?Chapter 1209:


    The thought flickered through Howe’s mind—sharp and ufortable. Almost immediately, he brushed it aside with a coldugh.


    Impossible. If William could predict the future that clearly, how could he not have predicted his own downfall? How could he have walked blindly into that “ident” on his wedding day?


    Thest executives filtered out of the conference room, leaving only the echo of footsteps and the faint hum of the projector cooling down. The lights dimmed into a heavy quiet, broken only by the soft, impatient tapping of Howe’s pen against the table.


    His assistant lingered at the doorway, hesitant. “Mr. Briggs,” he asked carefully, “what should we do now? Should we… still go through with the n?”


    Howe pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, his temples throbbing under the weight of everything that had just unraveled.


    If those key projects hadn’t been taken by the military, Briggs Group would have been an untouchable goldmine. But stripped of its most valuable assets, the title of CEO felt hollow now—like being handed the crown to a crumbling kingdom.


    He sank back into his chair, silent for a long time. Whether this was the result of William’s careful foresight or just a cruel twist of coincidence, Howe couldn’t tell. He only knew one thing: he hadn’t seen iting.


    Finally, after a long pause, he exhaled heavily. “We’ll postpone everything for now,” he said atst. “No moves against William’s position until we see how this unfolds.”


    His assistant nodded quickly, relieved that Howe’s temper had cooled.


    The next two weeks would be decisive.


    If Briggs Group survived without its core projects, Howe would step in, take control, clean up the mess, and make himself look like the savior. But if thepany faltered, he would cut his losses—pin the disaster squarely on William’s absence, and walk away untouched.


    Either way, he’d win.


    That same night, far from the city’s glittering skyline, a lone building stood illuminated on the quiet outskirts.


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    From the outside, it looked like a secluded vi, the kind favored by reclusive academics or retired businessmen. But inside, behind unmarked steel doors, the hum of machinery filled the air.


    It wasn’t a home.


    It was one of William’s secret bases—established years ago, back when he’d first begun working on thepany’s most confidential technologies.


    Even Ste had never known it existed.


    Lance—now dressed in casual civilian clothes—stood at the center of a vast underground control room.


    In front of him stood a dozen researchers, men and women handpicked by William himself. Faces weary from sleepless nights, yet steady with loyalty.


    Lance’s gaze swept across them.


    “You all know why I’m here,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Things at Briggs Group are not what they seem. Beneath that calm surface, Howe Briggs is maneuvering to take full control. And the projects he’s after aren’t just profitable ventures—they…”


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