The events of the day played like a movie reel in her mind. Aren had remained calm when he helped her handle Richard, secretly contacting Aetheris Group for backup and setting traps to catch the mole. Now, he was tending to her with such meticulous care. "Why do you always stand by my side unconditionally like this?" Aspen couldn't help asking, her voice trembling ever so slightly. Aren looked into her eyes, his gaze firm yet gentle. Just as he was about to speak, his phone suddenly rang. He frowned as he answered, his expression changing dramatically after a moment. "I understand. I'll handle it immediately." Then, he hung up. His expression remained grave as he said, "Richard's started his counterattack. He's using his media network to spread rumors that Fuller Group's tech has major security flaws. It's obvious that he's trying to tank the stock.""How bad is it?" Aspen sat up quickly, brushing off the dizziness as her eyes sharpened. Aren showed her the screen. "Glob
"I only believe in facts," Aspen said as she opened her folder and pulled out a stack of documents. She continued, "These materials are evidence I collected during my trip about Richard's acquisitions of other companies, and," she paused, her gaze sharp as a blade, "proof of the 50 million dollars in company funds you and Zac secretly transferred. Compared to the money you and Zac embezzled, some people think ten years ahead."After the meeting ended, the board unanimously voted to temporarily revoke all of Colin's authority. Colin's face turned ashen, and as company security escorted him from the conference room, he still turned back defiantly to glare at Aspen. "You'll regret this!"Gwyneth burst out from a side door, blocking Aspen's path with tears in her eyes. "How could you treat Colin this way? You were family once. Do you hate seeing him succeed so much that you'd strip him of everything?""Family?" Aspen scoffed. Pain flickered in her eyes as she said, "You two drove So
Aspen leaned in for a closer look. "This guy's just a mid-level tech. He only handles the cooling systems. How could he—""That's what we see on the surface," Aren chimed in, pulling up a second window. "The real culprit is this one."He clicked into a surveillance feed, and a grainy image appeared on the screen. It was Albert Bray, the director of the tech department.…That night, Colin's new assistant, Gavin, silently infiltrated the tech department, moving like a phantom through the hallway's surveillance blind spots. He skillfully bypassed the security system, inserted a custom USB drive, and began copying the co-developed encryption framework files.In the surveillance room, Aspen and Aren watched everything unfold in real time through infrared cameras. "It's too obvious that this isn't the technique of an ordinary assistant," Aspen mumbled, her eyes narrowed as her fingers moved quickly across the keyboard. "Evidence is uploading to three independent backups."Aren stare
Aspen raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Nonetheless, with the meeting starting, she set aside her questions for later. Louis clapped his hands, redirecting everyone's attention to him. "Since Aetheris Group is officially interested, this is the perfect time for a three-party alliance."Gregory nodded in agreement. "We're familiar with Richard's tactics. Fighting alone won't work, but united, we have a chance."The projector in the center of the conference room lit up as the three parties immediately began drafting a joint agreement. Aren handled the patent share-lock clauses, Aspen led discussions on investment and equity ratios, while Louis focused on distributing decision-making authority."Any technology transfer must have unanimous approval from all three parties. No unilateral operations allowed," Aren said as he highlighted the key points in the document. Gregory pushed his tablet toward the group. "Aetheris Group's achievements in quantum encryption are sufficient to ensure c
Aren gazed at her slightly weary profile. He gently touched her shoulder with his fingertips before quickly pulling away. "We've got backup plans at every step. Don't worry."Aspen set down the towel, her damp hair falling across her shoulders. "Richard's no ordinary opponent. The financial power backing him is powerful enough to shake the entire Fuller Group.""You've got me and Louis on your side. No matter how cunning Richard is, he won't win this easily," Aren said, pouring her a glass of warm water and placing it in her hands."Get some sleep. We've got more negotiations tomorrow," he added as he fluffed her pillow.Aspen nodded, slipping under the covers as exhaustion quickly pulled her into sleep.…The next morning, Aspen, Aren, and Louis continued discussing strategies to counter Richard in Greenlight Technology's conference room, focusing on building stronger firewalls at both technical and legal levels."Technical security measures must be upgraded," Louis said, displ
Aren listened carefully, occasionally offering sharp insights. The three of them strategized late into the night, establishing a comprehensive defense strategy."Richard's not going to get what he wants that easily," Louis replied firmly as he walked them out, giving Aspen's hand a confident squeeze. "I've already instructed my legal team to revise our partnership terms and include a firewall clause.""Your support means everything to us," Aspen said sincerely. "This trip was worth it.""Looking forward to hearing good news," Louis replied with a wave. "Let's regroup in the morning and fine-tune the rest."...Back at the hotel, Aspen visibly relaxed, slipping off her heels and massaging her aching feet. She said, "Louis was even more straightforward than I expected."Aren handed her a cup of hot tea. "He sees through problems clearly. It makes sense that he'd agree with our assessment." Aspen accepted the cup, feeling the warmth spread to her fingertips. "Richard's involvement