**The Unseen Kingdom That Followed Me Into Every Dream by Alyndra Meron Valeen 214**
In a world where profits dictated the course of business, Lawrence found himself at a crossroads. Aligning with Sleeping Giant was not merely a strategic move; it was a necessary sacrifice, one that weighed heavily on his conscience.
“I completely understand your position, Mr. Grimwald,” he began, his voice a strained whisper, as if the very act of speaking was a burden. “I would never wish to place you in a precarious situation! When we embarked on this project, we agreed to a fair split of profits—50-50, as you recall. But now, considering the circumstances… let’s adjust that to 60-40. You take 60, I’ll settle for 40!”
I regarded him with a slight nod, my expression neutral, but my mind was racing with calculations and possibilities. “Jeanine,” I said, feigning casualness, “what offers are we receiving from the other companies?”
Jeanine’s eyes sparkled with understanding, and a sly smile crept across her lips. “So far, the lowest offer is a staggering 70-30,” she replied, her voice dripping with the thrill of competition.
Before I could formulate a response, Lawrence’s face twisted in anguish, a mask of desperation. “Forget about 70-30, Mr. Grimwald! What if we go for 80-20? Would that work for you?”
The thought of an 80-20 split sent a jolt through me, drastically slashing Blanc Inc.’s anticipated profits by more than half.
I felt a rush of satisfaction as I gripped Lawrence’s hand firmly, a smile breaking across my face. “It appears you are quite sincere in your intentions, Mr. Blanc. I look forward to collaborating with you. A smaller profit is a small price to pay if it means preventing certain individuals from developing an inflated sense of superiority.”
My gaze shifted to Victor, sprawled on the floor, his body a canvas of footprints, trembling as if caught in a tempest of fear. He dared not meet my eyes, the shame too overwhelming.
Lawrence’s jaw clenched so tightly that I feared his teeth might shatter, yet he forced a smile, nodding with fervor. “You’re absolutely right, Mr. Grimwald!”
Releasing his grip, I waved him off dismissively. “Very well. You may leave now.”
Though his heart was undoubtedly heavy, a flicker of anxiety crossed his features as he dragged the battered Victor away, humiliation etched into every step they took.
As they exited the McKay residence, Victor’s pitiful voice rang out, laced with desperation. “Ouch! Dad, I know I was wrong! Why are you still kicking me?”
Lawrence’s furious roar followed, echoing through the air like thunder. “You still have the audacity to ask? You worthless fool! Do you have any idea how much money you just cost me? Beating you to death wouldn’t even begin to make up for it!” Victor’s screams faded into the distance, leaving a haunting silence in their wake.
The living room fell into an oppressive stillness, the tension palpable.

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