Chapter 39: New Mission!
"Alex, are you serious?" she stammered, her voice faltering. "You're really going to send me to Prison?"
As to ask the same question Lily too raised her voice like she forgot the slaps she had just received a few seconds ago.
"Alex, are you serious?" Lily's voice trembled as she stared at him in disbelief. "You're really going to send her to jail?"
Alex didn't answer. Instead, he gave a small nod to the officers standing nearby. Without hesitation, one of them stepped forward, pulling out a pair of handcuffs.
"Wait—no!" Rose gasped, her voice rising in panic. But it was too late. The cold metal snapped tightly around her wrists. She froze, too stunned to resist as the officers began leading her away.
"Take her," the officer in charge said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Rose stumbled as she was escorted out, her face pale and drained of its usual confidence.
The haughty, sharp look she always carried had vanished, replaced by pure disbelief and fear. She looked like a shadow of herself, hollow and defeated.
Alex glanced at his watch as she disappeared from sight. The faintest smirk tugged at his lips. "Five o'clock sharp," he murmured, almost to himself. "Right on time."
Lily stood frozen, rooted to the spot as if the air around her had turned to stone. Her eyes darted between the empty doorway and Alex's unreadable face. Her lips moved as if she wanted to speak, but no words came.
Then Alex turned his gaze to her. His cold, sharp eyes pierced through her like ice, making her shiver.
"Still standing here?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made her knees weak. "Or do you want to join her in prison?"
Lily's heart sank, and a chill ran down her spine. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She could barely breathe under the pressure of his words. Panic surged through her, and before she could think, her feet moved on their own.
She spun around, stumbling as she rushed out of the villa. Her legs felt shaky, barely able to carry her as she fled. The cold evening air hit her face like a slap when she finally made it to the gates of the villa complex.
Leaning against the wall for support, Lily clutched her chest, gasping for air. Her hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, but the scene she'd just witnessed played over and over in her mind.
'How could he do this?" she whispered, her voice tight with anger and disbelief. "Has Alex lost all sense? Sending Rose to prison—does he even understand what this means to Ethan?'
Her fingers curled into fists, trembling as her nails pressed into her palms. The initial shock had faded, leaving a fire burning in its place. Her mind raced, but one thought stood out clearly: this couldn't end here.
Without a second thought, she pulled out her phone. Her fingers trembled as she dialed a number she knew by heart. The line rang once, twice, and then connected.
"Lily?" Ethan's steady voice came through, warm and filled with concern. "What's wrong? Why are you calling so late?"
"Ethan!" Lily's voice cracked as she spoke, her emotions spilling out. "It's Rose! Alex had her arrested! He just sent her to prison like she's nothing!"
Ethan's tone immediately shifted, his calm turning into alarm. "What? Rose is in prison? Why? What happened?"
"I don't know!" Lily cried, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "He didn't even hesitate! He just—he just handed her over like she was some criminal!"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, but Lily could hear Ethan's sharp intake of breath, the tension in his silence.
"What?!" Ethan's tone sharpened, his usual calmness replaced by a cold edge. "Tell me everything that happened."
Lily quickly recounted the series of events, including how Alex had ordered Rose's arrest. She even mentioned Alex allowing his butler to retaliate when she had stepped out of line.
"And then… he didn't care about anything! Not about Rose, not even about me being his sister!" she finished, her voice rising with emotion.
"Thank you for telling me," Ethan said, his tone softening slightly. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Lily assured him, her anger momentarily replaced by warmth at his concern. "It doesn't hurt. Don't worry about me."
A pause followed before Lily clenched her phone tightly, determination flaring in her eyes. "Ethan, I can't let Alex treat Rose this way. It's unacceptable. You care about her, and I can't stand by while he does this to her!"
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"What do you mean?" Ethan asked cautiously, but Lily's resolve was already set.
"I'll help you take him down," Lily declared. "I know Alex inside and out. I'll give you everything—internal company data, secrets, every weakness he has! With this, you'll make him and his entire company pay the price."
Her words carried a burning determination, and in her heart, she had already committed to her plan.
Lily was still meticulously planning to steal internal documents from Reid Industries. Her sole aim? To prove her loyalty and devotion to Ethan Carter.
Meanwhile, Alex Reid sat at home, calmly reflecting on the unfolding events.
"If I follow the plot's trajectory…" Alex mused, leaning back in his chair, "…Lily's next move will be falling under Ethan Carter's charm. She'll steal critical internal documents from Reid Industries, exposing our bidding strategies. That, in turn, allows Ethan to leverage the information and ruthlessly suppress the company's growth and expansion."
