"Damn it!" Lawrence’s roar echoed through the study as he kicked his desk, gripping his phone in frustration. He ground his teeth, staring at the screen where the call had just ended. "Damn these people!"
The NL Group’s stocks were plummeting, but LL Construction was no better. Their stocks weren’t just dipping — their clients were also cutting them off one by one. Most of his upcoming projects had already been canceled, and even several government projects he had won through bidding had disqualified him overnight.
"No, no—" His breath hitched as he tried calling his other clients again, but to no avail.
Most of them didn’t answer, while those who did simply told him to contact their lawyers. He ruffled his hair in irritation, knowing that if he didn’t do something soon, he would have to declare bankruptcy. In desperation, Lawrence began dialing the numbers of people he considered "friends."
Just a little help — that was all he needed.
"Come on..." he muttered, pacing back and forth, running his hands through his hair again. "Please answer."
It was already the fourth person he was calling from his so-called friend circle. The first three hadn’t even bothered to pick up. So when he finally heard a click on the line, his eyes lit up.
"Oh, Lawrence, it’s you!" a man’s voice came from the other end. "What is it?"
Lawrence forced a shaky laugh, trying to steady his tone. "Hey, uh... remember that time during our fishing trip?"
"What about it?"
"You told me that if I ever needed help, you’d help me," he said quickly. "Well... I need help, brother."
There was nothing but silence for several seconds.
"Oh... I don’t remember saying that," the man chuckled. "But if I did, I’m sure I meant it."
Lawrence ignored the first part and exhaled in relief until the man spoke again.
"But Lawrence, even if I helped you with whatever’s going on between the Young family and LL Construction, I don’t think it would change anything!" the man continued bluntly. "You offended Summit Partners, and now the NL Group is scrambling to salvage their stocks. Once Summit Partners makes a move, there’s no stopping it."
Lawrence’s jaw clenched.
Everyone in the industry already knew that the stock dip was just the beginning. Investors were pulling out early to save themselves before the real storm hit — before Atlas Bennet and Summit Partners officially responded.
Although everyone knew the Lancasters would eventually recover, the same couldn’t be said for the Youngs. Their survival rate was zero.
"So, Lawrence, I know I said I’d help you if you needed me," the man sighed, "but I also have a family to feed. We all need to survive, brother."
He paused, then added lightly, "But there is something I can do for you. Why not sell LL Construction? I’d buy it."
"What?" Lawrence’s eyes widened.
And those who hadn’t were now circling like vultures, waiting to profit from his downfall.
"You bastards!" he yelled, panting as he stumbled back and braced himself against the edge of the desk. His hands dragged down his face, and a low groan escaped his throat.
"Shit..." he muttered through clenched teeth. "I’m doomed."
Reality hit him like a heavy weight pressing down on his chest. If LL Construction went under, he would lose everything. This company was his life — all he had ever known. He had been running it for decades. He didn’t know how to start over.
As he sat there, trembling with helplessness, he didn’t notice Jasmine standing silently by the door.
Her eyes were cold.
She watched her husband without a hint of pity, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Then, with a shallow breath, she turned and quietly walked away.
Once she reached her room, she opened her drawer and pulled out a second phone — her secret phone. Her hand didn’t hesitate as she dialed a number she knew by heart.
The call connected almost instantly.
"Mike," she whispered. "Lola Young hurt our Melissa. I don’t care if I lose everything..." Her voice hardened, eyes burning with hatred. "As long as she’s dead."

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