Chapter-5

The Rivalry Deepens

In the weeks following the exhibition, tensions between Roy Corp. and RGB Co. escalated. William, refusing to accept defeat, plotted his next move. A high-profile investor, previously loyal to Roy Corp., was now considering shifting alliances. Meanwhile, Aunt Grace's influence within the company grew stronger, and rumors of a hostile takeover spread like wildfire.

Billy found himself caught between his responsibilities and the dangerous games of corporate power. One wrong move could cost him everything. But he was no longer just a newcomer—he was ready to fight back. The war for dominance had only just begun.

After the auction, all the participants, judges, and guests returned to their own lives. The Roy family, however, was anything but at peace.

Rin Roy's Room

Rin Roy sat alone in her room, her thoughts swirling like a storm. She leaned back in her chair, her expression distant and troubled.

Is what happened really right? she wondered, her mind replaying the events of the auction.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Billy entered, his face brimming with excitement and happiness.

"Sis, may I come in?" he asked, his voice cheerful.

Rin forced a small smile. "Hmm. Come in."

Billy's enthusiasm faltered as he noticed her somber expression. "What happened, Sis? Why do you look so tense? Aren't you happy about our victory?"

Rin's lips curved into a faint, almost bitter smile at the word victory. "Hmm."

Billy frowned, sensing something was wrong. "Sis, is something bothering you?"

Rin turned to face him, her gaze piercing. "You tell me, Billy. What exactly was right about what happened? Tell me."

Billy felt a sudden unease and fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Rin sighed, her voice tinged with both frustration and wisdom. "You're still a newborn in the world of business and politics. That's why you're at ease. But I can't be. My experience lets me see further ahead. Do you want to know what I'm thinking?"

Billy nodded softly. "What is it, Sis?"

Rin's expression darkened. "What happened wasn't our victory—it was our defeat. And you'll understand why in the long run."

Billy absorbed her words, the weight of her insight sinking in. Without another word, he left the room, his earlier excitement replaced by a quiet contemplation. As he walked away, he ignored the congratulatory remarks from others, his mind preoccupied with Rin's warning.

Ron Roy's Office

Elsewhere in the mansion, Ron Roy was seething with anger. He paced his office, his fists clenched, his mind racing.

"How? How is this possible?" he muttered furiously. "I planned everything so carefully. How could I lose to a rookie? No, this can't be happening. He can't win against me!"

Despite his scheming—even his attempt to remove the necklace from the competition—Billy had emerged victorious. Ron's frustration boiled over, and he slammed his fist on the desk.

"He can't win!" he shouted to the empty room. "Not against me!"

Ron's Reflections

Back in his room, Ron's thoughts continued to churn.

Did I underestimate Billy? he wondered. Yes, I must have. He must have had a backup plan—a Plan B. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to create another design so quickly.

His musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Aunt Grace entered, her presence commanding yet calm.

"A rope around the neck of the cleverest," Grace said, her voice smooth but laced with meaning.

Ron turned, startled. "Who's there?"

Seeing Grace, he relaxed slightly but remained wary.

Grace repeated the proverb, her tone almost teasing. "A rope around the neck of the cleverest. I think you've heard it before. Now, you're an example of it."

Ron frowned. "What do you mean?"

Grace smiled faintly. "Nothing, my dear. Just a reminder that you're no longer the only clever one in this family. You have a formidable opponent now—someone much smarter than you."

Ron's eyes narrowed. "And who might that be?"

Grace leaned in slightly, her gaze steady. "In business, three things are essential: money, intelligence, and support. The Roys have no shortage of money. As for intelligence, I must say, Billy has proven himself. And when it comes to support…" She paused, her smile widening. "I can guarantee, with absolute certainty, that Rin Roy's support will go to Billy Roy, not Ron Roy."

Ron, who had been listening from the doorway, was visibly shaken by Grace's words. His face paled, but he quickly masked his shock with a sly smile.

"Thank you, Aunt," he said, his voice dripping with false gratitude. "But I don't need your help to defeat my enemies. I've already planned my next move."

Grace raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She turned to leave, pausing only to add, "Think about it, my child. If you need guidance, you know where to find me."

As Grace exited, Ron's smile turned mischievous. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.

"Get ready, little brother," he muttered under his breath. "My next move will hit harder than you can imagine."

The stage was set. The battle lines were drawn. And in the shadows, alliances shifted, strategies unfolded, and the Roy family's future hung in the balance.