He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his expression unreadable. "The plot's already been altered to some degree. But the question remains… will Lily still sneak into the company and attempt to steal those documents?"
As Alex pondered, the familiar sound of the system's notification rang in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Detected: Host's sister has initiated plans to steal internal company documents.]
[Mission: Protect company files from theft.]
[Mission Reward: Advanced Hacker Skills!]
Alex chuckled softly, a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "So, things are still going according to the original storyline, huh?"
He leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "System, let me confirm something. As long as I prevent the internal documents from being leaked—no matter the method—it counts as completing the mission, right?"
System Chimed in his mind and answered with its mechanical voice.
[Correct. Any successful method of protecting company interests will be considered task completion.]
Chapter 40: A Secret Plan!
System Chimed in his mind and answered with its mechanical voice.
[Correct. Any successful method of protecting company interests will be considered task completion.]
Hearing the system's confirmation, Alex smiled faintly. "In that case, this should be simple."
He straightened up and called out, "Mr. Waters."
The elderly butler appeared promptly, bowing slightly. "Yes, Sir. Do you need something?"
Alex handed a stack of thick documents to him. "Take these and place them in the safe in my office."
Mr. Waters accepted the files without question. "Understood."
"After that," Alex added, "I want you to arrange for someone to monitor Lily's movements around the xx : xx clock. If she tries to access my office, pretend you didn't notice and let her proceed without interference."
A flicker of understanding crossed Mr. Waters' face, and he nodded. "I understand. I'll make the arrangements immediately." He then turned and left with the documents in hand.
….
On the other side of the city, Lily was still riding the high of her phone call with Ethan Carter. She was determined to win his praise as soon as possible. Without wasting a moment, she set off for Reid Industries.
Despite her earlier confrontation with Alex at the villa, word of their argument hadn't reached the company yet. Everyone there still believed Lily was cherished by Alex.
"Good day, Miss Lily!"
"Good day, Miss Lily!"
"Hello, Miss Lily!"
Staff members greeted her warmly as she walked past, their expressions full of respect. To them, Lily was the beloved younger sister of their boss, and no one dared treat her poorly.
With no obstacles in her way, Lily easily reached Alex's office. She stood before the safe, her heart pounding with excitement.
Back when Alex had trusted her completely, he had shared the safe's password with her. Little did he know that the sister he trusted most would one day betray him so deeply.
Lily entered the password confidently, and the safe clicked open. Inside was a thick stack of documents. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she carefully removed them.
"These are Reid Industries' future development plans!" she whispered, her hands trembling slightly. The weight of the papers felt like a tangible symbol of power.
"With these, Ethan will have everything he needs to crush my brother's company!" A triumphant smile spread across her face as she pictured Ethan praising her. "He'll definitely see me as incredible once I hand these over…"
The thought of Ethan's approval filled Lily with joy and anticipation. She didn't spare a single thought for what would happen to Alex. In her mind, his downfall was a small price to pay for earning Ethan Carter's admiration.
Carefully packing the stolen documents into her bag, Lily glanced around to ensure no one had seen her. Once she was certain the coast was clear, she turned and headed for the door.
However, just as she reached the exit, she froze. Standing there was Mr. Waters, his posture straight, his expression unreadable.
"Good day, Miss," Mr. Waters greeted her in a tone devoid of any warmth or emotion.
The sudden encounter startled Lily, and her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She froze momentarily, but as she observed Mr. Waters' impassive face, she realized he didn't seem to suspect her. Quickly regaining her composure, her tone shifted into irritation.
"Why are you standing here so sneakily?" she snapped. "Trying to scare me to death or something?"
She scolded Mr. Waters without a second thought, brushing past him with an air of superiority. Her pace quickened as she walked away, eager to escape the building unnoticed.
From his spot by the door, Mr. Waters quietly watched Lily's figure disappear down the hallway. Once she was out of sight, he took out his phone and made a call.
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"Sir," Mr. Waters reported, his voice steady and professional, "as per your instructions, I didn't stop Miss Lily. From the moment she entered the office to when she left, no one interfered with her. She's taken the confidential documents from your safe." He paused for a moment before adding, "Do you want me to call the authorities?"
A chuckle came from the other end of the line. Alex's voice was calm, yet there was an edge to it.
"So, she went through with it after all," Alex remarked, his tone laced with a cold amusement. "No, don't call the authorities. Pretend nothing happened. Let the company run as usual."
"Understood, sir." Mr. Waters ended the call but couldn't help pondering his employer's actions. "Why didn't he stop her? Is it because he still can't bring himself to go that far?"
