Joshua rarely turned off his phone.


    Ste''s head snapped up, her eyes fixed on President Crawford.


    "Where is he now?"


    Seeing that his words had fallen on deaf ears, President Crawford''s expression soured. "Ste, don''t tell me you''re actually going to give up your shares for a man?"


    By now, Ste was frantic with worry.


    If there was one person Israel hated most, it was undoubtedly Joshua. Israel had a habit of running his mouth, and Joshua had disciplined him for it more than once. Unfortunately, Israel never learned his lesson, and eventually, Joshua just stopped bothering with him.


    But Ste knew Israel was petty and held deep grudges. He hadn''t made a move against Joshua before only because hecked the opportunity. Now that he had one, he would never let him go easily.


    Just then, Ste''s phone rang.


    A nce at the caller ID showed it was the bodyguard she had assigned to protect Joshua.


    Ste answered immediately.


    "Ms. Cameron, Joshua has disappeared!"


    Her expression hardened. "What do you mean, disappeared?"


    "A short while ago, Joshua went out. We were following him, providing protection,


    but about ten minutes ago... he suddenly vanished."


    "Vanished? How did he vanish?" Ste pressed.


    f


    "We hit a section of heavy traffic, and our car got separated from his," the bodyguard exined. "By the time we cleared the congestion, Joshua''s car was gone. We found itter in a secluded area, but it was empty. We''ve searched everywhere. but found no trace of him. We had no choice but to report to you first..."


    Ste''s face was grim. "Well."


    After hanging up, she grabbed her phone and started for the door.


    President Crawford watched her, his face a mask of profound disappointment. "Ste, those who aim for greatness can''t afford to get caughtup in minor details! With your wealth and looks, you could have any man you want. Once you secure The Williams Group, you could keep ten boy toys and no one would dare say a word. But right now, you absolutely must cut ties with this troublemaker!"


    Ste''s mind was entirely focused on Joshua''s safety, and she paid President Crawford no mind.


    He was about to try again when her phone rang once more.


    Seeing the name on the screen, her eyes narrowed. She answered the call.


    Israel''s voice drawled slowly from the other end. "I hear President Crawford paid you a visit. In that case... you probably already know why I''m calling. Joshua is with me. If you want to save him,e find me immediately. Otherwise... I can''t guarantee this pretty boy will remain in one piece."


    Without waiting for a response, Israel hung up.


    A few secondster, an address popped up on Ste''s phone, followed by a video of Joshua being held captive.


    Ste immediately prepared to leave.


    ''e''


    President Crawford and the others saw her determination and trembled with frustration. "Ste, this isn''t the time for sentimentality and rash decisions! The moment those founding shares fall into Israel''s hands, you''ll be kicked out of the game! Are you just going to stand by and watch your mother''s legacy go down the drain? Is your mother less important than a man?!"


    Ste paused and looked back at him. "What''s the point of sess if it''s built on a foundation of blood and bodies?"


    "You can''t build a throne out of roses!" President Crawford fired back in frustration. "Every crown in history has been won on a pile of bones!"