Just a few days ago, Alex had been at the Wells Family’s estate himself, offering his own Fortune Skills expertise. And now, Ethan had already wormed his way in and managed to secure their backing?
He had to admit—Ethan was ambitious. But also… incredibly naive. The room was heavy with anticipation. Many of the businessmen had been on edge, waiting to see how Alex would respond.
Was this the moment Reid Industries finally surrendered? Would Alex falter, his confidence shaken by the sheer dominance of the Wells family? Would he concede defeat at last?
Ethan Carter had only one goal that day: to make Alex Reid regret not seizing the opportunity to align with Trisha Wells—the very woman Ethan had now successfully brought to his side.
The meeting had been going according to plan. Ethan’s subtle provocations and confident demeanor had begun to sway the gathered executives.
He could already see it in their eyes: the greed, the desire to take advantage of Reid Industries’ success without doing the heavy lifting.
Yet, despite everything, Alex sat there as calm as ever, his gaze unwavering. What infuriated Ethan most was that Alex didn’t seem even slightly fazed by the mention of Trisha’s family connections.
Instead, he simply looked at Ethan with a gaze that could only be described as… amused.
As if Ethan were a fool playing a game he didn’t understand. That look alone was enough to make Ethan’s stomach twist with unease, but he quickly shoved the feeling aside.
‘What’s with that look?’ Ethan thought. ‘Doesn’t he realize what he’s up against? The Wells family’s influence could crush him if he doesn’t cooperate.’
Still, Ethan forced himself to maintain his confident smile as he pressed forward.
“Come on, Alex. Drop the act,” Ethan said, his tone half-mocking, half-challenging. “I’m asking you one last time—do you still think Reid Industries can get the entire city redevelopment project on its own?”
As if waiting for a cue, several of the gathered executives seized the moment to chime in:
“Yeah, Reid Industries might be big, but going against the Wells family? That’s just asking for trouble!”
“Play smart, Mister. There’s plenty to go around—you can’t expect to keep it all to yourself.”
“Share the project while you still can. Otherwise, don’t blame us when things get ugly!”
The chorus of jeers and taunts echoed through the room, their confidence growing as they fed off one another’s energy.
And yet… Alex still didn’t react.
He neither responded to their words nor showed the slightest trace of fear. Instead, he simply sat there with the faintest hint of a smile at the corners of his lips, as if he were watching a group of children throwing a tantrum.
To Ethan, that silence was proof of Alex’s fear—proof that, deep down, the mighty CEO of Reid Industries had finally realized he was cornered.
‘Ha!’ Ethan thought. ‘Let’s see how long you can keep up that act.’
Just as Ethan was about to press further, the heavy wooden doors of the conference room swung open with a low creak.
All heads turned toward the entrance, and the room instantly fell silent.
An elderly man stepped inside, his every movement slow yet old senile, exuding the quiet dignity of someone who had spent a lifetime commanding respect.
His neatly combed white hair, the faint wrinkles etched across his face, and the deep wisdom in his gaze all hinted at decades of experience and authority.
Beside him stood a middle-aged man whose sharp eyes and composed demeanor suggested he was no stranger to high-stakes negotiations.
Though he said nothing, his mere presence seemed to fill the room with a sense of tension and anticipation.
Whispers rippled through the gathered executives.
“Who are they?”
“No idea, but they’ve got an aura about them… Like they’re the kind of people who only show up when something bad’s about to happen.”
While the others exchanged confused glances, Trisha’s eyes went wide with shock.
“Grandfather?” she blurted out, her voice an octave higher than usual.
The sudden recognition sent a ripple of surprise through the room. Even Ethan stiffened at the names, though he quickly masked his reaction with a forced smile.
‘Why are they here? Don’t tell me… They came to back me up?’ For a brief moment, hope surged in Ethan’s chest.
“That’s it! They must’ve heard about my plan and decided to personally support me. If Wells family old man himself is here to pressure Alex, then there’s no way Reid Industries can resist! Hah, this must be the ‘favor’ Trisha mentioned!’
His confidence fully restored, Ethan straightened his posture, ready to capitalize on the unexpected reinforcement.
But as the two men stepped forward, their eyes scanned the room briefly before settling—not on Ethan, not on Trisha… but directly on Alex Reid.
And then, to the astonishment of everyone present… The old man gave a faint, respectful nod.
“I trust we’re not interrupting?”
….
Ethan Carter’s thoughts were racing.
‘It has to be what I’m thinking. Why else would the Wells family show up here?’
Beside him, Trisha Wells seemed to come to the same conclusion. Her lips curled into a sneer as she stepped forward, her voice laced with mockery as she pointed directly at Alex.
“Well, well, you brat. When you refused to give me face back at the police department, did you ever imagine this day would come?” Her eyes gleamed with vindictive pleasure.
“Your company’s cornered, and now even my grandfather’s here to personally put pressure on Reid Industries. This is what you get for going against me! Regretting it now, aren’t you?”
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room.
“So, it really is the Wells family!”
“No wonder Ethan’s so confident. With backing like that, Reid Industries doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Reid, just hand over a share of the project before you make things worse.”
“That’s right. Ethan’s got powerful connections now—there’s no point in holding out!”
…
Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.
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(A/N: Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)
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