Dark Lord Seduction System: Taming Wives, Daughters, Aunts, and CEOs novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55: The Last Stand & Double Cross: Loyalty Has a Price

"And now they’re going to get it because his daughter is too fucking stupid to stop them."

The worst part was the employees. She could feel their eyes on her every time she walked through the office. Hear the whispers about her limited-edition Birkin bags, her custom Louboutin heels, her collection of luxury cars.

"That’s company money she’s wearing."

"Every dress costs more than my annual salary."

"Daddy bought her everything except a brain."

And they were right. God, they were so fucking right it hurt. Every piece of jewelry felt like it was covered in her father’s blood and sweat. Every expensive outfit was a reminder that she was bleeding the company dry while contributing absolutely nothing except embarrassment and failure.

"I want to call mom. I want to call mom and cry and ask her to make this all go away. But mom doesn’t know anything about business either. She just knows how to spend money, just like me."

A knock on her office door made her jump like she’d been electrocuted. "Come in," she called, quickly wiping away tears and probably smearing her makeup all over her face in the process.

Jessica walked in with that smile that Charlotte was starting to recognize as fake. They’d been friends since Harvard—or what passed for friendship when you’d bought your way through college together.

’But now I can’t trust anyone. Not even Jess. Maybe especially not Jess.’

"Hey girl," Jessica said with that forced cheerfulness that sounded faker than a Kardashian apology video, "I need your signature on the new intern recruitment authorization."

Charlotte looked at the papers without really seeing them, her eyes still blurry from crying. More new hires meant more potential spies, more people working for whoever was trying to destroy her father’s company.

’But what choice do I have? If I don’t hire people, the company fails. If I do hire people, they might as well might be working for my enemies. I can’t win.’

She signed the authorization with hands that were still shaking, then looked up at Jessica with eyes that probably looked like a raccoon’s from all the smeared mascara.

"Jess, I need you to post something on that dark web channel. IT Gens. Post that we need help with... with our problem. You know what I’m talking about."

’Please don’t make me explain it. Please don’t make me admit out loud that I have no idea how to solve this.’

Jessica’s expression shifted slightly, and for just a second, Charlotte thought she saw something calculating in her friend’s eyes. ’She’s talking about the AI algorithm breakthrough. The one that could be worth billions if someone actually solves it.’

"Charlotte, honey, are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean, like, putting our problems on the dark web seems kind of—"

"Just do it," Charlotte interrupted, her voice cracking with desperation. "Please, Jess. I’m begging you. Do exactly what I said."

’This is my last fucking hope. If this doesn’t work, I’m going to lose everything daddy built.’

Jessica nodded reluctantly, her face softening with what looked like pity. "Okay, okay. If you’re sure. What’s the budget?"

"Seven hundred thousand," Charlotte said without hesitation, even though the number made her stomach clench. That was more money than most people made in ten years, and she was about to throw it into the dark web like it was pocket change.

’Because we’re desperate. Because I’m desperate. Because I don’t know what else to do.’

*

She typed quickly, her fingers moving with practiced efficiency: "Charlotte wants to post our problem on IT Gens. $700k budget. She’s crying and desperate. Should I proceed?"

The response came within minutes: "Perfect. Go ahead. All the real talent is already on our payroll. Let her waste the money. Document everything for the final phase."

["URGENT: Major tech company needs immediate consultation on critical technical problem. Recent developments have created unique challenges requiring innovative solutions from fresh talent. Budget: $700,000. Serious inquiries only. Anyone with advanced AI knowledge encouraged to apply. Screening interviews: June 25th. Must be available for immediate on-site work."

Posted by: qUantumDesperation]

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