2026-02-12 21:17:31
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Chapter 0079 - Breaking Point
Across the room, Carlos had been watching Nathan and Laura together, his hands clenching and unclenching rhythmically as he tried to maintain some semblance of composure.Every time Nathan touched Laura's waist, every time she laughed at something he said, every time they exchanged glances, it was like a knife twisting in Carlos's gut.He'd been standing in the same spot for nearly twenty minutes, barely moving, his eyes tracking them obsessively.Tom and Clarke stood on either side of their son, growing increasingly concerned about his deteriorating state. They kept trying to distract him, to redirect his attention to something – anything – else."Carlos, look," Clarke said, touching his arm gently. "That's Martin Comb from Comb Industries. We should introduce ourselves. He's very influential."Carlos didn't respond. His eyes remained locked on Nathan and Laura.Tom tried next. "Son, there's Rebecca Ashford over there. Her family controls significant real estate holdings. This would
Chapter 0078 - Second Thoughts
Declan remained silent for a moment, appearing to consider Nathan's proposal carefully. His expression was thoughtful, contemplative, giving nothing away about what he was actually thinking.Nathan watched him expectantly, clearly anticipating immediate acceptance. After all, who in their right mind would turn down a guaranteed opportunity backed by the Pierce family's power?Finally, Declan spoke. "That's certainly an interesting proposal."Nathan's smile widened. "I thought you'd see it that way.""However," Declan continued, his tone remaining professional, "I'll need to discuss this with the new owner before making any commitments. A partnership of this magnitude and exclusivity requires proper consultation."Nathan's expression darkened slightly. The smile remained, but something harder appeared in his eyes. This wasn't the response he'd expected."Discuss it?" Nathan repeated, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure. "I would think the opportunity I'm offering is clear enough t
Chapter 0077 - What do you want?
"What I want," Nathan said slowly, savoring the moment, "is for Apex Financial Group to partner exclusively with Vanguard Corporation for a major upcoming project."He paused for effect. "Cutting out all other competitors, of course. This would be an exclusive arrangement between our two companies.""And in exchange?" Declan asked calmly.Nathan's expression became magnanimous, as if he were offering a tremendous gift. "In exchange, Apex Financial Group will benefit from association with the Pierce family's prestigious reputation. The doors that will open for you, the connections you'll gain access to – it's invaluable."Sophie, still standing nearby, made a small sound of disbelief at Nathan's arrogance. But she said nothing, letting Declan handle this."What project are you referring to?" Declan asked, his tone still neutral, giving nothing away.Nathan's eyes gleamed. This was clearly the part he'd been eager to discuss."There's a massive urban development initiative about to be
Chapter 0076 - Outmanoeuvred
Robert Grayson stood there, his face pale, his earlier confidence completely shattered. The silence between him and Declan stretched uncomfortably as the full implications of the situation sank in.He'd been outmaneuvered. Grayson's throat worked as he swallowed hard. His eyes darted to the other men standing nearby, all of whom were suddenly very interested in looking anywhere except at him."Perhaps..." Grayson began, his voice much quieter now, stripped of its earlier arrogance. "Perhaps we can negotiate. Perhaps the thirty percent increase was... too aggressive."He forced something resembling a conciliatory smile. "We've been partners for two decades. Surely that counts for something. Maybe we can discuss a more reasonable adjustment. Ten percent? Fifteen?"Declan's expression didn't change. "It's too late for that.""But surely –" Grayson tried again."The decision has been made," Declan said firmly, cutting him off. "Apex Financial Group is moving forward with new suppliers. T
Chapter 0076 - The Counter
"I'm going to do better than that," Declan said. "I'm going to turn his threat back on him. Can you have that information ready in the next half hour?"Victoria pulled out her phone immediately. "I can have it ready in twenty minutes. I'll make some calls.""Good," Declan said. "I'll handle Grayson."Victoria nodded and quickly moved away, already dialing numbers on her phone as she walked.Declan returned to the main area of the ballroom, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. He didn't drink it, using it as a prop while he waited and prepared for the next confrontation.Sophie found him again. "Did you talk to Victoria?""I did," Declan confirmed. "We have a plan."Sophie looked relieved. "Good. Because Grayson keeps checking his watch. He's clearly counting down the hour, probably hoping you'll come crawling back with acceptance of his terms."Declan smiled slightly. "He's going to be disappointed."Twenty-five minutes later, Victoria found Declan again. She handed
Chapter 0075 - Calling his bluff
Declan didn't flinch. He stood there calmly, his expression composed."I'll need some time to consult with the new owner," Declan said, his tone professional and measured. "This is obviously a significant decision that requires proper consideration."Robert Grayson's smirk widened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. He'd expected hesitation, uncertainty, exactly the kind of response Declan was giving him."Of course, of course," Grayson said, his voice dripping with false understanding. "Take all the time you need. Well, not all the time."He chuckled at his own joke. "I'll be waiting for a response within the hour. That should be more than sufficient for a simple yes or no decision, don't you think?"An hour. Not the two and a half hours until the banquet ended. Grayson was tightening the pressure, reducing the timeline, making it even harder for Declan to maneuver."Within the hour," Declan repeated neutrally. "Understood."Grayson nodded smugly, clearly pleased with how this inter
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