LOGINThe room fell silent again, and Victor continued in the same calm tone. "This decision is not a form of punishment, nor is it an acknowledgment that you are guilty. This decision is a matter of corporate governance."He paused for a moment, giving everyone present the chance to absorb every word. "Every company has an obligation to safeguard operational stability, investor confidence, and the interests of its shareholders."This time, Victor fixed his gaze on Adrian once more. "When an executive officer is undergoing legal proceedings that have the potential to affect the company's operations, the Board has the authority to take temporary measures to ensure that all company activities continue without disruption."Victor slowly closed the document. "That measure applies to anyone. It doesn't matter who that person is, even if that person is a member of my own family."That final statement plunged the ballroom into silence once again. Several guests who had been whispering immediately
Before the hundreds of eyes watching that night, there were no opinions being manipulated. No fabricated assumptions. Nor were there any baseless accusations. There were only documented facts, meticulously organized, stripping bares the one-sided claims Adrian had confidently made just minutes earlier."And most recently, after what happened some time ago, the negotiator who ensured this event could still proceed despite a few changes," Victor deliberately paused. Then he turned toward Tara, who was still standing where she had been.She remained seated with a relaxed posture, completely unfazed by Adrian's behavior just moments earlier. And perhaps all this time, she had been focused on the screen, where nearly every achievement she had accomplished was being presented in detail.Victor glanced briefly at Tara. "That person is none other than Miss Tara Valmont." Then Victor turned his gaze back to his stepson, whose face had flushed red as he returned the stare.Feeling his position
Truthfully, Adrian couldn't understand at all how Tara had managed to obtain such a high-ranking position. She was only the head of the Public Relations Division, a role that seemed perfectly ordinary. If it involved negotiating and meeting with numerous clients to facilitate partnerships, wasn't that simply part of Tara's job?She should have been doing those things. Especially supporting him in securing major contracts with numerous clients.Adrian rose to his feet. His face was flushed with anger. His eyes burned with unmistakable resentment as they fixed on his father, who was still standing on the stage.The room suddenly fell silent, and nearly every guest turned to look at Adrian."I question this decision, Mr. Victor Ashbourne," Adrian said emphatically. He shifted the chair beside him slightly so he could focus on voicing his objection to his father."I've devoted five years of my life to Ashbourne Group," Adrian continued loudly. Deliberately, so everyone in the ballroom cou
An even louder round of applause echoed through the ballroom.Victor rose to his feet.All of the distinguished guests spontaneously stood as well, offering a brief show of respect to the man who had spent decades building Ashbourne Group into one of the country's largest conglomerates.Victor acknowledged them with a slight nod. His steps were calm as he ascended the stairs to the podium. Once he stood before the microphone, he waited until the ballroom had fallen completely silent."Good evening." His deep voice carried clearly to every corner of the room. "Tonight is not merely the inauguration of a project."Victor's gaze slowly swept across the audience. "It is the night when two companies choose to entrust their futures to one another."Victor continued, "As Mr. Nathan has just said, trust is something far more valuable than anything else that follows in business. Trust is not built overnight, nor can it be bought with money."Victor's eyes traveled across the ballroom, now fill
"Why are they..." Adrian's eyes remained fixed on Tara. "...talking about so many things with that damned woman?"This time, Kara finally looked more closely.Sure enough, even several foreign investors who had just arrived asked to be introduced to Tara before continuing their conversation with Victor."That has to be your father's doing," Kara muttered. She gripped her clutch tightly, unable to accept that so much of the attention at the inauguration was focused on Tara instead.Wasn't this event supposed to be for Adrian?"If it weren't for Victor, Tara wouldn't even be here."Adrian smirked. "You're right." The emotions surging inside him gradually eased. He adjusted his tie and said, "I shouldn't be worried about that. They're just trying to flatter Victor and maintain a good relationship with him."Adrian's gaze remained fixed on Tara until...A foreign man, around fifty years old, approached her. From where he stood, Adrian could see that Victor actually stepped back half a pac
The crystal chandeliers hanging from the ballroom ceiling cast a golden glow throughout the room. That evening, Ashbourne Group's grand hall had been transformed into a gathering of people dressed in expensive suits, elegant evening gowns, and engaged in conversations among business leaders from across the country.The logos of Ashbourne Group and Neo Group were displayed side by side above the main stage, accompanied by a massive LED screen showcasing the journey of the two companies' partnership over the past several months.The sound of an orchestra filled every corner of the room, creating an elegant atmosphere without diminishing the formal tone that was the hallmark of an international business event.Outside the ballroom, reporters were still busy photographing the distinguished guests who continued to arrive. But inside, nearly all the invited guests had already taken their seats while enjoying the light dinner reception prepared by the organizers.Adrian stood on one side of
“Just as I thought, this dress suits you perfectly.”Victor’s voice was calm, free of exaggeration, as though he were merely stating an undeniable fact.Tara stood in front of the boutique mirror, her body slightly stiff as her fingers unconsciously smoothed the de
Then his eyes landed on a highly detailed report outlining the flow of funds. Victor exhaled slowly, the weight of realization settling in. “0h God.”Tara could have responded to his remarks from the very beginning, could have stepped in and explained, but she chose not to. Ins
[Victor: I heard you canceled your appointment with Ceso Group. What happened?]The message made Tara pause. The important negotiation had been postponed, yes, but more than that, her meeting with Victor had also fallen through. She had promised to brief him on several matters regarding th
“You... what?” Kara demanded, her voice rising before she could hide it.Adrian could only let out a slow breath. “Come on, why are you making such a fuss over something so small?”“Small?” Kara stared at him in disbelief. “Giving Tara a luxury apartment at Golden Palace, and you call that small?”







