?Chapter 1640:


    Outside, dusk crept in, and the flickering screen reflected across Dani’s expression.


    She flipped the station without emotion, her speech still casual. “I’ve offered more than enough. You’ve got sixty minutes—no grace period.”


    Hamilton recalled that in sixty minutes, Dani usually sat down for her evening meal.


    “Sixty minutes?” Ethan’s tone turned panicked. “Why not just tell me to make a choice? How are you all so cold? Do you seriously feel nothing, asking that of me? Dani, you and Josh might as well be twins! Hamilton, can’t you say something to Dani?”


    Hamilton absorbed his words and silently made his way to the kitchen.


    Cornered, Ethan looked to Brad. “Any suggestions?”


    Brad answered, “Josh didn’t exactly refuse you equity. If the loss feels overwhelming, maybe the right move is to return to Josh’s side? From thirty billion to six—quite the drop.”


    Ethan lowered his gaze. “Could you try reaching Lara?”


    While Brad initiated the call, Ethan stepped away and spoke into the receiver, “Hi? Lara, it’s me.”


    Beyond the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, thendscape was in full view.


    Ethan walked in circles with the phone, raking his fingers through his hair, his tone broken in ces. “I can’t be certain Dani’s reliable! What if she burns through every cent of that six billion? You have no clue—I’m strapped, and I can’t take risks! Ugh, I’m overwhelmed! What’s the move? There’s only six billion left!”<fna648> Chapters first released on fι?dnοvel</fna648>


    His voice echoed from the yard.


    Brad looked over and noticed Dani still lounging on the couch, her gaze fixed on the program. She appeared serene, yet there was an undeniable air of control about her.


    After a while, Ethan returned, tossed the mobile at Brad, and approached Dani. His expression dropped as he neared her. “Can we rework the terms? Let me have a little extra.”


    Dani didn’t shift. The stark glow of the television cast a cool sheen across her features, giving her an air of detachment. “There’s no space for renegotiation. That’s my final figure. Maybe put your confidence in Josh—maybe then you wouldn’t be stuck in this dilemma. I’m not going to pretend I’m some saint.”


    Ethan realized Dani must have overheard parts of his outdoor conversation. Growing more upset, he asked, “If I manage to recover it and invest in the new McCoy Group, can I get as many shares as Brad?”


    “No,” she responded, without hesitation.


    “But why? Why not let me in?” Ethan was on the verge of snapping. “Why is it that the doors always m shut when it’s me?”


    Dani gestured slightly. “Move aside—you’re obstructing the screen. The investment terms now differ from earlier. Any more dys, and no offers will remain. And truthfully, I have no need for your six billion, do I?”


    Ethan couldn’t argue. After all, Dani had wealth beyond reason. She truly didn’t need the funds.


    “Then if the money’s irrelevant, why even offer us a seat?” he asked.


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