In the end, it was the Jansen family''s fault for pushing Serena too far.


    If Howard hadn''t been so desperate to take over Amber Group, Serena wouldn''t havee after Jansen Group with such ruthless determination.


    There was a series of knocks on the door.


    "There''s an internal update. Larson Group is nning to release some projects to the market," Chris said respectfully as he pushed open the door.


    Serena and Alicia immediately sat up straighter, and their gaze sharpened. Projects from the Larson family were prime real estate-everyone would be scrambling for that.


    Back at Jansen Group, the atmosphere was suffocating. Word had already spread about the brawl between the shareholders and Howard.


    Employees could see Jansen Group crumbling around them, and many had started secretly reaching out to recruiters, looking for their next move.


    Panic and fear buzzed through every floor.


    Howard''s phone wouldn''t stop ringing with calls from one furious shareholder to another. He was just about ready to hole up at home like a turtle waiting for the


    storm to pass.


    He had just gotten up when his assistant burst through the door.


    "Good news, Mr. Jansen! Larson Group''s releasing a batch of projects. We might have a shot at snagging some! If we can lock down even a few, Jansen Group might still have a fighting chance!"


    At those words, Howard sank heavily back into his chair. "Well, what the hell are you standing there for? Go get those projects!" he barked.


    But even as he spoke, reality set back in. Getting Larson Group''s projects wasn''t going to be that simple.


    His gaze darkened as Serena shed through his mind.


    "Bring Serena here too," he ordered sharply.


    "Yes, Mr. Jansen!" The assistant rushed off.


    Sarah jumped up in disbelief. "Dad! Why are you calling Serena? You actually think she''s going to help Jansen Group? Or even help@s secure investments?"


    "If I can''t count on her, then should I count on you?" Howard''s gaze turned icy.


    "She''s still Hugh''s wife after all. All she has to do is whisper a few words to him, and we''ll have those projects in our pocket. We need to get her to help us secure the Larson Group''s project before she figures out we scammed her out of her money!"


    Sarah bit her lip, furious and unwilling to give up. "You could count on me too. I could still go to Cole..."


    Before she could finish, Howard hurled an ashtray at her. It crashed at her feet, and the loud thud made her freeze.


    Howard''s face was a mask of fury. "Cole? Cole? If he hadn''t dumped that ind project on us, none of this would be happening! Are you out of your mind that you''re Still betteving in him?"


    Sarah shrank back, too terrified to utter another word.


    A few minutester, Serena stepped into the office, wearing a calm, almost indifferent expression.


    As if she hadn''t heard a thing about Voyage Group, she greeted him lightly, "Dad, what''s the matter?"


    Howard didn''t bother with any niceties. "Have you heard? Larson Group''s about to release several projects. I need you to help us secure them.


    "If you get them for us, I''ll even transfer part of Jansen Group''s shares to you." Serena nearlyughed.


    Jansen Group''s shares? Their stock had already hit rock bottom, and he still had the nerve to dangle it in front of her like it was some grand prize?