The following morning, the atmosphere inside Orion Holdings was noticeably different.Employees who usually chatted over coffee had gathered in small groups instead.Everyone was discussing only one thing."Hart Automotive. The contract is worth billions. I heard only five companies were invited. If Orion wins this. We'll become one of the biggest automobile suppliers in the country."Another employee lowered his voice. "I also heard Mr. Andre was removed from the negotiations.""Not surprising. This is business. He's smart, but he doesn't have enough experience."The rumors spread from one floor to another.Inside the executive boardroom, Daniel stood before the members of the negotiation committee. Behind him was a massive screen displaying the Hart Automotive logo.He smiled confidently. "This project determines Orion's future.""No mistakes. No unnecessary risks." Peter nodded proudly."We've all negotiated contracts before."Martin chuckled. "Unlike certain people."A few directo

The conference room remained silent long after Adrian left.No one moved or one spoke. His final sentence continued echoing in everyone's minds."The question isn't why Chairman Hart refused to meet you.""It's who he met instead."Peter was the first to scoff. "What nonsense.""He just wants to sound mysterious."Martin nodded. "Exactly. If Chairman Hart met someone important, we'd know."Daniel remained quiet. His fingers tapped lightly against the conference table.Something didn't sit right. He replayed yesterday over and over.The two-hour wait. The polite receptionist, the sudden cancellation. The timing.Everything had been too deliberate. He slowly looked toward Peter."When exactly did Chairman Hart cancel?"Peter frowned."About an hour after we arrived." Daniel's brows knitted together. "No.""He informed the receptionist an hour before she told us."Peter blinked. "So?"Daniel's expression became thoughtful."That means...""...he already knew he wasn't seeing us."Martin

Nathan's words lingered between them."I negotiate with leaders.""So tell me, Adrian...""Are you prepared to become Orion Holdings' real decision-maker?"The private lounge fell silent.The city skyline reflected against the floor-to-ceiling windows as Adrian calmly picked up the document.He didn't rush to open it. Instead, he looked at Nathan."You've already made your decision."Nathan smiled. "I have.""You've decided Orion isn't your problem.""It's mine."Nathan nodded approvingly. "Exactly."Adrian finally opened the document.His eyes scanned each page and the further he read. The fainter his smile became. Nathan watched every subtle change in his expression.Most executives who read the proposal became excited.Adrian became thoughtful.When he reached the final page, he slowly closed the file."You really are trying to change the industry."Nathan's eyes brightened. "So you noticed."Adrian nodded. "This isn't a supplier agreement.""It's an alliance."Nathan leaned back.

The conference room was dead silent.Everyone stared at Sophie. "Another company?" Daniel's voice was low. Sophie nodded."Yes." "Nathan Cole said they arrived a few minutes ago."Peter frowned. "Who are they?"Sophie shook her head. "He didn't say."Marcus suddenly smiled. "I have a guess."Everyone looked toward him."There are only a handful of companies capable of competing for Hart Automotive.""My family's Magnus Group..."He smiled proudly is one of them." Several directors exchanged nervous glances.If Magnus Group entered the race. Orion's chances became even slimmer. Peter looked at Adrian with folded arms."Well?""Your opportunity is waiting."Martin smirked."Unless you've suddenly changed your mind."Adrian ignored them. Instead, he looked at Sophie."Did Mr. Cole say anything else?"Sophie nodded."He said..." She glanced at everyone in the room before continuing....he hopes you haven't been delayed by unnecessary meetings."The room instantly became awkward. Every d

Adrian walked out of the Nightingale headquarters without looking back.Nathan caught up to him just before he reached the parking lot."You're leaving already?"Adrian nodded."The challenge has already started."Nathan smiled."Most of the others are still inside discussing strategies.""They're wasting time."Nathan folded his arms."You already know where to begin?""I know where not to begin."Nathan raised an eyebrow."And where is that?""The boardroom."Nathan laughed."I was hoping you'd say that."He reached into his jacket and handed Adrian a slim envelope."Chairman Nightingale asked me to give you this."Adrian opened it.Inside was only an address.Nathan said, "That's where Silver Crest's founder lives.""He resigned six months ago.""Nobody has bothered speaking to him since."Adrian smiled faintly."They're all chasing the company."Nathan nodded."And you're chasing the man who built it.""The company won't tell me why it's dying.""But its founder will."Nathan's sm