If someone defaults without a valid reason, there''s always a penalty to pay.


    Charlene wouldn''t mind parting ways with Neural Nexus Tech as long as thepensation for breach of contract was settled.


    "You!"


    Leah was taken aback and almost retorted.


    It wasn''t just about her not having the authority to decide for Neural Nexus Tech; even if she could, breaking ties with PrimeStar would mean crossing Stewart. Everyone knew that both Vesta''s family and others were keen on maintaining a good rtionship with Stewart.


    Taking such a rash decision would be akin to making an enemy out of Stewart.


    This was clear to Georgina, Katie, and the others.


    Seeing Leah left speechless by Charlene''s boldness, Georgina felt a twinge of difort.


    Even Maureen, who had been watching Charlene, seemed to grow colder.


    They hadn''t expected anyone to speak so brazenly.


    But Maureen wasn''t about to let it get to her. She looked at Charlene with a frosty gaze and said, "You talk a good game, but are you sure your signature holds any legal weight?"


    Quincy was shocked to see Charlene going head-to-head with members of the Hawkins and Spencer families.


    He worried about things escting further, so he tried to intervene by gently tugging on Charlene. However, she shrugged him off and stared Maureen down with an even colder look. "Whether my signature holds up legally or not, we can find out. But I''m guessing some people are too afraid to test it."


    Charlene was confident.


    Maureen pursed her lips.


    Ever since Vesta started dating Thorne, both the Hawkins and Spencer families had beenfortably shielded, rarely facing any confrontations.


    Especially not from someone like Charlene.


    "What''s going on here?"


    Vesta approached, curious about themotion.


    Charlene seized the moment and spoke before anyone else could. "Ms. Spencer here ims that our PrimeStar isn''tpetent enough, which is why our team frequently needs to visit Neural Nexus Tech for maintenance. I suggested that if they really believe we''recking, they should just terminate the contract. But Ms. Spencer said I couldn''t make decisions for PrimeStar. So, I asked them to draft a breach contract for me to sign, to prove whether I could act on behalf of PrimeStar."


    "And thisdy Charlene gestured at Maureen questioned the legality of my signature. I challenged them to draft that breach contract and see for themselves. It''s funny how they insult us freely but hesitate when asked to back it up. So, Mr. Hawkins, what do you say?"


    Vesta pressed her lips together, surprised by the turn of events.


    With Charleneying it out like that, Vesta was almost certain that if the breach contract were drawn up, Charlene''s signature would indeed hold legal standing.


    But actually signing such a contract would mean paying hefty penalties and scrambling to find a new partner, which could severely dy their autonomous vehicleunch. That would be a costly setback.


    Charlene, noticing Vesta''s hesitation,


    added, "So, Mr. Hawkins, are you


    elet


    afraid too? You all questioned PrimeStar''s capability, yet whenes to drafting a contract, everyone''s suddenly silent. What''s


    the matter? Do you think your status gives you the right to bully others?"


    "It''s a minor issue," Vesta replied coolly. "No need to blow it out of proportion, Ms. Ross."


    "Your cousin insults us at will, and your mother supports her despite knowing she''s in the wrong. Now, Mr. Hawkins, you also know your family''s in the wrong but refuse to apologize, instead using us of overreacting..."


    Charlene looked straight at her and continued, "I''ve often heard Mr. Hawkins is fair and reasonable. But now it seems neither you nor your family are as understanding as people im."