Veronica Rivers was left speechless after hearing Mike Carter's words. She didn't even bother responding—instead, she hung up.
Ridiculous.
She had once thought Mike was different, that he had potential beyond what others gave him credit for. Now, it seemed she had been utterly mistaken. He was just another lowlife. A nobody.
In a moment of desperation, she had even considered entrusting Sophia to Mike, believing he could be a refuge for her sister. But now? That thought felt laughable.
Mike's flippant tone and apparent grudge against her family were a cruel slap in the face.
With a bitter laugh and tears welling up, Veronica sank deeper into despair. She locked herself in her office for over thirty minutes, hair disheveled, her once-proud demeanor completely crumbled. The pressure was unbearable. If she refused Ethan Bear's humiliating terms, her family would be financially ruined. But if she complied… she would have to endure an unspeakable degradation.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Veronica composed herself. Determination replaced her despair. She would do whatever it took to save her family.
Veronica found herself outside the Bear family's towering corporate headquarters, a building as imposing as the family's power. The guards at the entrance exchanged knowing looks as she approached.
"Ah, Miss Rivers," one of them said with a sneer. "You've finally arrived."
Their mocking tone cut deep. Once, she had been the epitome of elegance and untouchable grace. But today? Today she was nothing more than a bargaining chip, an object of derision.
The Bear Corporation's employees felt an immense sense of pride watching the once-aloof Veronica reduced to this state. To them, she was proof of the Bears' power: defy them, and even queens could be turned into pawns.
Veronica stepped into Ethan Bear's lavish penthouse, located at the very top of the corporate tower. Ethan was lounging on a plush leather couch, a cigar lazily balanced between his fingers. The floor-to-ceiling windows behind him provided a panoramic view of the city, but Veronica only felt a tightening in her chest as she stood before him.
"Ah, Miss Rivers. Took you long enough," Ethan said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. His tone dripped with condescension.
Veronica's hands clenched into fists at her sides, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I'm here," she said evenly, though her voice trembled slightly. "But I have one condition: leave my sister out of this. Whatever you want, I'll agree to it. But Sophia stays untouched."
Ethan's grin widened. He stood, towering over her. "Oh, I like the fire in you. But let's be clear—you don't make the rules here, Veronica."
Veronica's lips tightened, but she met his gaze without flinching. "If you harm her, I swear I will drag the entire Bear family down with me," she said, her voice low and fierce.
Ethan laughed. "You're in no position to make threats. But fine," he said with a dismissive wave. "As long as you behave yourself, I'll leave your sister alone. Now, let's not waste any more time."
He gestured toward the massive window. "Strip," he commanded. "Right here, in front of the glass. Let the whole city see."
Veronica's face turned pale, then flushed with anger. "You can't be serious," she hissed.
"Oh, I'm dead serious," Ethan replied, leaning back against the couch with a smirk. "What, afraid of a little public humiliation? You should've thought of that before crossing me."
Veronica's body trembled with rage and shame. She turned to glance out the window and immediately noticed a group of maintenance workers gathered below. Ethan had planned this. He wanted her humiliation to be witnessed by as many people as possible.
Her nails dug into her palms as she forced herself to take a step toward the window. Her dignity was already in shreds. What more could she lose?
As she reached for the hem of her blouse, the door to the suite suddenly erupted with a sharp, insistent knock.
"Who is it?" Ethan snapped, clearly annoyed.
"It's Mr. Parker," came the voice from the other side.
Ethan frowned. Mr. Parker was one of his father's most trusted business partners and a key supplier for the Bear Corporation. His presence was unexpected.
"Parker, this isn't a good time," Ethan called out, his frustration evident.
"It'll only take a moment," Parker replied calmly. "I just wanted to inform you that I've decided not to proceed with our contract."
Ethan's blood ran cold. "What?" he exclaimed, marching toward the door.
Through the door, Parker's voice remained steady. "Someone else has made me a better offer. And to be frank, I don't think the Bears can match it."
Ethan yanked open the door, but Parker was already gone. The hallway was empty, leaving Ethan fuming and confused.
He turned back to Veronica, but before he could speak, another knock sounded at the door. This time, it was Mr. Wilson, the company's Chief Operating Officer.
"Ethan, we need to talk," Wilson said, his expression grim. "I'm resigning. Effective immediately."
Ethan's jaw dropped. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded.
Wilson hesitated before replying. "Let's just say… someone else has offered me an opportunity I can't refuse. Goodbye, Ethan."
And with that, he left, leaving Ethan in stunned silence.
In less than an hour, the Bear family's empire had begun to crumble. Key partners were severing ties, and trusted allies were abandoning ship. Ethan Bear's confidence faltered as the realization sank in: he was under attack. And the enemy wasn't playing by any rules he understood.
As Ethan frantically dialed his father's number, Veronica allowed herself the faintest smile. She didn't know what Mike Carter had done, but for the first time in days, she felt hope.