At Aetos
Mr. Robert Aetos sat in his office, listening patiently as the board of directors discussed their targets. Though Aetos Multi-Speciality Hospital dominated the city in terms of treatment quality, meeting shareholder expectations was still a priority.
The door opened with a slight knock.
"Father."
"Come in, Sebastian," Robert instructed.
Sebastian stepped inside. "You called for me, Father?"
"Yes. You've been handling the neurology department well, but it's time you step into management."
Before Sebastian could respond, one of the directors, Mr. Li, interjected.
"Sebastian is an excellent surgeon, Mr. Aetos. If you involve him in management, he might have to give up his practice. I don't believe Mr. Wagner would want that, right?"
This bastard. Sebastian clenched his jaw. He had been waiting for this moment his chance to gain power and control. He wouldn't let Li ruin it.
"Father, Mr. Li is right," Sebastian said smoothly. "I love being a surgeon. It's not just a career; it's my passion. But… I trust your judgment. You wouldn't have called me without reason. Isn't that right, Father?"
Robert Aetos smiled in satisfaction.
"Of course. You're my son-in-law for a reason. I'm grateful to Sofia for choosing a capable husband."
"You flatter me, Father," Sebastian responded humbly. "I'm merely fulfilling my responsibilities as a doctor, a husband, and a son-in-law."
Mr. Li gritted his teeth. He's playing the perfect son-in-law role again. But Li knew the truth about Sebastian better than anyone he had seen firsthand how this man had climbed the ladder. But in the face of power, what could he do?
Robert leaned forward. "We're planning to acquire a prime piece of land in the heart of the city. The location is perfect for building another grand multi-specialty hospital, catering exclusively to the elite. The potential revenue is massive."
"But the land belongs to a real estate company," one of the directors pointed out. "There are rumors that Drakos has already approached them and signed an initial contract."
Robert smirked. "I don't intend to step back. Since this is Sofia's first project, I want you to assist her."
Sebastian's eyes gleamed. "Of course, Father. I will help Sofia however I can. That's why I married her to stand by her in both success and failure."
Robert nodded approvingly. "Good. Our agent from Imperium Holdings has secured a meeting with the real estate firm. You and Sofia will go with our sales team to convince them. Inform them that we're willing to cover the penalty for breaking the contract with Drakos, plus offer 20% more. We need that land at any cost."
"This isn't just about the hospital's future," Robert continued. "It's about yours and Sofia's."
Sebastian bowed slightly. "I understand, Father. I won't disappoint you."
As he left the office, his heart pounded with excitement. If I secure this contract, my place in management will be solidified. And after Robert steps down… the chairman's seat will be mine.
Two Days Later – At Adkins Real Estate
Daniel entered Aurora's office with a serious expression.
"Aurora, we got a call from Imperium Holdings. They want to meet us directly. Even though we signed an initial agreement with Drakos, they're willing to cover the penalty and offer 20% more."
Aurora smirked. "That's tempting, Uncle, isn't it?"
Daniel chuckled. "It is… but they don't know how fairly we play."
Aurora leaned back in her chair. "Maybe we should at least hear them out."
"But Aurora… we signed a contract."
She tapped her fingers on the desk. "I have a weird feeling we might have to break that agreement."
"WHAT?!"
Aurora calmly explained everything that had happened at the club.
Daniel's face darkened. "That bitch… she tried to lay hands on you? I swear, I want to strangle her with my own hands."
Aurora chuckled. "Calm down, Uncle. You know me… trust me, her end isn't far." Her smirk turned dangerous.
Daniel exhaled sharply, then grinned. "Alright. I'll hint to Aetos that we're listening, but I won't give them any hope. Let's see how this plays out."
"Oh, and by the way… Sofia will be leading the team."
Aurora raised a brow. "Oh?"
Daniel dramatically mimicked Sofia's reaction upon seeing Aurora. "I can't wait to see her face when she finally realizes who she's negotiating with."
Aurora chuckled. "Uncle, you should be in movies."
"I wish I had the chance." He winked before leaving.
Aurora picked up her intercom. "Ria."
"Yes, Ms. Adkins?"
"The fruit has ripen. It's time to strike."
Ria beamed. "I was waiting for this moment, Boss."
Aurora's gaze turned cold. Let's see how you handle this, Ms. Wilson.
Isabella's POV
For two days, I took a break under the excuse of personal matters. But in reality, I was trying to calm the storm inside me.
The humiliation. The anger. The failure.
Both of my plans had crumbled.
I didn't care about Aurora. But him, I had failed miserably in seducing him.
I stormed into my office, forcing myself to focus. But the second Lena rushed in anxiously, my irritation spiked.
"Now what?" I snapped.
"There's an issue."
"I wish that, for once, you'd walk in here without looking like the world is ending," I sneered.
She stared at me blankly.... as if it was my fault she was anxious all the time.
"We received an email from Adkins Real Estate," she said cautiously.
"The sales team?"
"No… from their secretary's office."
I narrowed my eyes. "And?"
"They attached footage… of you. Threatening and mistreating their employees."
My stomach dropped. "WHAT?"
"They're demanding an explanation and a formal apology before proceeding with the contract. Otherwise—"
"Otherwise, what?" I snapped.
"They'll escalate it and cancel the deal."
I slammed my hands on the desk. "FUCK YOU, AURORA!"
My office went silent. Employees outside exchanged glances.
Lena whispered, "Young madam… it's only a matter of time before the CEO finds out."
"They aren't bluffing," she added grimly. "They've already started talking to Aetos."
My vision blurred with rage. No. No, no, no. That contract is mine.
My phone rang. Dad.
I hesitated before answering. "Dad—"
"You never learn, Isabella." His voice was sharp. "Do you want to ruin the entire Wilson family?"
"Dad, I—"
"Shut up! Do you even realize what you've done?"
I clenched my fists. "I—"
"I received the footage. This isn't just a threat. They're already in discussions with Aetos."
My blood ran cold. "WHAT?!"
"It's all thanks to you. You're a disgrace."
"Dad—"
"Shut the fuck up. I have to fix this mess." The line went dead.
I squeezed my phone, my nails digging into my palm.
"UGH! Aurora, you bitch!" I screamed.
And then... another call.
A private number.
I hesitated before answering. "Hello?"
A smirk curled my lips.
Let's see who wins this game, Aurora.
The next morning at Adkins Real estates,
Susan came running in, breathless, with Ria right behind her, looking equally tense.
"Ms. Adkins!" Susan gasped.
Aurora frowned. "What's wrong?"
"We received a legal notice for canceling the contract without prior response."
Aurora's expression darkened. She hadn't even intimated her team to officially cancel the contract with Drakos yet.
"WHAT?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
Susan hesitated, exchanging a glance with Ria before continuing. "That's not all… Our servers are down, and—"
"All the CCTV footage of Isabella is gone," Ria finished grimly.
Aurora's fingers drummed against her desk.
So… you've made your move.
Her lips curled into a slow, dangerous smirk.