Aren set down his documents. "Awake? You should eat something."Aspen looked at everything before her, warmth flooding her heart. "You're always so thoughtful.""It's become second nature." Aren smiled softly.After the meal, Aspen scrolled through data on her tablet. "Richard's investment proposal has terms so harsh they're jaw-dropping. It's practically a disguised acquisition."Aren handed her a cup of tea. "That's always been his method. Warm chamomile tea to help you sleep."Aspen accepted it, her fingertips lightly tracing the cup's rim. "Aren, what do you think Louis will make of all this?""He's a shrewd man, so he'll understand our situation. Besides, Greenlight Technology has just as much to lose. Don't worry, I'm here with you," Aren replied, his voice remaining steady. …The plane landed smoothly at the airport as early summer sunlight streamed across the runway. Meanwhile, Louis had been waiting with two assistants at the VIP gate. He warmly embraced Aspen and s
Meanwhile, at Fuller Group headquarters' top-floor executive office, Aspen stood before the windows, watching the city lights twinkle like a sea of stars through the darkness. Aren handed her a cup of tea, the warm fragrance filling the air around them."Richard's behavior today was completely out of character," Aspen said, taking the cup as her thoughtful expression was reflected in the tea's surface. "Offering a multi-billion-dollar investment feels more like a carefully laid trap.""I had the same feeling. Richard has always been known in international business circles for his ruthless tactics, particularly hostile takeovers. Today's performance was probably just the opening act of a 'kill with kindness' strategy," Aren replied, his voice carrying a hint of concern.Aspen set down her teacup and asked, "So he wants to lower our guard and break us down from the inside?" "Most likely. His upfront investment is like bait. Once we take it, he'll gradually devour our core technolo
Zac suddenly chimed in, "Mr. Pemberton, forgive my bluntness, but it seems like 50 million dollars only bought us a performance?"Richard smiled faintly. "That was just the down payment, Mr. Sanders. The return you'll get once this succeeds will be well worth it."Colin pondered it for a long moment before finally nodding. "I'll cooperate, but I need written guarantees.""A businessman's word is his guarantee," Richard replied, patting Colin's shoulder. "Besides, we have a common enemy."Gwyneth looked helplessly at this transaction unfolding before her. She looked at Colin and asked with worry, "Colin, isn't this a little too risky?""You don't understand, Gwyneth," Colin said, gently taking her hand as his tone softened. "There are no permanent allies in business, only lasting interests. And this is our only shot." Zac glanced at Richard with a knowing smile. Then, he remarked, "Colin, I think this is a win-win for everyone.""Then it's settled." Richard prepared to leave, bu
Zac nimbly dodged to the side. There was a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes."Colin, I suggest you calm down. Richard's a master manipulator, so who can figure out what he's really thinking? We should be focusing on damage control, not pointing fingers at each other."Gwyneth frantically stepped between them, her voice thick with tears. "Colin, Zac, please stop fighting! What are we going to do now? Aspen, she—"Before she could finish, the butler hurried in. "Mr. Fuller, Mr. Pemberton is here to see you."The living room fell into deathly silence. Zac and Colin both froze, staring at each other."Show him in." Colin quickly straightened his shirt and tie, trying to compose himself.Richard strolled into the disheveled living room, completely ignoring the shattered vase and glass fragments on the floor. He gestured for his two assistants to wait outside, then settled onto the couch."Mr. Fuller, it looks like your conversation just now was quite... intense." Richard wore an
Several directors who had already been leaning toward Aspen immediately whispered among themselves, their faces glowing with victorious joy."It's truly unexpected." Vince shook his head and gave Aspen an approving look. "Ms. Nicholls really is extraordinarily capable."The other directors showed various expressions—some looked thoughtful, others nodded quietly, and a few were rapidly calculating potential profits in their heads. The looks directed at Aspen carried increasingly heavy tones of awe and reassessment.Aren lightly tapped the table with his fingers. "Everyone, while Mr. Pemberton's investment interest is certainly good news, we still need to consider the specific terms carefully."Aspen nodded gently. "Aren's right. Business is unpredictable, so we must stay clearheaded."…Meanwhile, Colin slammed his car door, the engine roaring as the tires left black marks on the pavement. Gwyneth barely made it in at the last second, breathlessly climbing into the passenger seat.
Aspen's breath hitched slightly. An investment worth 2.5 billion dollars was no small matter, even for a large enterprise like Fuller Group.She quickly composed herself and nodded politely to Richard, her expression unchanged."Mr. Pemberton, thank you for your interest and confidence in the project." Her voice was steady and self-assured. "However, such a significant investment decision requires time for internal evaluation and board discussion."Aren sensed Aspen's subtle shift and added at the right moment, "You certainly have a keen eye, Mr. Pemberton. After all, truly valuable technology will always be recognized."His tone was gentle but carried unmistakable confidence. "We're gratified to see a top international investor express such faith in the project Ms. Nicholls is leading."Richard spread his hands, his expensive cufflinks glinting under the lights. "Of course, I completely understand. Business decisions require careful consideration."His tone was relaxed yet firm