The moment Yale heard that, a bad feeling crept up on him. He quickly backpedaled.


    “No, no, that’s not necessary.”


    Tyler crooked a finger at him. “Come here.”


    For a split second, both Rachel and Yale felt like Tyler wasn’t calling a person <i>so </i>much as summoning a


    dog. The air turned awkward in an instant,


    Rachel jumped in to exin for him. “He’s probably just used to it. Ray doesn’t always listen, and this


    works better.”


    Yale smiled stiffly. “Is that so? Haha…”


    Rachel dropped her gaze, realizing that exining only made it sound worse.


    Yale stepped up to Tyler’s side, leaned forward, and whispered in his ear.


    “It’s bad, sir. Steven has started hitting our stock hard, and every pending partner is suddenly pulling out. That’s not even the worst part. Thepanies we’re already working with are willing to take the penalty fees just to stop doing business with us.”


    Everyone knew that even if the penalty was paid, thepany would still take a loss.


    One or two partners pulling out could be managed, but more than that? It could crush them.


    They were trying to strangle thepany to death.


    Tyler hadn’t expected Steven <i>to </i><i>go </i>this far just to force him into submission–and all to help Howard save face. Steven was willing to burn mountains of cash just to bankrupt him.


    Steven clearly knew the Lewis family wouldn’t step in anymore. LS Enterprise was technically Tyler’s personal asset, but Lewis Enterprise belonged to the family.


    If Tyler went under, Thomas would be all too happy to see him crawl back, begging for help, so he could


    take back control.


    Still, Tyler had seen his share of storms. Even with news like this, his expression remained calm.


    He didn’t want Rachel to know<i>. </i>


    He knew her too well. She didn’t care much about herself, but she cared deeply about the people around


    her.


    If she found out he was taking this hit because of her, she’d walk herself right up to the Ziegler doorstep


    without hesitation.


    Tyler gave Yale a nod. “Help me into the car. I’m going to the office.”


    Yale’s eyes went wide. “Sir, please reconsider. Thepany can hold out for a bit. You don’t need to rush back. Your health shoulde first.”


    Tyler’s gaze cooled instantly. His voice dropped. “You’re getting bold for an assistant. Starting to make my decisions for me now?<b>” </b>


    Yale lowered his head at once.


    He had just gotten Tyler to his feet when Rachel called out.


    “Did the doctor say you needed more tests?”


    Yale answered for him. “Mr. Hunt says I’m taking him to the office.”


    Rachel bolted upright in bed. She was instantly on alert. “Did something happen at thepany<b>? </b><b>Is </b>Steven going after it for Howard’s sake?”


    Business–war revenge was something Rachel knew all too well.


    Tyler denied it tly. “No. A project got messed up. One of my people slipped up on the data. The partner is asking questions, so I need to exin it in person.”


    Rachel gave him a once–over. His leg was still in a cast, his body battered, and his face pale.


    He hadn’t even healed, and he was already thinking about going back to the office.