From Rags to God of War

At Weber Group's office.

Isabella's official termination letter had been signed by the president director. This news allowed Gilbert to boast so easily in front of Adam.

"See, Uncle, no one can mess with me," Gilbert said when he came to Adam's office one day after Isabella was kicked out of her own family company.

"Even the great Isabella can be easily removed if I want her gone!" Gilbert added again.

Adam forced a smile until his cheeks felt stiff. "Exactly, Gilbert. As decided. It's... difficult for me, personally, of course, she's my talented daughter after all. But I understand. Business is business, right? And for the continuity of Weber Group, your decision, it truly is the best. Very wise."

Gilbert smirked. "It's easy, Uncle, if you want Isabella back, just tell her and her husband to kneel before me and beg for forgiveness. I will forgive her."

Adam wasn't sure his daughter would do that, even if she were beaten to a pulp.

"If she does that, I'll restore her position. Besides, I trust Isabella more than Elsa. And, I'll remember that our relationship is quite close as cousins."

Adam said with some reluctance, "I think we should just focus on the big project. Isabella won't apologize. Her brain has been washed by Nicholas since he healed her leg."

Gilbert clenched his fist. "I just want to remind you, Uncle Adam. About my position. And your position now." Gilbert jutted out his chin. "My father. He's only a son-in-law in this Weber family, but he owns the biggest shares. The main controller." Gilbert's gaze turned cold, but Adam didn't dare to retaliate. "He's the decision-maker. So, don't you and your children try anything funny. Don't try to defy us."

"Never, Gilbert, never," Adam assured, his tone a little too enthusiastic. "My children and I, we all support you one hundred percent. We truly believe in your leadership. This company is the most important thing. We will follow all your directions so the company can bounce back."

"Good," Gilbert said, his expression softening slightly, replaced by satisfaction.

To ease the awkwardness, Adam intentionally ordered coffee. A few minutes after drinking coffee, Gilbert began to focus on their big project discussion.

"How about our contract with Diamond Group?"

"Last month we finalized negotiations with Diamond Group," Adam said. "Everything's settled. Tomorrow morning we just need to sign the contract."

Gilbert was happy. This time he wasn't proving to his father that his interests were the best era. This project would be a major breakthrough for Weber Group. It would usher the company into a new era.

Gilbert looked at Adam. "Since Isabella is no longer in office, tomorrow we'll need another representative for the signing. But it's alright, I'll go myself."

Adam nodded again. "Alright, Gilbert. I'll make sure all documents are ready. I'll prepare everything you need."

Suddenly, the phone on Adam's desk rang. Adam's secretary said that Diamond Group had just canceled the contract.

"What? This is insane!" Adam exclaimed. "You must have misheard. There's no way they would just cancel the cooperation like that!"

"I'm sorry, sir. But the email for the termination of the cooperation contract has just been sent to the company's email; the secretary just called to confirm for you to check that email."

Adam immediately checked his email, and his face instantly turned pale.

Gilbert saw the drastic change in Adam's face. "What's wrong, Uncle? What happened? You look so pale."

Adam just shook his head slowly, as if in disbelief. "Canceled," he whispered. "The cooperation contract with Diamond Group is canceled."

"What?!" Gilbert leaped from his chair. "Canceled? No way! I just spoke with them! All that's left is signing tomorrow morning!" He stepped closer to Adam's desk, looking at Adam sharply. "You're not joking, are you?"

"I'm not kidding, Gilbert," Adam replied, his voice weak. "Victor's secretary already sent the contract cancellation email."

Sudden fury overcame Gilbert. His eyes blazed. He slammed his fist on Adam's desk.

"I won't allow this! There must be something wrong! Who dares to cancel such a massive project just like that?!"

Gilbert looked at Adam suspiciously. "Don't tell me, you yourself sabotaged this collaboration."

"How could I sabotage this major project when it clearly benefits both me and the company!" Adam refused to be accused so lightly.

"Damn it!" Gilbert shouted. "This is impossible! I handled the negotiations myself! Everything was going smoothly! This must be dirty play!" Without wasting time, Gilbert turned and rushed out of Adam's office. "I'm going there now! This can't be happening!"

...

Diamond Group Office.

Gilbert arrived in the lobby of Diamond Group with hurried steps. He looked disheveled, his tie slightly crooked, his hair a little messy. He bypassed the reception desk, ignoring Chery Brown, the receptionist, who tried to greet him. He headed straight for Victor's private elevator, which usually took him directly to the top floor.

"Sir!" Chery Brown called out, rising from her chair. "You cannot just walk in like that! Mr. Victor is not receiving visitors!"

Gilbert turned, his eyes flashing with anger. He couldn't be treated like this. He was the President Director of Weber Group! "Get out of my way! I have an appointment with Victor! Tomorrow morning! I must see him now!"

"I'm sorry, sir, but all of Mr. Victor's appointments for you have been canceled," Chery Brown said in a flat voice, trying to remain professional despite Gilbert's very threatening tone. "You must leave. Our company no longer has business dealings with Weber Group."

"No dealings?!" Gilbert was shocked. "What do you mean?! Our project just wrapped up! Are you crazy?! Who gave you the right to forbid me entry?!"

"I am merely following orders, sir. Please leave before we call security."

Gilbert's emotions were at their breaking point. Everything he had done, all his ambitions, were threatened with ruin by this sudden decision. Being denied entry by a receptionist? This was an insult! Gilbert would not tolerate this. Infuriated, he pointed his index finger at Chery Brown, then landed a hard slap across the woman's cheek.

Chery Brown staggered, holding her reddened cheek. Her eyes widened in shock and fear.

Gilbert stood tall, his breath heaving, his chest puffed out. "Listen, you! I am Gilbert, the President Director of Weber Group! Who do you think you are to treat me like this?! I will not let you just cancel such a massive deal! Call Victor! Now!"

Suddenly, a booming, heavy voice cut off Gilbert's shouting. "Who are you to dare act so brazenly in my office?!"

Gilbert jumped in surprise. He turned to the source of the voice. There, standing tall in front of the elevator, was Victor Meyers. The man looked extremely angry, his eyes glaring sharply at Gilbert, like a hawk ready to pounce on its prey.

Instantly, all of Gilbert's courage evaporated. His face, previously red with rage, now suddenly turned deathly pale. He froze in place, like he'd been caught red-handed.

"Mr. Meyers, I—"

Before he could finish his words, Victor stepped forward first to slap Gilbert. "No one dares to act out of line in my place, especially not you!"

Gilbert held his cheek, trying to endure the pain. In addition, he also had to figure out how to twist the facts so that Victor would not be offended by his behavior earlier.