The next morning.
The financial news in the city exploded with a piece of heavy news:
"Breaking! The Su Family announces the termination of all cooperation with the White Corporation!" "The White Corporation's stock plummeted by 40% overnight! Facing bankruptcy crisis!"
Inside the top-floor office of the Cheyne Group.
Victor sat on a leather sofa, sipping coffee. He looked at the red downward curves on the stock market screen and smiled comfortably.
"Young Master," Alfred reported with a bow. "The bank has frozen the White family's assets. Their suppliers are demanding payment. By noon, the White family will be completely finished."
"Good efficiency," Victor nodded. "When you have money, destroying a company is easier than crushing an ant."
Knock, knock.
"Come in," Victor said.
The door opened. But it wasn't a secretary.
It was Sophia.
She looked nothing like the arrogant "Ice Queen" from yesterday. Her hair was messy, her eyes were red and swollen, and she was wearing a plain dress instead of her usual haute couture.
Behind her, the secretary looked apologetic. "Mr. Cheyne, she forced her way in..."
"It's okay. Let her in," Victor waved his hand. He wanted to enjoy this show.
Sophia walked in, her legs trembling. When she saw Victor, tears instantly flooded her eyes.
"Victor... please... stop it," she sobbed, her voice hoarse. "My father is in the hospital because of the stress. Our company is collapsing. I... I know I was wrong."
She walked to the sofa and looked at Victor pleadingly.
"I shouldn't have humiliated you at the banquet. I shouldn't have listened to Lin Feng. Please, for the sake of our past relationship, give us a chance."
Sophia felt humiliated. She had always been the one rejecting Victor. Now, she had to beg him.
But she had no choice. Lin Feng turned out to be useless. He couldn't solve the financial crisis. Only Victor could save her.
"Past relationship?" Victor put down his coffee cup, his expression amused. "Sophia, do you have amnesia? I remember you calling me a 'toad wanting to eat swan meat'."
"I was angry!" Sophia cried. "Actually... actually, I always had feelings for you! Lin Feng was just a bodyguard. You are the one I love!"
Victor laughed. "You love my money, right?"
"No! I really..." Sophia tried to grab Victor's hand.
"Don't touch him."
A cold, elegant voice came from the inner room of the office.
Sophia froze. She saw a woman walking out.
The woman was wearing a professional business suit that highlighted her perfect curves. Her aura was noble and commanding, far superior to Sophia's.
It was Grace Su.
"Miss Su?" Sophia's face turned pale. "Why... why are you here?"
Grace walked to Victor's side and naturally placed a hand on his shoulder. She looked down at Sophia with disdain.
"I am here to sign the new partnership contract with the Cheyne Group," Grace smiled faintly. "And also, to see what kind of woman was blind enough to reject a man like Victor."
"Turns out," Grace shook her head. "Just a cheap gold-digger."
"You..." Sophia felt like she was slapped. Comparing herself to the princess of the Su family, she was like an ugly duckling.
"Sophia," Victor stood up. He wrapped his arm around Grace's waist (Grace stiffened slightly but didn't resist).
"Let me introduce you. Grace is my new partner. And perhaps... more than that."
Victor looked at Sophia coldly.
"You said Lin Feng is a 'War God' who can protect you? Then go ask him for money. Go ask him to save your company."
"Victor! He has no money! He is just a thug!" Sophia screamed in despair. "I will break up with him! I will do anything you want! I can be your lover! I don't need a title! Please!"
She fell to her knees, crying uncontrollably. The proud swan had finally broken its neck.
Victor looked at her kneeling figure. He felt no pity, only disgust.
"Alfred," Victor ordered.
"Yes, Young Master."
"Throw her out. If she comes again, break her legs."
"No! Victor! You can't do this!"
Two security guards dragged the screaming Sophia out of the office. Her cries faded away in the hallway.
The office became quiet again.
Victor let go of Grace's waist. "Sorry for using you as a shield, Miss Su."
Grace blushed slightly, fixing her hair. "It's fine. I hate women like her too. Besides..."
She looked at Victor with sparkling eyes.
"You were very charming just now."
[Ding!] [Mission Accomplished: The Heroine's Regret.] [Reward: 5000 Destiny Points.] [The Heroine (Sophia) has lost her status. She is no longer a main character.] [New Target Unlocked: The Underground Queen (A new heroine associated with the Protagonist).]
Victor smiled.
"One down. Next."