Chapter 14: This is all because of that article

Inside the CEO's office, David paced impatiently after his urgent calls to J&K International's CEO were turned down.

The unexpected news that they were ending the contract for their current project in the suburb had left him in shambles.

The Grayson suffered two severe losses in the period of fifteen days, virtually completely eroding its stock market worth. He had hoped that the project with J & K International would help him reclaim their position, but the abrupt termination of the contract left him powerless.

"How can he do this to us and that without warning?" David exclaimed, losing his composure and inwardly loathing the man.

Eric, who was also present inside along with David's assistant, pursed his lips.

"This is all because of the article that was leaked out in public," he said, abruptly bringing up the same topic about his daughter as the sole cause of his downfall.

Despite the fact that the news had vanished, David believed that the decision had been totally influenced by previous events.

Eric creased, his thoughts shifting to Winter, and his jaw clenched in rage.

"That isn't the situation here. The news was quickly taken down, so no one can criticize us based on it. Furthermore, you never really paid attention to the contract, which states that Party B can withdraw without prior notice." Eric reminded him of the paragraph in the contract he had signed.

"So, what! That doesn't imply he'll abandon us to deal with our grief alone. Who's going to pay for it?" David snapped.

David has spent his entire life serving his father. Even as the company's CEO, David never made decisions without the chairman's approval.

Byron never trusted him with the firm since he was impetuous and made decisions based on his ego. That was the only reason David felt inferior to him, which led to him investing outside of the firm and losing money because the funds were taken from their company.

As he recalled his previous decision, which had failed, he expected that this one decision would compensate for all of his losses, as his father had already warned him to take down from the CEO's position considering his mistakes before.

"I cannot let him ignore me. No matter what, keep trying to get in contact with the CEO," he told his assistant.

The man nodded and departed, but Eric remained in the office.

"What's Dad's condition?" He inquired, pulled the chair for himself, and sat down at the executive table.

"I wasn't allowed to see him, but Winter was there with him," he said, making David glance at him skeptically.

He was aware of Eric's relationship with Winter before he decided to get involved with Agnes.

"I hope you will not be misled by your old love. Remember, you're engaged to Agnes, and I won't spare you if she gets hurt in any way."

Eric looked at the man, his eyes brooding, but he nodded, complying with his demands.

He knew David was a cunning man, which is why he never tried to trick him in the same way he did his daughter. However, in order to achieve his goal, he ended up hurting the one person who unconditionally loved him.

"Don't worry, I've moved on from the past and now I'm looking forward to a future with Agnes," he said, watching the man nod.

"Is there anything else you want to talk about?" David asked to open the file Eric brought for his approval, but instead of signing it right away, he decided to go through it.

"Who do you think is behind the chairman's accident?" Eric inquired, his gaze fixed on the man's apparent serenity following a moment of anarchy.

David's hands came to a halt, and he raised his head to meet Eric's questioning gaze. "How would I know?" he said, feigning innocence, causing Eric to furrow.

"Only the chairman can answer," he added, leaning back and looking Eric directly in the eyes.

"And I doubt the old man will wake up soon," he remarked, perplexing Eric with his assurance.

He was already taken aback by the man's lack of concern for his father, who had narrowly escaped the tragedy and now his words only added to his shock.

"Now, instead of racking your brain, go and do your job." David dismissed Eric, darting his eyes on the file once again until the man decided to walk away.

As soon as the door closed, David looked up. Leaning back in his chair, David's lips twisted into a peculiar grin as the thought of his father never waking up crossed his mind.

****

After a turbulent confrontation, Winter glanced at the lady who, despite being forgiven, continued to apologize.

Winter was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the entire Andreas family at her home, acting as though they were the owners. Unlike the other two men who had previously irritated her, this girl appeared to be a little more sensible, as she immediately apologized to her for her actions.

"Sister-in-law, please do not stop me from coming here. Seren and I both like each other, right, cutie?" Lilac looked at Seren with hope and she nodded.

Winter rolled her eyes a third time and growled, "I am not your sister-in-law!" she exclaimed, correcting her once again.

Lilac and Seren gasped at her slightly louder voice and exchanged a terrified look.

Winter rubbed her temples as she felt a headache coming on. She was worn out of the same thing happening over and over again. On the one hand, Kalix was determined to marry him, and on the other, Lilac had already decided she was her sister-in-law.

"I am sorry for raising my voice," she apologized for her rudeness and took a seat on the couch while adding, "But please do not call me that. I'd like it if you called me by name," she urged.

Lilac pursed her lips and nodded, agreeing with her.

"But please don't stop me from coming here," she asked again.

Winter arched her brown brow and admonished, "Only if you both don't mess the room like this."

Lilac exclaimed as the peace in her tone washed away her anxiety. "Don't worry; I will clean it every time we create a mess," she assured, already appreciating the lady before her.

Winter chuckled at her silly response. She never imagined Kalix would have a sister that was quite opposite of him. While he had a chilly and deadly demeanor, Lilac was more pleasant and approachable than the rest of his family. The rest means his grandfather.

"Miss Lilac," Stanley's voice reached their chord, and they saw him return after taking a phone call.

"Boss wants you back in the office." Lilac's face paled at the thought of Kalix knowing her location, and she glared at Stanley.

'You just wait, loyal tail. I will get back at you for betraying me.'

Stanley seemed unconcerned, as if her warning didn't mean much.

Winter's brow wrinkled, on the other hand, as she spotted their silent staring game. But she didn't make much of an effort because she needed to sleep to quiet her racing thoughts.

Seren hurried up to Aunt Lilac and inquired, "When will you come back?" She blinked her eyes innocently, flattering Lilac, and bent down to take her up.

"Soon," her response brought a smile to Seren's face. Quickly pecking her cheeks, they soon left.

Winter believed she had finally found peace, only to discover she had to tidy up the mess two adults had left behind while she was away.

"Okay, girl, let's get back to work," she sighed, forcing her tired body to get up from the couch and tidying the place.