We were both late! Why only dock my pay?

The guy was speechless.

"The most ugly?!" Even Sonia couldn't help but pinch him from behind when she heard that!

It's not that she's full of herself, but with her looks, she's definitely a top beauty in all of Starfall City. Some even call her the most beautiful woman in the city!

Rich and gorgeous—what guy wouldn't be tempted?

As soon as the light turned green, Gibson hit the gas and sped off, disappearing from the street in no time.

Smack!

The young man slammed his hand on the steering wheel, then pulled out his phone and made a call. "Damn it, Uncle! I'm selling this car. Get me a motorcycle and find two designers who know what they're doing!" 

Honestly, picking up girls is an art. It's not just about being good-looking or having money.

Sure, being handsome is an advantage, but it doesn't mean you're good at it. What if one day you get old or something happens to your looks?

On the way to Wind Group, Sonia, leaning against his back, thought about what had just happened and burst out laughing.

"You're really good at bragging, you know that?" she said.

Gibson, focused on the road, turned his head slightly. "What bragging?"

"You said I'm the most ugly among your women. Isn't that bragging?"

"Uh... what if I told you everything I said was true?"

It's true. If Gibson were just an ordinary guy with a bit of talent, his criminal record would crush him in society.

No matter how smart you are, if you have a record, not only big companies but even small ones will reject you. Who would hire someone with a criminal record. Even a genius's life is ruined with that kind of stain!

Most people would just end up in despair, maybe running a small street stall selling snacks or something, and achieving very little. A small portion might get a lucky break with some help, showcasing their talent and making a comeback.

But generally, anyone with a criminal record finds their social circle and opportunities severely restricted. Forget about finding a girlfriend!

And yet, he claimed she was the most ugly among his many women!

What a bold statement!

Sonia was still behind him when they got out of the car and gave Gibson a hard pinch. "We're late, I'm docking your pay by two hundred!"

"Come on, we were both late! Why only dock my pay?" Gibson protested.

"Well, I'm the boss. Should I dock my own pay?"

"You...!"

As they got out, Sonia's phone rang. After answering, her expression changed drastically. She hurried into the company, even twisting her ankle in her rush but kept limping inside.

Clearly, something serious was up!

Gibson didn't care about the two hundred bucks and headed straight to the security room.

"Sir, you're late on your first day!" Nolan said with a curious smile. "I saw you come in with the boss. You two living together?"

He shrugged and chuckled. "She insisted. You know, defying a woman's will is illegal!"

"Wow! That's impressive!"

They were chatting in the security office when they noticed a growing number of people walking hurriedly into the company.

Gibson was sitting by the window, smoking a cigarette. He turned his head and asked, "What's going on at the company? Something up?"

"Hey, did you hear the stock market crashed? Davis Group is pouring in a ton of money. If this meeting goes their way, the Davis family will become the biggest shareholders of Wind Group. Our CEO will practically be working for them!" Nolan whispered.

"Wow, you really know your stuff!"

"I picked it up from TV. When there's a shake-up in the stock structure, it's the perfect time for outsiders to take over a company! If the shareholders' meeting approves, they'll raise funds and dilute everyone's shares."

"..."

Nolan wasn't wrong. Davis Group has had their eyes on Wind Group's patents, especially a cancer treatment antibiotic. But Sonia's been holding onto it, refusing to sell at any price.

Lately, Wind Group's stock has been dropping, likely due to Davis Group's maneuvers.

Never mind the stock; today's board meeting is probably going to be a landslide.

Around 9 AM.

Sure enough, a group of people in suits and sunglasses started filing out, chatting and laughing.

"Haha, can you believe that idiot woman refused Samuel's offer? She's clueless!"

"Not just that, she's clinging to her shares like her life depends on it. I've never seen someone so incompetent and power-hungry!"

"Just wait, she'll be begging Samuel for funding soon enough, or the company will go under! Hahaha!"

...

Inside the Wind Group conference room.

All the shareholders were united against Sonia, who's been stubbornly holding onto a few patents, refusing any investment or help. Davis Group came in with five billion dollars, wanting ten percent of Wind Group's shares. Giving them ten percent wouldn't be a problem, but too many shareholders were already cozy with Davis Group.

Together, their shares added up to over fifty percent. If they accepted Davis Group's funding, Sonia would lose control over Wind Group!

So she stayed firm, refusing to make any rash decisions despite the pressure.

"Are you done?!" Sonia said coldly from her seat at the head of the table. "Wind Group is still under my control, and I'm still the CEO. Is this how you plan to talk to me?"

"Heh, sure, you're the CEO for now, but who knows for how much longer!" said a man with glasses, standing up and leaving the room, followed by several other shareholders.

Though a few supported Sonia, it was clear they were on the fence. If things continued like this, Wind Group would have to sell off assets to stay afloat. Their products were already piling up unsold, and the factory hadn't turned a profit in three months. Without changes, bankruptcy was just around the corner.