The room was heavy with tension. Chris Miller's expression darkened as he ended the call abruptly. Turning to his father, he demanded, "Dad, what's going on?"
James Miller furrowed his brows, his face clouded with unease.
Today's events had left him utterly bewildered. In his twenty years of business experience, nothing like this had ever happened. Generally, the wealthier a person was, the more they valued decorum and respect. The top investor in the "Living Like a Tycoon" program, whom James had dined with just last night, was the epitome of elegance and civility—a demeanor that surpassed even the highest royal standards.
James had been thoroughly impressed by the mysterious investor's commanding presence and refined manners. But the actions taken today were shocking—unilateral decisions made without explanation. First, James was unceremoniously removed from the investor group chat. Then he was blocked. It was as if the investor was announcing that there would never again be any association with the Miller family.
It was beyond arrogant. It was incomprehensible.
"I'm not sure," James muttered, flipping through his contacts. Most of the group members were elites in River Valley City, and he had personal connections with many of them.
One by one, he called them, but the responses left him even more confused. No one had any information.
"This doesn't bode well," James said, his voice low. His unease was palpable.
Chris's frustration boiled over. "Dad, will losing this investment really hurt us?" he asked tentatively.
James shook his head, but his expression remained grim. "It's hard to say. The scale of this investor's operations could have a significant impact on the local economy—and family standings."
Chris paced the room, visibly agitated. "So, what do we do?"
At the Rivers family home, chaos reigned. The severed relationship with the Millers had escalated quickly, leaving the family completely unprepared.
The tension in the air was suffocating. Every member of the household seemed paralyzed, unsure of how to proceed. One misstep could push them over the edge of ruin.
"What now?" Richard Rivers asked, his voice quivering as he looked at Veronica.
Even she, typically composed and calculating, was at a loss.
Breaking ties with the Millers had always been on her agenda—but not now. The timing was disastrous. The Rivers family was far from ready for such a move.
Veronica turned to Mike Carter, her eyes searching his face. "Do you have a plan?"
The room fell silent, all eyes on Mike. No one doubted his capabilities anymore, but the stakes had never been higher.
Mike didn't respond immediately. Instead, his stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the heavy atmosphere.
"How about we eat first?" he suggested, patting his stomach.
The Rivers family exchanged incredulous glances. How could anyone think about food at a time like this?
But Veronica surprised everyone by laughing softly.
"Let's eat," she said, her tone carrying an unexpected note of relief. She gestured for Sophia to guide Mike to the dining table.
"Try my mom's cooking," Sophia said, placing a plate of food in front of him.
Mike dug in with gusto, his speed and enthusiasm betraying years of frugal living. By the time he finished, he realized everyone else was still seated stiffly, their plates untouched.
"Why aren't you eating?" Mike asked sheepishly, wiping his mouth.
Richard Rivers cleared his throat, his patience wearing thin. "Mike, if you're done, can we discuss the plan now?"
Sophia tugged at Mike's sleeve, her voice tinged with urgency. "Do you have a solution?"
Mike set down his glass of juice and said, "Can I go home first?"
The room erupted in disbelief. Richard Rivers's face turned red with frustration. "What do you mean, go home? Are you leaving us to fend for ourselves?"
Mike raised his hands in a calming gesture. "Relax. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to the Rivers family. I promise." He stood and turned to Veronica. "Would you come with me?"
Veronica hesitated but nodded. "Should I drive?"
"We'll take my car," Mike said.
He glanced back at Richard Rivers. "Start preparing to acquire any Miller assets that come up for sale. You'll thank me later."
Ten minutes later, Veronica broke the silence in the car. "Where are we going?"
Mike smiled mysteriously. "You'll see."
As they approached Cloud Peak Manor, Veronica's eyes widened. The luxurious residential enclave was synonymous with exclusivity and wealth. A single property here cost more than most people earned in a lifetime.
"We're stopping here?" she asked, trying to mask her astonishment.
Mike nodded and parked outside one of the grand villas.
Veronica followed him inside, still trying to process the revelation.
-----------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, at Cloud Peak Manor's restaurant, Chris Miller and James Miller were waiting at the entrance. Both were dressed impeccably, each holding carefully chosen gifts.
"Son, this is a rare opportunity. When you meet someone of this caliber, remember to be respectful and adaptable. These relationships can shape the future of our family," James advised.
Chris nodded earnestly. "Don't worry, Dad. I know how important this is."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Ethan Howard, who strolled in with practiced ease.
James's face lit up as he rushed to greet him. "Mr. Howard, a pleasure to see you again! I'm the one who had the honor of dining with you last night."
Ethan acknowledged him with a polite nod but seemed distracted. His gaze shifted to the entrance, where Mike and Veronica were approaching.
Chris stiffened when he saw Mike. Blocking his path, he sneered, "What are you doing here? Trying to cut in on our meeting?"
"Move," Mike said evenly.
Chris crossed his arms defiantly. "You think you can order me around?"
Without warning, Chris's wine glass tipped, spilling red wine all over Mike's shirt.
Ethan, witnessing the scene, quickly excused himself from James and approached Mike.
"I'm so sorry, sir. This is entirely my fault," Ethan apologized, offering Mike a handkerchief.
Mike ignored it, instead picking up a napkin and tossing it at Chris.
"Chris Miller," he said coolly, "Clean it up."