?Chapter 121:


    A few minutester, the number was in his inbox. Marc’s jaw tightened as he hit dial.


    Ste’s phone rang. She nced at the unfamiliar number and hesitated. It might’ve been a potential client, so she picked up.


    “Hello Stel—”


    The sound of Marc’s voice made her instantly want to hang up.


    But as if sensing her impulse, he jumped in quickly. “Wait—don’t hang up. I know I messed up today, alright? I’m sorry. But I’ve got info about the Haywood Group. Thought you might want to hear it.”


    She said nothing. Marc pressed on. “I’ll trade with you. I give you info, you give me the form you used to treat my headaches.”


    Ste rolled her eyes, already guessing he had no real intel. Just another bait-and-switch.


    “Sorry, I think you’ve got the wrong person. I don’t know anything about a form. And like I said before—I’m not Ste. So I have no clue what you’re talking about.”


    Marc’s temper snapped. His head was already pounding, and her tone only pushed him further.


    “Ste, don’t y games with me. It’s just a form for headaches! If you won’t give it to me, I’ll find someone else to reverse-engineer it!” His voice turned bitter. “If it’s about the money, I’ll pay—top dor. You’re clinging to William for cash anyway. Here’s a chance to get paid without crawling around for a man. Isn’t that a win-win?”


    Steughed. A full, richugh. “Oh, that form? Yeah, I know it. Since you’re so generous… how about a billion for it?”


    Marc froze. “A billion?! Are you out of your mind? What kind of headache cure is worth that?”


    She didn’t miss a beat. “Mr. Walsh, that’s riching from a man who said everything has a price. So what’s the issue? Can’t afford it? Going bankrupt already?”


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    Before he could say another word, she hung up—and blocked the number.


    Ste tossed her phone onto the desk and leaned back. Her head was clear, her heart even clearer.


    Thest few weeks had been a whirlwind of closed deals and professional wins.


    And now, the final confirmation hade in. The official appointment letter. William was holding a shareholders’ meeting to make it public—she would be named CEO of Neb. The announcement was set for tomorrow.


    The next morning, Ste arrived at Neb right on time.


    The meeting room was already filled with thepany’s senior management.


    As she walked in, every head turned.


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