At Jansen Group, Howard''s assistant reported bad news one after another.


    "Our funds can''t keep up anymore. These two projects have been put on hold. The higher-ups want us to cover the costs, but the workers below aren''t getting paid and refuse to speed up construction. Without money, there''s nothing we can do. And this project..."


    Howard paced anxiously, restless and agitated. He had believed that winning the Arnold Group bid would bring in funds and ease Jansen Group''s cash flow.


    However, not only did they lose the bid, but several other projects were now stuck for various reasons.


    He had no idea what to do.


    After pacing for a long time, his gazended on the stock market numbers on his screen. He struggled for a while before saying, "Sell off Jansen Group''s floating stocks."


    Letting in some small investors might just keep them afloat for a little longer.


    "Understood. I''ll arrange it right away."


    His assistant then hurried off to make the arrangements.


    Within moments, Jansen Group''s stock price fluctuated noticeably.


    Serena''s gaze swept over the stalled projects in front of her, her expression unreadable.


    Howard was already offloading shares in desperation, making this the perfect opportunity for an outsider to step in.


    With that thought, she called for Natalie.


    "I need you to handle something privately for me. I have an identity under Katarina Lopez, with a fully prepared ount. Use it to buy up all the scattered shares of Jansen Group. Hold onto them, no matter the profit or loss. Calcte the amount needed, and I''ll transfer it within two hours."


    For a brief moment, surprise crossed Natalie''s face.


    "I''m an employee of Jansen Group."


    Serena was asking her to use a false identity to buy shares in her ownpany. If this got out...


    Serena only smiled, handing over the documents.


    "You are someone I can trust."


    "Alright. I got it."


    A spark lit up in Natalie''s eyes.


    Compared to those two fools, Howard and Sarah, Serena was sharp and resourceful. It was worth it to rely on her.


    Serena sat alone at her desk, staring at the fluctuating stock prices of Jansen Group. At that moment, her expression was cold and distant.


    She would reim it piece by piece.


    As for today''s funds, they came from the sale of her properties and shares back in Yellowbrook City.


    Using the money she earned to buy back what rightfully belonged to Amber was perfectly justified.


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    "Ms. Jansen, Mr. Jansen wants to see you," a junior employee informed her.


    Serena gathered her thoughts and responded calmly before rising to head toward Howard''s office.


    As soon as she stepped inside, Howard quickly closed the stock market page on his screen and put on a smile.


    "Nina, have a seat. I wanted to talk to you about recent market trends."


    "Why don''t we talk in the conference room?"


    Serena sat down with a knowing smile, with a hint of amusement in her eyes.


    Caught in his little scheme, Howard cleared his throat awkwardly.


    "The current market shifts are somewhat tied to your... personal matters as well. With Foster Group winning the bid, it seems they''re looking to establish themselves in Javerton City. Since we''ll be running into each other often, it wouldn''t be wise to let past conflicts sour things. We, as elders, have little interaction with them, but you and Zach have some history. So, perhaps..."


    He wanted her to cozy up to the Foster Group, huh?


    Serena knew exactly what he was implying.


    How ridiculous.


    Howard had already married her off to the Larsons for a business alliance, and now he wanted to squeeze more out of her, using old ties to win over another


    man.