The assistant shook his head. "I''ve had my team investigate thoroughly. It''s not the Gardner family."


    Because the Gardner family was actively targeting the Burton Group, nearly all of their attention was focused on Joshua. They would know instantly if he made any move.


    Under such close watch, if Joshua had targeted their medical division, they would''ve known first.


    But if not Joshua, who else would have the audacity to challenge the Burton family?


    "Keep digging," Sellersmanded icily. "Joshua is cunning and full of tricks. He might have found a new way to attack us."


    The assistant nodded and left.


    However, after a full week of investigation, Sellers'' team found no link between the incident and Joshua.


    It was Aurora who, upon hearing about the situation, offered a suggestion.


    "Sellers, instead of wasting time focusing on Joshua, why not start with the partners who terminated their contracts?"


    Sellers sounded exasperated. "We''ve already looked into it. We found nothing unusual. They haven''t found new partners. If they simply lie low, it will be very difficult to uncover the problem quickly."


    "It''s impossible for every single one of them to keep their mouths shut," Aurora said. "If you want to find answers quickly, you might have to use... certain methods."


    Sellers rubbed his temples. "I know that''s the fastest way. But these partners are allies from my father''s generation. I can''t just burn those bridges."


    Aurora''s voice was gentle. "They abandoned their partnership with the Burton Group. They are no longer allies. They were disloyal first, Sellers. Why should you be so considerate?"


    She paused. "If you don''t uncover their objective soon, any further dy will give your opponent time to consolidate their position, and you might never recover."


    Aurora''s words finally convinced Sellers.


    That night, he and his most trusted men paid a visit to Old Mr. St. John, a man whose family had partnered with the Burtons since the very beginning.


    Looking at Old Mr. St. John''s white hair, Sellers began, "Old Mr. St. John, you''ve raised such an outstanding grandson. You wouldn''t want the St. John family line to end with you, to be ruined by your own hand, would you?"


    Old Mr. St. John looked at Sellers and sneered.


    "Even when business deals fall through, goodwill should remain. Sellers, the St. John family did not break our contract. We followed standard procedure and chose not to renew when the term expired."


    Sellers replied, "Old Mr. St. John, you''ve worked with my family for decades. You''ve been with us almost from the start. If you want to leave, that''s fine. But at least give me a valid reason."


    Old Mr. St. John stared him down. "And if I don''t give you a reason, you''ll threaten my grandson?"


    "Old Mr. St. John," Sellers said with sigh of feigned helplessness, "you know the Burton Group is currently in a vulnerable position. Your sudden departure makes it look like youre colluding with our


    onemies


    You''re a sessful businessman yourself. Surely you can understand my position."


    Old Mr. St. John snorted heavily. "To be frank, I''ve wanted to cut ties with you ever since you took over the Burton Group. The rules you implemented showed aplete disregard for the survival of smatter businesses and their employees. We all understand the pursuit of maximum profit, but you can''t squeeze us out of existence just for your bottom line. You''ve turned everyone against you!


    "You just said it yourself-we walked this path with the Burton Group from the beginning. Yet, when Old Man expressed his dissatisfaction with, your leadership right after you took over, you pulled his funding and drove him into bankruptcy is that how you treat a partner? won''t hide it from you anymore. I''ve loathed a greedy man like you for ages."