Though he would never question Alex's orders out loud, the question lingered in his mind.
What Mr. Waters didn't know was that Alex wasn't hesitating out of sentimentality—far from it. He had already devised a plan, one that extended far beyond simply stopping Lily.
"She betrayed me," Alex muttered to himself, leaning back in his chair as he lit a cigarette. "She took my files and is probably handing them over to the so-called protagonist right now." He exhaled a long trail of smoke, his expression indifferent.
"Calling the cops would be letting my dear sister off too easily," Alex mused, his tone cold.
He took another drag of the cigarette, his mind racing as he calculated his next moves.
"Lily… you've siphoned at least ten million from me over the years, haven't you? All those deposits, all those 'emergencies' you needed help with." He chuckled to himself. "And now, you're using that money to try and bring me down?"
His eyes narrowed, and his expression turned razor-sharp.
"Why waste all that money on him? Wouldn't it be better if it all came back to me? I'll take what's mine and then some."
Alex tapped the ash off the end of his cigarette, his lips curling into a smirk.
"Just wait, Lily. You've made your move, and now it's my turn."
Chapter 41: Two Choices!
Before sending Lily to prison, Alex had one last thing to take care of—recovering the Millions of dollars she had gotten from him over the years.
Fortunately, he already had a plan.
"But to get my hands on that money," he murmured, gripping the steering wheel tightly, "I need to find someone first."
Without wasting any time, Alex grabbed his car keys and strode out of his penthouse, his polished leather shoes clicking against the marble floors. His expression was calm, but his sharp gaze was locked on something important.
The person he was looking for was Liam full name Liam Jensen.
In the Novel original storyline, Liam had been one of the protagonists aka Ethan Carter's one of the rarest assets—a brilliant businessman and a visionary developer. Most of Ethan's commercial empire had been built on Liam's talent alone in the novel.
There was no way Alex was going to let someone like that fall into Ethan's hands just like it did in the novel. More importantly, Liam was the key to draining Lily's money.
"In the original plot of the novel, Ethan only found Liam after he'd already started his own company. Right now, he should still be struggling in the slums," Alex muttered under his breath, pressing down on the accelerator.
As he drove, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Waters, go to the city hospital, room 308," he instructed. "Speak with the hospital director and have the patient moved to a VIP room, if not have them move to one of the hospitals under our company."
A pause. Then, his voice softened just a little. "Make sure they get the best medical care available for the patient. No expenses should be spared."
"Understood, Sir," Mr. Waters didn't know what Alex was doing or why he was doing this but nonetheless he replied immediately confirming he received the order.
Hanging up, Alex turned his focus back to the road, maneuvering his black expensive car through the winding streets.
The sleek, polished vehicle looked completely out of place as he entered one of the city's poorest neighborhoods.
The roads were cracked, the buildings old and dilapidated, their walls stained with graffiti and the crack from the time.
The moment his car came to a stop, dozens of curious eyes turned in his direction. Some were wary, others intrigued. People in this part of the city didn't see cars like his very often—especially not one with tinted windows and a presence that exuded… charm and wealth.
Alex ignored them.
Stepping out of the car, he adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit and walked straight into a run-down apartment building.
The air inside was thick with the scent of damp wood and old concrete. The dim hallway lights flickered, casting long shadows against the cracked walls.
Alex climbed the creaking staircase to the third floor, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
At the end of the hallway, he stopped in front of a worn-out wooden door. The faded number on it barely clung to the surface.
Knock. Knock.
The door creaked open a few inches, revealing a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a gaunt face.
He looked exhausted, his features lined with the weight of unspoken struggles. In his hands, he held a dented food container, the smell of cheap broth wafting through the doorway.
Alex met his gaze unflinchingly.
"Liam Jensen." Alex asked, confirming he really was the one he was looking for or not. Though the knowledge he have from the novel he is the one he is looking for.
The man's fingers tightened around the food container as he hesitated, his wary eyes scanning Alex's face.
"Who are you?" Liam asked, voice low and cautious. Though he confirmed with his actions and dialogues that he was indeed Liam Jensen he was looking for.
Alex smiled faintly. "Good. I found the right person."
Without waiting for an invitation, he took a step forward, his presence filling the small doorway.
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Liam stiffened slightly. Everything about this man—the way he carried himself, the effortless confidence in his posture, the expensive fabric of his suit—screamed wealth and power. He didn't belong here.
"You know me?" Liam asked, his voice edged with suspicion.
Alex smirked. "Not just know you—I know everything about you."
