Can't Win Me Back

Carl's blood ran cold at Jameson's words. He couldn't bring himself to speak.

"I told you to keep Nicholas under close watch, and as I expected, he's been communicating with someone." A cruel, mocking laugh escaped Jameson's lips. "Didn't I tell you? In this world, only the dead can be truly trusted."

"You're a genius, Mr. Schmidt!" Admiration and shock warred on Carl's face. "But, how did you realize something was off with Chief Novak?"

"He asked me about the drug development progress the other day, completely out of the blue. Never before has he bothered himself with such minor details."

Jameson circled the table, picking up a photo from a stack. He studied it with chilling coldness. The picture captured Jasper placing a lighter in Nicholas' hand during their meeting at a café.

A long moment passed before Jameson crumpled the photo into a tight ball, his eyes hardening with repressed fury.

"Are you planning to..." Carl ventured cautiously. "Forgive my bluntness, but Chief Novak has been invaluable. He has handled much of your dirty work flawlessly, yet the police have never managed to pin anything on him. They were like headless chickens, hitting walls at every turn.

"Despite his average position in Solana City, he wields considerable power-manipulating police investigations and ridding you of problems.

"We have no idea what transpired during his meeting with Mr. Beckett. For all we know, it could be a setup to sow discord between you and Chief Novak.

"I don't think he is bold enough to betray you. He has blood on his hands that we can use against him. Besides, his wife's life hangs by a thread. I don't think he would act this recklessly."

"I don't need him anymore," Jameson said calmly.

"W-What did you say?"

"I received a call from Sir last night." A smile played on Jameson's pale lips, a glint of triumph in his eyes. "Sir told me that there is a breakthrough in the drug experiment in Mosgravia, so we can stop the experiments in Solana City.

"Since we don't need to run the experiments anymore, I have no use for our cleaner, Nicholas. Honestly, I never intended to keep him around from the start."

Carl felt his breath hitch in his throat, a cold dread slithering down his spine.

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"He knows too many of our secrets. No matter his past contributions or determination, I will never keep him around."Jameson paused, turning to Carl with an unexpected tenderness. "However, you are the exception. You're not just my subordinate; you're family,

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"I owe my success not just to Sir's guidance but your support as well. Once things settle, I'll make you a shareholder and put you on the Schmidt Group board of directors. You have proven your loyalty to me. IContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

will treat you well."

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Gratitude washed over Carl's face. His lips trembled as he said, "Don't worry, Mr. Schmidt! I swear that I'll never betray you. Otherwise, let me die a tragic death and have my body be fed to the dogs!"

The Lovelace Group was reeling. Though Edgar had survived the attack, a cerebral hemorrhage from the shock left him paralyzed.

Meanwhile, Joseph was charged with abetting murder, illegal drug storage, money laundering, bribery, and a slew of other crimes.

Conversely, the police lacked evidence to declare the Lovelace Group responsible for human drug testing. As a result, they did not publicly announce it.

However, the public was convinced of a cover-up. Consequently, Lovelace Group's stock price plummeted for five days straight, losing over two billion dollars overnight.

Their reputation was dragged through the mud, tarnished by public scorn. Graffiti plastered the company entrance with obscenities while a swarm of reporters camped outside, capturing images for their sensationalized narratives.

Mandy and Julien were the only ones left in the Lovelace family. One was estranged upon marriage, while the other was ostracized for years. Yet, despite his nominal stake, Julien had never interfered in the company's affairs.

The Lovelace Group, once a titan of industry, now teetered on the brink of collapse-a victim of malicious intentions.

That day, Mandy, assuming the

mantle of acting president, called an

emergency meeting with the board of directors. She eschewed her usual opulent attire as a rich man's wife, opting for a tailored white suit and a foxtail lily brooch crafted by

Alyssa with white and pin

diamonds.

A palpable hostility hung in the air as she entered the meeting room. But Mandy wouldn't back down. No matter the odds, she refused to let the Lovelace family crumble.