The air in the office solidified into a physical weight the instant Ryan finished speaking.A flash of shock crossed Olivia's face. She asked almost subconsciously, "Why?"She couldn't understand.This contract was the greatest showing of sincerity her father could offer. It was a top-tier resource, enough to make any entrepreneur ecstatic. Ryan had absolutely no reason to refuse.Nicholas didn't speak.He merely leaned forward slightly. His sharp eyes locked onto Ryan, waiting for him to continue.He knew the main event had arrived.Ryan ignored Olivia's bewilderment. His gaze remained fixed on Nicholas."Article 17, Clause 3."Ryan's voice was indifferent, holding not a single ripple of emotion."The supplementary agreement regarding the 'Right of Priority Disposal of Assets.' Under extreme market conditions, it creates a legal priority conflict with an offshore trust registered by the Wells Group in Luxembourg."Nicholas's pupils contracted violently.Ryan didn't pause."This confl

The transaction structure diagram on the whiteboard radiated a freezing cold light.No one spoke in the office.Three pairs of eyes were nailed to Ryan, looking at him as if he were a creature they had never seen before.Nicholas's right hand rested on the armrest.His fingertips trembled uncontrollably.He used his left hand to press his right hand down. Pressed it twice. He couldn't hold it still.He looked at the spine-chillingly precise closed-loop strangulation drawn on the whiteboard.He had clawed his way through the financial world for decades. He had seen geniuses. Seen madmen. Seen genius-type madmen.But he had never seen anything like this.This wasn't a business plan. This was the blueprint for a slaughterhouse.And its architect was currently numbering every beast awaiting slaughter with the casual tone of discussing what to eat for lunch.Sterling stood rooted to the spot, his legs turning to jelly.His documents were still scattered across the floor.No one moved to pi

Ryan didn't respond.He scooped up the last bite of fried rice with his spoon, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly.Elise took a deep breath.She needed to let this man see the heights she had reached. She needed him to regret."I've been preparing for this summit for three months."Her voice regained that condescending composure, but the urgency deep in her eyes betrayed her."The business plan is flawless. Today, I am absolutely going to secure the Wells family's investment."She leaned forward slightly, looking down at Ryan, who remained seated."Later, I can take you inside to show you how things work at this level. So you don't go your whole life without knowing what a top-tier corporate summit actually looks like."Ryan put down his spoon.He picked up a napkin from the table and wiped the corners of his mouth.His movements were unhurried and methodical.Then, he stood up.The chair legs scraped against the floor with a soft thud.He picked up his black suit jacket from the b