Liam's body tensed.
"I know your mother is gravely ill," Alex continued, his voice calm but deliberate. "I know you gave up your own company to take care of her. I know you've been working yourself to the bone just to pay her medical bills."
Liam's grip on the food container tightened until his knuckles turned white.
"How do you know all that?" His voice was sharper now, defensive. "Who the hell are you?"
Alex finally introduced himself.
"Alex Reid. CEO of Reid Industries."
Liam's eyes widened slightly.
"Reid Industries…" Of course, he had heard of it. Even in the darkest corners of the city, people knew the name.
Reid Industries was 'one' of the most powerful Industries in the city—a company built on ruthless ambition and sheer business acumen.
Liam exhaled slowly, his mind racing.
Why would someone tycoon like Alex Reid come looking for him?
Liam Jensen tightened his grip on the dented food container, his mind racing. The man before him wasn't just anyone—he was Alex Reid, one of the most powerful businessman in the city. Liam had seen his name in newspapers, on television, associated with billion-dollar deals.
And yet, here he was, standing in a dimly lit hallway of a run-down apartment building, in front of a man who had nothing.
Liam's voice was wary. "What do you want from me?" he was wary as to why someone of this stature would come to a place like this and to be more precise for him.
Alex didn't bother with small talk. His sharp gaze locked onto Liam's. "I'll make this simple." His tone was calm, precise—cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I'm here to give you two choices."
Chapter 42: I Accept!
Alex didn't bother with small talk. His sharp gaze locked onto Liam's. "I'll make this simple." His tone was calm, precise—cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "I'm here to give you two choices."
Liam remained silent, but his body tensed. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, thick and suffocating like those in suspense drama.
Alex glanced at the cheap food container in Liam's hands.
"Option one," he said smoothly. "Throw that away and come with me."
Liam's breath hitched.
"From this moment on, you will work for me." Alex's voice carried no hesitation, no room for argument. "I won't waste your time with empty promises—I'll give you results."
His next words sent a chill down Liam's spine.
"I'll make sure your mother is admitted to the best hospital in the city. She'll receive top-tier medical treatment." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"That early-stage stomach cancer? I'll make sure she has a 99.9% chance of a full recovery."
"And it is 99.9% recovery, remember it is not 100%… I'm not god."
Silence.
Liam's fingers curled around the food container for support as he took in the words of Alex, his knuckles whitening.
'How did this man know about my mother's illness? How much did he know about me? Or to be more precise 'WHY?" Were Liam thoughts at the moment.
Alex met his gaze again, calmness in his eyes as he spoke again…
"Or…" His voice lowered slightly, his words deliberate, unrelenting. "Your second option: You can keep walking down that hallway, pretending like this conversation never happened. Keep holding that lunchbox and go deliver food."
His next words felt like a blade.
"Two months from now, your mother's condition will worsen. The cancer will spread, and there won't be anything left to save."
Liam's breath came shallowly.
His life had been a constant struggle—day after day, hour after hour, scraping together just enough money to keep his mother's treatments going. Every sleepless night, every backbreaking shift, every meal he skipped—it had all been for her.
And now, here stood a man offering to take that burden away with a single choice.
Alex's voice was calm, almost indifferent, but the weight behind his words was suffocating.
"Make your choice."
Liam Jensen felt his hands clench involuntarily.
"You… want me to work for you?" His voice was hoarse, struggling to process the sheer gravity of what was happening.
He looked down at himself—his threadbare clothes, his scuffed shoes, the exhaustion that clung to his very being.
Why would someone like Alex Reid—a man at the top of the business world—care about him?
Liam wasn't even worth mentioning in the corporate world anymore. With his current situation, forget about Reid Industries—he wouldn't even qualify for a struggling startup.
Alex exhaled impatiently.
"I don't have time for pointless questions." His gaze bore into Liam's. "Yes or no. Decide now."
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Liam's chest tightened.
He looked down at the lunchbox in his hands—cold rice, cheap vegetables, the best he could afford. The only thing he could still do for his sick mother.
And for the first time, it felt utterly meaningless.
His grip loosened.
Then, without hesitation, he turned and threw the lunchbox off the balcony.
It tumbled through the air, spilling its contents onto the cracked pavement below.
Alex let out a low chuckle.
"Good choice."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing a number with practiced ease.
The line connected instantly.
"Mr. Waters, is it done?"
"Yes, Young Master. Everything is in place."
Alex extended the phone toward Liam.
"Take a look for yourself."
Liam hesitated before accepting it.
