Five minutes had passed when Albert, guided by his secretary, entered the spacious conference room alongside Kenneth and Tasha. Their eyes swept across the room, landing on a line of four individuals seated with poise, a man in his forties at the center."Mr. Getson, it is a pleasure to meet you. These gentlemen are our esteemed chairman and general manager," the secretary introduced, gesturing toward Albert and his son. She then turned to Tasha. "And this is Ms. Jenkins, the one you've been eager to meet.""Mr. Getson, it's great to see you. I'm sorry to have you make the trip out here," Albert said warmly, extending his hand."Mr. Albert Jenkins, the pleasure is all mine. Your company is a valued partner of ours, it's the least we can do," Felix Getson replied with a friendly smile.He then rose to his feet, faced Tasha with a respectful bow, and said with genuine enthusiasm, "Ms. Jenkins, good to meet you. I'm Felix Getson, director of the Mendorra Tower's investment department.

At Yuffie's exclamation, Holden and Kaylee snapped to attention and turned to Howard."I made a promise to Riley, and I always keep my promises!" Howard said, gently patting Riley's cheek. "Isn't that right, kiddo?""Yep!" Riley piped up confidently. "Dad always keeps his word, I trust him!""Howard, you seriously pulled it off?" Holden asked, his voice tinged with awe."If my hunch is right, Tasha's call was to get Talia to the office to ink the deal with the people from Mendorra Tower," Howard said with a knowing grin.The Holdens all let out a collective gasp of astonishment. The phone continued to ring insistently."Howard, shouldn't we let Talia answer it?" Holden suggested, glancing at Howard. "If they're really waiting for her to sign the contract, we shouldn't keep them hanging. What if they lose patience...""Don't worry, Mr. Holden Jenkins, they'll wait," Howard reassured with another smile, turning his gaze to Talia. "Talia, make it clear to her that you're open to si

"Talia already told us over the phone, remember? Or do you need me to spell it out for you?" Kaylee shot back."We'll get Talia to sign, sure, but not until we see those share certificates and dividends. Otherwise...""Kaylee!" Holden cut in sharply. "It takes time to prepare the share contract and dividends. Dad promised, and he'll deliver. Trust me."Kaylee hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak, but she swallowed her words."Talia, could you head out with Grandpa? We shouldn't keep the people at Mendorra Tower waiting," Holden suggested, turning to Talia."Sure," Talia agreed after a brief pause."I'll go with you, Talia," Howard offered, rising with a gentle smile."Daddy, please don't go. Stay with me. I don't want you to leave," Riley pleaded, clutching Howard's hand and shaking it earnestly."Howard, you should stay and play with Riley. I'll go with my sister, we'll be back before you know it," Yuffie chimed in."Alright, just give me a call if you need anything," H

Howard jumped out of the car and hurried towards the scene. He approached the car and peered inside. It was deserted, save for two cell phones and Talia's handbag tossed on the seat. A fierce fury exploded within him. No question about it—the sisters were in trouble."Look, there's a camera over there. We can track them!" Yoel scanned the area and noticed a security camera nearby. He whipped out his phone and called Kenny, quickly briefing him on the situation."What!? Some people have a death wish!" Kenny's voice boomed from the other end. "Give me three minutes, I'll get the surveillance pulled up!""Hurry!" Yoel urged before ending the call.Back in the car, Yoel broached the subject. "Think it was one of the three major families?""Highly likely!" Howard's voice was laced with a deadly edge."Talia's been gone from Mendorra for years. She's barely back and already in their crosshairs. Can't be anyone else but those families.""The motive?" Yoel pressed. "Did those families

"Ah!" Yuffie's scream pierced the air, her face a mask of terror."Get off me, you monster!" Talia yelled, panic-stricken, as she lunged at Maclin. With a swift backhand, Maclin sent Talia crashing to the floor, a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth."You've got one minute left to decide. If you don't spill it, my crew here won't be able to hold back much longer!" Lucas warned, eyeing Talia as she lay on the ground."You're all going to pay for this..." Talia sobbed, her face wet with tears, her voice barely a whisper. She was cornered, facing an impossible choice. Speak, and she would betray Howard. Stay silent, and her sister's life would be destroyed."Thirty seconds!" Lucas announced calmly, taking a drag on his cigar."You'll get yours!" Talia spat out the words, her voice laced with agony."So, you've chosen silence?" Lucas eyed Talia and signaled with a hand. "Take her sister to the next room!""You got it!" Maclin chuckled darkly, reaching for Yuffie.Then, an e