mix of despair and frustration. Rage. So much rage. At Drake, at Aria, at Leo. At herself. The board’s decision replayed in her mind, clear as day. A week, she had a week to fix the IPO disaster and restore the company's reputation or risk being suspended from the company she built with her own sweat and blood. Everything she had worked for stood on the edge of collapse. Her career. Her reputation, even h