The screen flickered to life, showing a live video feed—his mother.
But the setting was completely different from what he remembered.
Gone was the dim, overcrowded hospital ward with flickering lights and peeling walls.
Now, she lay in a pristine private suite, bathed in soft sunlight from wide, spotless windows. The air in the room looked fresh, clean.
Nurses bustled around her, adjusting IVs and checking monitors with practiced efficiency. A team of doctors stood nearby, their white coats crisp, deep in discussion.
Liam recognized some of them immediately. They weren't just doctors. They were specialists. The kind he had seen on the news, their names come from week to week in news and newspaper about their achievements and how they saved patients.
His breath caught in his throat.
"Mom…?" His voice cracked. On the screen, his mother turned her head, her eyes lighting up when she saw him.
"Liam!" Her voice was filled with relief and gratitude. "These people—your boss—he's an incredible man!"
"They transferred me to the best hospital, gave me a private room, and there are so many doctors checking on me."
Her voice wavered slightly, thick with emotion. "Some of them… I've seen on the news before. Real specialists!"
She clutched at the hospital blanket, as if still struggling to believe it was real.
"I don't know how we'll ever repay him."
Liam swallowed hard, his throat tightening.
His mother had spent her entire life giving to him. She had worked endlessly to raise him, sacrificing everything. And now—finally—she could receive something in return.
He steadied his voice.
"Don't worry about that, Mom." His grip on the phone tightened. "Just focus on getting better."
He ended the call and slowly lowered the phone. Then, with quiet resolve, he turned to Alex. A sharp exhale. A decision was made. Then, without hesitation, Liam dropped to his knees.
"Thank you." His voice was steady, unwavering. "You saved my mother. From this moment on, I will work for you. No questions asked… whatever you want me to do… I will do it without any questions."
A flicker of satisfaction passed through Alex's eyes. He studied Liam for a moment, then exhaled, flicking the ash off his cigarette.
"Get up." His voice was smooth, commanding. "We have work to do."
(Note: How did Liam's Mother know about Alex as Liam's boss? Well Alex already knew he was gonna accept the offer and his butler already explained to Liam's mother about him working in their company. Hence she knew)
Chapter 43: JoySync!
Liam was known for his hard work in the oroginal work who would do anything. After seeing Alex took care of his mother even before he said anything or accepted his offer, a sense of loyalty was instilled in Liam's mind for Alex that as soon as he accepted the offer, he immediately switched to work mode.
"Sir, what job do you have for me…?" Liam asked, his voice steady, revealing his readiness to dive into new challenges.
"I can start right away!" He looked eager, his eyes almost sparkling with anticipation and loyalty like he really can do anything.
Liam's eyes and his words made Alex chuckle, impressed by his loyalty drive.
"Good, you're just the person I need!" Alex said, his smile broadening, feeling confident in his choice.
"Okay, let's not waste time…" Alex's tone turned serious, focusing on the task at hand.
"Go and start a new company now. The Reid Industries will give you all the money you need for your research and data!" Alex explained, clapping Liam on the shoulder, signaling trust in his abilities.
"While you're doing your research, you'll also be the CEO of this new company!" Alex added, watching Liam's expression for any sign of surprise or doubt.
"Starting a new company…?" Liam's brows furrowed slightly, trying to piece together the plan.
"With money from the Reid Industries?" His voice carried a hint of confusion, but his mind was racing.
"Sir, do you want me to make a fake company?" Liam speculated, his quick mind catching up to Alex's intentions. "Are you planning to take money from somewhere using this fake company?" He asked, his tone cautious, not fully understanding yet but eager to clarify.
Liam, being smart in business, understood Alex's plan right away. Alex nodded, his expression one of approval.
"Exactly what I'm thinking!" Alex confirmed, his face showing he was pleased with Liam's quick comprehension.
"But, Sir…" Liam hesitated, seeking further clarification.
"Just know I want to take some money through this company, that's enough for you to know…" Alex reassured him, his gaze firm, indicating it was a matter of trust.
"Don't worry about where the money comes from or how we'll get it. Your job is to run the company and do your research!" Alex's voice was commanding, laying out the expectations clearly.
"Work on that tech you had to stop because of your mom's sickness… and do it as fast as you can!" Alex's eyes were intense, pushing Liam to remember his past project.
"Huh…" Liam's initial shock was visible as he processed the mention of his secret project.
Liam was surprised when Alex talked about his secret project. But he soon relaxed, realizing it was easy for someone like Alex to find out about his secrets.
"I understand, Sir!" Liam nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'll start working immediately from today…" His voice was determined, ready to tackle the new challenge.
