In the CEO''s office of The Burton Group, Sellers'' desk phone and mobile were ringing incessantly, a chorus of urgent tones that grated on the nerves. He had no intention of answering any of them.


    His brows were tightly furrowed as he looked at the contract termination files his assistant had brought in. "What''s going on? Another partner has canceled on us?"


    "Yes, sir," the assistant said quietly. "This time it''s one of The Burton Group''s most important partners. The twopanies have been working together for five years..."


    Even if Sellers were a fool, he would have realized something was deeply wrong. "Go find out who''s pulling the strings behind this. Now."


    The assistant hurried away. Not long after, Sherman knocked and entered. His face was grim. "Uncle, The Burton Group''s stock price has suddenly be extremely vtile. It''s dropped by several percentage points."


    For a top-tier conglomerate like The Burton Group, a drop of a few percentage points could mean tens of billions in evaporated wealth.


    "Our stock has always been stable," Sherman said. "We rarely see fluctuations this dramatic. A sudden drop like this could cause a market panic. If we can''t stabilize the situation, we could see a massive sell-off from shareholders. If that happens... our stock price could plummet to rock bottom."


    It was a terrifying prospect, and Sellers knew it. "Have you found out what''s causing this?" he asked in a low voice.


    "I had my assistant look into it. For the past week, our stock price was steadily rising. Then, starting two days ago, someone began a massive sell-off. I suspect someone is engaged in a malicious acquisition of our shares..."


    Sellers scanned the data reports Sherman had brought and came to an immediate conclusion. "A sell-off of this magnitude means they didn''t start acquiring shares just a few days ago." His eyes were dark. "Since they''ve made their move, they won''t stop at just one day of selling. That means they hold far more spares than we imagine. The fact that we''ve noticed now is only because they''ve elerated their acquisition and are no longer trying to hide."


    Sellers'' words made Sherman realize the gravity of the situation. "Uncle, are you saying... they started acquiring our stock a long time ago? And we just didn''t notice?"


    Sellers gave a cold smile. "First they take our contracts, then they hit us on the stock market. This n has been brewing for at least six months. If they hadn''t gotten ahead of themselves and shown their cards, we would have been finished.


    Sherman was stunned. A six-month plot carried out without anyone noticing was terrifying. He asked quietly, "Uncle, do you know who''s behind this?"


    "I have a good idea," Sellers said, his eyes cold. He picked up his phone and dialed


    a number. The call connected almost immediately, and a low,zy male voice came through.


    "Sorry, Sellers. I can''t influence my family''s decision. You know I don''t work in the family business."


    P


    Sellers'' voice was heavy. "Henley, don''t worry won''t make things difficult for you. I''m just calling to get an answer. You know that in business, there are no permanen enemies. Even though ourpanies have canceled their partnership, we might work together again in the future. There''s no need to burn bridges, right?"


    Henley Holloway sighed softly. He knew why Sellers was calling. "Sellers, we''re like-


    minded friends, so I won''t hide it from you."