Nramphian City, nestled in the heart of Crandenhilt, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. What was once considered the country's most underdeveloped city now stands as a testament to progress and modernity.
The skyline is dominated by towering skyscrapers that seem to pierce through the clouds, their reflective surfaces shimmering in the sunlight.
These structures, with their sleek glass facades and intricate architectural designs, symbolize the city's upward trajectory and economic prosperity.
Amidst this economic boom exist several giants, roaming like monsters and devouring their competitors while holding shares in the country's 15% GDP.
These companies are the foundation of Nramphian City, each enjoying a monopoly in their respective fields.
However, there is always the possibility of two monsters fighting for a single prey, as evidenced by the conflict between Aron Industries and Valhale Groups.
Their prey? The pharmaceutical monopoly.
Valhale Groups, which had faded into the background and was on the brink of losing its title as a predator five years ago, has regained its former glory under the Heiress of Valhale.
Helga's eyes fell on Esme, the woman who was sitting on the chair around twenty-four years old. She is none other than the person who made the Vallahe group come back to its feet when everyone had given up on it.
Esme's grandmother had built Vallahe Group from the ground up, transforming a modest business into one of the most renowned companies in the country.
When she passed away, the responsibility fell to Esme's mother, who, in just six years, propelled the company to even greater heights, securing its position among the top in the industry.
However, tragedy struck when a devastating accident claimed the life of Esme's father and left her mother severely injured.
The loss shattered her mother's spirit, and with it, the company began to crumble. The once formidable businesswoman withdrew from her responsibilities, consumed by grief and seeking solace in alcohol and endless parties.
Amidst this turmoil, another mer was brought into the family by Esme's mother, only after her father's death.
This new addition, along with their child, was initially met with Esme's anger and resentment. She couldn't fathom why her mother would make such a decision, especially during such a vulnerable time.
Yet, as Esme observed the depth of her mother's heartbreak, her anger slowly gave way to empathy. She saw how devastated her mother was, how she was merely a shell of her former self, and Esme's heart softened.
Due to Madam Vallahe's neglect, the company began to crumble. Long-time employees, who were the backbone of the organization, started leaving one by one.
As the company teetered on the brink of collapse, an eighteen-year-old girl felt the crushing weight of responsibility that should have been borne by Madam Vallahe.
Determined to salvage what was left of Vallahe Group, Esme threw herself into her work.
Her movements were precise and calculated, every action taken with a purpose. She spent sleepless nights poring over financial statements, strategizing, and negotiating with clients and stakeholders.
eighteen, an age when most people are busy playing and enjoying life, Esme found herself engulfed in a relentless battle.
She was not like other teenagers. While her peers reveled in carefree days, Esme was embroiled in the ceaseless struggle to save her family's legacy.
Her days were filled with meetings, negotiations, and sleepless nights spent poring over financial statements.
Helga, Esme's closest confidante, had lost count of the number of attempts on Esme's life.
The business world was ruthless, and many companies saw Esme as an easy target, a young girl burdened with a failing company. Assassination attempts became a grim part of their reality.
Each attempt left Helga more on edge, her eyes constantly scanning for any sign of danger, her body tense with the ever-present fear of losing Esme.
Esme's mother, meanwhile, remained oblivious to the chaos she had left in her wake. Too preoccupied with her descent into hedonism, she was a stark contrast to the matriarch who had once commanded respect and fear in the boardroom.
Esme would often find her mother in a drunken stupor, eyes glazed, muttering incoherently about times long past.
In the end, it was this indomitable spirit that began to breathe new life into Vallahe Group. Slowly but surely, the company began to rise from the ashes, much like a phoenix, guided by Esme's relentless drive and unyielding resolve.
"Those bastards," Helga muttered, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. Her eyes turned red with anger, a stark contrast to the usual calm she maintained.
She clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her body vibrating with fury.
Esme, sitting at her desk buried in documents and plans, slowly looked up. Her face was a mask of calm resilience, though shadows of exhaustion lingered under her eyes.
She met Helga's blazing gaze with a gentle, reassuring smile, her lips curling slightly in an attempt to ease her friend's turmoil.
"It's okay, don't worry too much," she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm brewing around them.
Helga's anger erupted at Esme's words. "What do you mean it's okay?" she burst out, her voice rising, echoing in the confines of the office. She took a step closer to Esme, her movements sharp and agitated.
"Those bastards! While you were here, tirelessly trying to rebuild this company from the ground up, they were busy playing around, indulging in their own selfish pursuits."
Esme's eyes softened as she looked at Helga. She could see the fierce loyalty and protectiveness in her friend's eyes, the frustration and helplessness that came from watching her struggle.
Esme reached out and gently took Helga's hand, her touch calming and grounding.
"Helga, I know it's infuriating," she said, her tone soothing but firm. "But we can't let their actions deter us. We've come too far, and we can't afford to be distracted by their pettiness."
Helga's chest heaved with heavy breaths, her shoulders rising and falling with the intensity of her emotions.
Tears of frustration glistened in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She looked down at Esme, seeing the weariness etched into her friend's face, the lines of determination that had been carved by countless sleepless nights and endless battles.
"It's just so unfair," Helga whispered, her voice cracking. "You've given everything to this company, and they… they don't even care."
Esme turned to look at Aron, who, catching her signal, walked over to Helga and hugged her. "Don't cry, darling. It's okay. Everything will be fine," he whispered soothingly, his voice a gentle balm to her raw emotions.
As Aron tried to calm Helga down, Esme, who had been seated at her desk, suddenly jolted to her feet. Her eyes widened with alarm as she stared at the door, her body tense. "Helga, Aron, run from here!" she commanded, her voice urgent and strained.
Helga and Aron, startled by her sudden outburst, turned to look at her in confusion. But before they could react, they noticed smoke beginning to seep through the door's keyhole. The acrid scent of burning materials filled the air, causing their eyes to widen in fear.
Without wasting a second, Esme grabbed a handkerchief from her desk, quickly wetting it with water from a nearby pitcher.