Liam decided not to think about it anymore and got ready to work.
"Wait!" Alex's voice stopped him mid-turn.
"One more thing: everything you invent at the company is owned by the Reid Industries!" Alex's tone left no room for negotiation.
"Also, name the company 'JoySync'." He added, watching for Liam's response.
"If anyone wants to put money into your company, you must ask for One Hundred Fifty Million dollars!" Alex's eyes gleamed with strategic intent.
"Got it, Sir!" Liam responded, his mind already calculating the implications.
After their quick chat, Alex gave Liam some phone numbers to finish the job before he left, leaving Liam to ponder over the new company.
.…
On the other side, Lily had taken important papers from the Reid Industries and gave them to Ethan right away after getting those papers, her heart racing with the thrill of her recent act.
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Ethan, looking at the new plans of the Reid Industries after reading the documents Lily gave him, he felt very happy, a smile spreading across his face.
"Ethan, with these papers…" Lily's voice was eager, hoping to see justice served. "You can make things right for Rose, right?" Her eyes were wide, filled with hope.
"Alex is so Arrogant…" Her voice dipped into anger, recalling the injustice. "He sent Rose, whom you loves, to jail!" She clenched her fists, her loyalty to Ethan evident.
"You have to make him pay!" Her tone was fierce, unaware of the irony in her words, given Alex was once her most caring brother.
Ethan had been in high spirits until Rose was brought into the conversation. His mood darkened, and anger flickered across his handsome face.
"Yes… Alex is fully out of his mind?" Ethan murmured to himself, his voice laced with incredulity.
"Such a beautiful girl like… Rose…" He shook his head, the thought of Rose's plight in prison stirring his protective instincts.
"He actually had the audicity to send her to prison." His fists clenched, knuckles whitening with the intensity of his emotion.
"He must be out of his mind fully!" He spat out the words, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a cold resolve.
Ethan indeed planned to seek justice for Rose, but not with underhanded methods. Being the protagonist, he believed in facing challenges head-on and achieving victory through it.
He pushed aside the stolen documents, his eyes meeting Lily's with a look of firm unwavering will.
"Thank you for your help Lily!" His gratitude was sincere, but his voice bore a steely edge.
"But to defeat Alex, I don't need such despicable methods." He stood taller, his posture exuding confidence.
"I'll beat him fair and square!" Ethan declared, his voice echoing with the promise of an honorable battle.
That was after he already read the documents.
Lily was visibly moved by his declaration, her eyes sparkling with admiration for Ethan like she had fallen for him even more than before.
"Wow, you really are the man I admire, Ethan…" She clasped her hands together, her heart fluttering.
"You're so manly!" Her cheeks flushed slightly, caught up in the moment.
"So cool!" She added, her voice almost a whisper of awe.
"But, Ethan, how do you plan to defeat Alex? Can I help you with anything?" Lily tilted her head, eager to assist.
Chapter 44: Fifteen Million Dollars Investment!
"But, Ethan, how do you plan to defeat Alex? Can I help you with anything?" Lily tilted her head, eager to assist.
Ethan's response was swift and dismissive as he waved his hand.
"No need." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
"I can handle it alone!" He affirmed, his eyes narrowing with determination.
"As for how you can help, don't worry about it." He paused, giving her a reassuring look.
"Just remember one thing: keep an eye on any new companies popping up online!" His instruction was clear, his gaze intense.
"If you see one named JoySync Company, notify me immediately!" He emphasized, knowing this was crucial.
"Okay, Ethan!" Lily nodded eagerly, even if she didn't fully grasp the significance of JoySync Company. Her trust in Ethan's capabilities was absolute.
….
As Lily monitored the internet for any trace of company name JoySync, Ethan couldn't help but let a cunning smile play on his lips.
"Heh, Alex…" He spoke to the empty room, his voice low and menacing.
"You sent Rose to prison. Now, don't blame me for what comes next." His voice was cold, a quiet promise of retribution.
"Once I secure my stake in JoySync…" He murmured, already envisioning the power shift.
"Give it a month—I'll be standing on equal ground with you. And when that happens, you'll regret ever crossing me." His confidence wasn't empty bravado; it was the certainty of someone who knew exactly what they were capable of.
Ethan's confidence was rooted in his status as the protagonist, a master of various arts from Fortune Skill to martial prowess. But his ace in the hole was the 'Super Prediction' system, which had recently fed him a vital piece of information:
"The researchers at JoySync Company will invent a technology called 'Red Retinal.'" His eyes gleamed at the memory of the notification.
