All the key yers at the Fitzgerald Group-including major shareholders, board elders, and the most respected founding members-were expected to attend.


    What''s more, the entire meeting would be recorded in thepany''s permanent archives.


    So, everyone took it seriously.


    The vice president began his summary: "Ladies and gentlemen, based on the data from our financial reports, the past year has been outstanding under Mr. Fitzgerald''s leadership. The Fitzgerald Group saw a remarkable 20% increase in overall profits, and our return on investment hit an impressive 30%. However, there is a minor blemish our overseas profits dropped by 15%pared tost year."


    As soon as he finished, the conference room erupted in enthusiastic apuse.


    Adjusting his sses, the VP continued, "With the annual general meeting approaching, it''s possible some minor shareholders are making moves behind the scenes. Especially after your announcement today, Mr. Fitzgerald-about your engagement—they might try to use it against you at the meeting."


    He stole a quick nce at the man sitting at the head of the table. "Should we consider... taking some precautionary measures?"


    At that, the room fell silent.


    The Fitzgerald Group had once been poised to merge with the LS Corporation, and the twopanies had enjoyed a close partnership for years.


    But when the merger fell apart unexpectedly, their overseas market share took a direct hit.


    Many shareholders and board elders were already unhappy about that.


    Now, with Victor abruptly announcing his engagement to Isadora, the discontent only grew. Some whispered that it was a "charity marriage"—a move to prop up a weaker partner-which made the more disgruntled shareholders even bolder.


    Victor sat back in his chair, legs crossed, his elegant posture radiating quiet authority. His longshes lowered, giving nothing away, and his expression remained unreadable as he drummed his fingers-slowly, deliberately-on the table. "So, what do you suggest we do?" he asked.


    Seeing that Victor was listening, the vice president jumped to present what he thought was a clever solution.


    "Mr. Fitzgerald, even though you''ve announced your engagement, perhaps for now-the priority should be to smooth things over with the board elders and major shareholders. Maybe you could... postpone the wedding?"


    The words had barely left his mouth when Victor fixed him with a cold, cutting stare. The VP fell silent, as if the temperature in the room had dropped ten degrees.


    Victor''s lips curled into an ambiguous smile. "You seem to have all the answers. Would you like to take over as president?"


    The tone gave nothing away, but the hairs on the back of the VP''s neck stood up.


    "N-no, sir. I—I was out of line. Please don''t take offense..."


    These old men, Victor thought. When ites to collecting dividends, they''re all smiles, barely remembering who they are. But the moment any reform or change is on the table, they''re the loudest@oices of dissent. Now they even want to meddle in his marriage.


    With a flick of his wrist, Victor


    tossed his fountain pen onto the et


    table. The metallic tter echoed in the silent boardroom, and every face around the table tightened


    Victor stood, gaze steely as he swept his eyes around the room. His voice was icy. "I want a list. I want to know exactly who thinks they''re standing against me."


    Executive Suite.


    Isadora had been napping, curled up on the ck leather sofa, when the shrill ring of her phone jolted her awake.


    Still groggy, she fumbled for the speaker button.


    Her mother, Eleanor Vaughan, came


    through the line. "Isadora, darling, I just sent you a video of your new ce-did you see it? I''ve already hired several housekeepers, and one of them is especially good with children."


    "Oh, and have you settled on a managing director for the Vaughan Group yet?


    When are you nning toe over to Europe and join us?"


    The barrage of questions helped clear thest traces of sleep from Isadora''s eyes.


    She''d almost forgotten about all thistely.


    "I already hired a manager a while ago, but as for moving abroad, I..."


    Before she could finish, she heard quiet footsteps approaching the door.