"So, are you saying this AI startup is being backed and sponsored by some hidden powerful families in the country?" Antony leaned back in his leather chair, his sharp gaze fixed on the report in front of him.
His assistant, Kim George, nodded. "Yes, sir. It's a rare opportunity. If you invest now, you can become one of it stakeholders before it goes public."
Antony tapped his fingers on his desk, considering. His business had taken some hits lately, and he needed to gain control of Ariana's father's company soon because Ariana is already acting different. if the AI project was as real as the reports claimed, getting in early would not only bring him more profits but also let him gain more power.
A smirk slowly spread across his face.
"Then let's move fast. I want to be part before anyone else gets ahead of me."
———
Meanwhile, across town, Ariana sat in her office, sipping her coffee as she read through Leo feng latest update. She chuckled softly, setting her cup down.
"Hook, line, and sinker," she murmured, eyes gleaming with amusement.
Leo feng grinned from across the room. "He's easy to target than I expected."
Ariana leaned back in her chair. "Of course he is. Antony has always been predictable. Just put something money making or something that will make him have high post in front of him, and he'll do anything to get it first."
Leo feng chuckled. "His financial team even confirmed the buzz. The best part? They have no idea you are involved."
Ariana smirked. "Let's make it even more tempting. Leak a 'rumor' that a few top-tier investors are trying to buy up the majority shares."
Leo feng fingers flew over the keyboard. "Consider it done."
Antony wouldn't be able to resist now.
———
Antony stared at the message he just received from his financial adviser. The AI startup, NovaTech, was gaining attention from high-profile investors even those companies that are not involved in tech, and the shares are already getting sold. Even those companies not involved in tech are getting shares secretly.
After Anthony heard that, all that came to his mind was this is a big opportunity.
He turned to Kim. "Get me a meeting with their CEO."
Kim hesitated. "Sir, their people is being extremely selective with who they let in. They've already rejected multiple offers."
Antony frowned. "Rejected?"
"Yes. It seems they are only accepting investors who bring something valuable to the table, beyond just money."
Antony's jaw tightened. That only made him want it more.
"Find a way in," he ordered.
Kim nodded. "I'll make some calls."
———
In her room, Rachel was walking around.
She tossed her phone onto her bed, frustration boiling inside her.
No matter how many people she called, no matter how many connections she pulled, she couldn't find out who owned the car Ariana had gotten into that night.
It made no sense.
Someone had erased all traces.
And that terrified her.
Ariana does not have powerful connections. She was always easy to manipulate, a foolish woman still obsessed with Antony.
But lately it feels as if she had changed.
Rachel clenched her fists.
She needed answers, Ariana can't leave her gap. She must be able to control and use her.
And there was only one person who could give them to her.
———
Ariana was drinking coffee closed to the window in a coffee shop. She saw Rachel coming in acting like a lotus bitch as she always do. She doesn't change. Rachel called her to this coffee shop. This was where they hang out in the past.
Ariana barely looked up as Rachel stormed into the café where she was casually enjoying an afternoon break.
Rachel slammed her handbag onto the table, lowering her voice just enough to avoid causing a scene. "We need to talk."
Ariana stirred her coffee lazily. "About?"
Rachel's jaw tightened. "Don't play dumb. I know something's going on with you."
Ariana finally glanced up, her expression amused. "Rachel, I can't read your mind. You will have to be more specific."
Rachel took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "I'm just concerned about you. There are rumors spreading about you being seen with someone mysterious. And you know how people talk. I wouldn't want your reputation to suffer especially since you are engaged to Anthony."
Ariana tilted her head. "Oh? How nice of you to worry about me."
Rachel's nails dug into her palm. "I'm just looking out for you."
Ariana took a slow sip of her coffee before setting it down. She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice.
"Are you sure you are worried about me, Rachel and not because you are worried about the fact that I don't care about Antony anymore."
Rachel's eyes flashed with something close to panic. "That's not..."
Ariana smiled. "You should be careful, Rachel. You're starting to sound… insecure."
Rachel's face turned red, she was livid, how dare Ariana. Ariana that do listen to everything she said and tell her everything what going on.
Ariana stood up, brushing past her with a calm, knowing smile. "Enjoy your coffee"
Rachel watched her leave, her hands trembling.
Something was definitely changing.
And she didn't like it one bit.
———
Back in his office, Antony sat alone, tapping a pen against his desk.
His secretary had confirmed everything.NovaTech was real. The potential was massive. And with other investors already circling, he couldn't afford to wait.
And from what his secretary told him, he needs to prepare some shares that they won't be able to turn down.
He thought about Camelo company shares in his hand and decided to invest with it. Even though the Camelo company is not has eye catching as before the shares still worth millions.
"After I become a shareholder in Nova tech, Camelo company won't worth much again" he smirk.
He had to move now.
He picked up his phone. "Kim, prepare the funds and the shares. We're making an offer."
As he ended the call, a smirk played on his lips.
Little did he know, he had just walked straight into Ariana's trap.