"This technology can restore vision to the blind…" The potential was enormous, transforming countless lives.
"Once this technology is announced, JoySync Company's value will skyrocket." He could almost see the headlines.
"In just one month, it will become a super company in the country, rivaling the Reid Industries!" His plan was taking shape.
"Before this, JoySync was just an obscure, near-bankrupt third-rate company!" The contrast was stark, making his strategy clear.
After digesting this information, Ethan knew what he had to do: acquire JoySync Company before their breakthrough became public.
—
After Lily had successfully helped Ethan track down JoySync Company, his next move was immediate and decisive. He was ready to implement his acquisition strategy. By that very afternoon…
Ethan, accompanied by Lily, made their way to JoySync Company. The building wasn't particularly impressive from the outside, but Ethan knew what lay beneath its unassuming facade.
"Sir Liam, there's a man and woman downstairs who wish to meet with you," the assistant announced over the intercom.
"What are their names?" Liam's voice was tinged with curiosity, knowing well this moment was anticipated by Alex's foresight.
"Ethan Carter and the woman name is Lily…"
In the comfort of his spacious office, Liam paused, his eyes narrowing slightly at this confirmation of events.
"Exactly as Sir predicted! How miraculous!" he murmured to himself, marveling at the accuracy of Alex's intelligence network.
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Liam didn't hesitate; he gave his order to his secretary almost immediately.
"Take them to the reception room; I'll be there shortly!"
….
After quickly finalizing the documents on his desk, Liam made his way to the reception room. The door swung open to reveal Ethan and Lily, comfortably seated with cups of tea in hand, discussing something in low tones.
The moment Liam entered, Ethan's face lit up with a broad, enthusiastic smile.
"I'm Ethan Carter and this is Lily…, nice to meet you Sir!" Ethan stood up, extending his hand, his demeanor one of genuine interest.
Despite knowing there was no friendship between Alex and Ethan, Liam chose to maintain a professional distance. He didn't shake Ethan's hand or respond to his greeting with warmth.
"May I know why you two are here to see me? If there's nothing important, please leave; you see I'm quite busy at the time," Liam said, his voice cool and business-like.
"Uh…"
Ethan and Lily exchanged a quick, baffled look, surprised by Liam's unfriendly reception. Ethan, however, knew the stakes were high, so he swallowed his pride. Keeping his composure, he continued with a friendly smile.
"I came across your company online and believe it has great potential for growth." Ethan explained as he stopped in the middle for some suspense surprise.
"So, I'm here to invest in your company!" Ethan declared, his eyes sparkling with ambition.
Liam sized up Ethan, already knowing the game from Alex's earlier instructions, but he played his part nonetheless.
"I wonder what in our company caught the eye of someone like you, Mr… what was the name again… ahh yes Ethan…" Liam asked, his tone feigning ignorance also that of mocking.
"But if you're interested in investing, how much are you willing to offer?"
"Haha, I'm not exactly a big shot… But to be honest, I have high hopes for your company." Ethan's gesture was grand, sweeping his arm in emphasis.
"How about this, I'll invest a full Fifteen Million dollars in assets into your company!" He proposed, like a big shot his voice beaming with confidence as a small laugh on his face like he already knew the outcome.
"If Sir Liam agrees now, this money will be in your account by tomorrow." Ethan said but he wasn't finished as he opened his mouth again to speak…
"I just want eighty percent of your company's shares!" Ethan added, his eyes locked on Liam, watching for any sign of acceptance or rejection.
Despite Ethan's status as the urban novel protagonist, adept in various skills and equipped with the Prediction System, money didn't grow on trees.
A Fifteen Million dollars was a significant sum, pushing his limits, which demonstrated his high regard for JoySync Company. His willingness to invest so heavily was underpinned by:
He was certain that within a month…
Once Liam developed the groundbreaking retinal technology…
That Fifteen Million dollars would multiply by at least a hundred times at least!
Chapter 45: Ethan's Desperation!
Once Liam successfully developed the groundbreaking retinal technology…
That fifteen million dollars would multiply at least a hundred times. No, not just that—at least a hundred times minimum!
Once the technology was launched, the company's value would skyrocket every single day.
Ethan could already see it in his mind, like a grand web of plans unfolding before his eyes. The numbers, the figures, the possibilities—it was all within his grasp.
He just had to take the first step, and soon, his investment would turn into an enormous fortune.
But while Ethan was lost in his thoughts, imagining the future that awaited him, Liam was watching him with a knowing expression. A wry smile played on his lips, a mixture of amusement and disbelief. He found Ethan's confidence almost entertaining.
'Fifteen million dollars? But… didn't Sir Alex say it had to be one hundred and fifty million?'
Liam's thoughts were filled with bemusement. He wasn't the one calling the shots here—he was merely executing the instructions given to him.
He had no idea why Alex had set the price so ridiculously high for such a struggling company, but that wasn't his concern. His job was simple: follow orders without question.
With a casual flick of his wrist, Liam made a dismissive gesture, slicing the air like a conductor signaling the end of a symphony.
"Mr. Ethan… do you really think you can take eighty percent of my company's shares for just fifteen million dollars?"
His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable trace of amusement in his tone, as if he was indulging a child's fantasy.
"Isn't that a bit of a pipe dream?"
His words carried a quiet mockery, making it clear just how absurd he found Ethan's offer.
…
Ethan's entire body tensed as Liam's response hit him. His face froze, his eyes widening in pure disbelief.
'Fifteen million isn't enough?'
According to the system's information, Liam's company was currently worth less than a million dollars. That meant his offer was ten times its actual value!
And yet…
Liam still refused?
Ethan's mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Why would someone reject such an incredible offer? Any struggling businessman would have jumped at the chance to turn their failing company into a multi-million-dollar deal.
But Liam showed no excitement, no hesitation. He was turning it down without a second thought.
Something was off.
Ethan knew he couldn't let this golden opportunity slip through his fingers. No matter how confusing the situation was, he had to act fast.
His brows furrowed as he met Liam's gaze, trying to read his expression, searching for any sign that he was open to negotiation.
He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice firm and serious.
"Sir Liam, then tell me—how much do you want?"
His words were sharp, straight to the point. If fifteen million wasn't enough, then how much was?
But just before Liam could answer, Ethan added something important.
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"How much… to sell eighty percent of your company's shares?"
There was a determined edge to his voice, but also a subtle hint of desperation. He didn't want to let this slip away. No—he couldn't let this slip away.
Liam chuckled, a deep, knowing laugh that sent a chill through the room. He tilted his head slightly, observing Ethan with an unreadable expression.
"HaHaHa…" His laughter was smooth, almost pleasant, like velvet sliding through one's fingers.
"I can see that Mr. Ethan is both sincere and bold."
There was a subtle admiration in his words, but beneath that, the unspoken message was clear—the price was non-negotiable.
"Since that's the case, I won't beat around the bush," Liam said, leaning forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto Ethan's. His voice carried an air of finality, making it clear that there would be no further negotiation.
"Here's the deal, Mr. Ethan. If you can offer at least one hundred and fifty million dollars—and not a day later, but by today…"
"I'll consider it." His words rang out like a challenge, daring Ethan to step up and meet his demands. The room fell into silence for a brief moment as the weight of Liam's words settled in.
Then, suddenly—
SLAM!
Lily, who had been sitting quietly up until now, slammed her hand onto the table, her patience finally snapping.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" she burst out, her voice sharp and filled with disbelief. She shot up from her seat, her eyes burning with anger as she glared at Liam.
"Let's not even talk about your company's current state! At best, it's worth a million in market value! One million!" she emphasized, as if trying to hammer the reality into Liam's head.
"Ethan is offering you fifteen million dollars, which is already ten times your company's value! He's showing you a lot of respect with that offer—"
She took a deep breath, trying to control her frustration, but Liam's arrogance was just too much.
"And you have the audacity to ask for one hundred and fifty million?" she spat out. "Why don't you just go rob a bank while you're at it? At least then you'd have an excuse for being this ridiculous!"
Her words were sharp, like bullets aimed straight at Liam's logic.
But Liam? He didn't flinch. In fact, he looked… completely unaffected.
He let out a quiet sigh and spread his hands in a gesture of resignation, as if he had already expected this reaction.
His face remained calm, indifferent, as if Lily's outburst was nothing more than background noise.
"If that's the case…" he said smoothly, his voice polite but firm, "then it looks like we have nothing more to discuss."
There was no anger in his tone, no irritation—just a simple statement of fact.
"So, both of you, I wish you well… until we meet again."
With that, Liam rose from his seat, his movements fluid and unhurried. It was as if he had already moved on from the conversation before it even fully ended. He straightened his suit, then turned on his heel and began walking toward the door.
Ethan and Lily sat frozen, stunned by how easily he dismissed them.
Was that it? Was he really walking away from fifteen million dollars? Liam reached the door, his hand stretching out to push it open… But just then—
"Sir, please wait!" Ethan's voice cut through the air like a knife.