During the New Year’s holiday, disaster struck-the Cole Group plunged into its worst financial crisis yet, far surpassing the previous one.


    Watching the news, Aria knew Russell was about to make his move against the Wolfshade Syndicate.


    Though they still hadn’t found Margery, Aria had spent years with the Wolfshade Syndicate. If Russell dared to act boldly, he could use that connection to stir up trouble.


    The only one I’m really worried about is White, Aria thought. ‘But White has survived the Solemnity Guild for years-he can handle himself’


    Her phone rang. It was Diego calling. Aria answered the call.


    “Aria, what’s your rtionship with Ondo? Is he working for you?” Liam demanded, his voice sharp and usatory.


    Aria wasn’t surprised-she’d already guessed it was him. “Isn’t Ondo your bastard brother? Why ask me?


    “You can’t even manage thepany-handing the Cole Group to others while clinging to your title as heir. Did you really think Ondo’s some kind of saint who’s going to ve away making money for you forever?’


    “What good is a brain if you’re not going to use it? You might as well feed it to the pigs,” Aria scoffed.


    The line went dead.


    Diego snatched the phone away. “Your brother is fighting you for the Cole Group, and you’re ming someone else? I really don’t get how your mind works.”


    Liam’s face darkened. “They’re getting too close,” he muttered, suspicion flickering in his eyes.


    Daniel was hospitalized, with Liam by his side, leaving the Cole Group inplete disarray.


    Meanwhile, Ondo, the mastermind behind all this chaos, was chilling at a bar.


    Ondo reported, “Russell, within three days, the Cole family will hand the Cole Group over to us on a silver tter.”


    Russell smiled, “Well done.”


    Ondo said, “It’s okay. The assets are all transferred. Watch your back in the Wolfshade Syndicate.”


    Russell replied calmly, “Got it.”


    After their conversation, Ondo picked up his phone and messaged Aria: [I’ll have people keep watch over Mayen Garden. We need to pay special attention to Pearl’s safety these days.]


    Aria: [OK.]


    Ondo had expected Daniel to hold out until the next day, only to be contacted by the old man that very afternoon.


    Contract in hand, Ondo set out for Heffner Hospital.


    The moment Ondo entered, a cup came flying at his head.


    Ondo sidestepped the cup, his eyes turning icy. “If you don’t want to talk, I’m leaving now.”


    Daniel was shaking with rage, on the verge of passing out. Liam rushed to steady him, pleading, “Grandpa, easy now.”


    After what felt like an eternity, Daniel finally regained hisposure, his piercing re fixed on Ondo. “It was you,” he spat. “You orchestrated the Cole Group’s downfall.”


    Ondo scoffed, “Didn’t you just hand the Cole Group to me on a silver tter?”


    Ondo sneered inwardly, ‘Did they really think a measly few percent of shares would make him ve away for the Cole Group? How could they be so confident?’


    ying hardball didn’t work, so Daniel had to switch to a softer approach. “Ondo, you’re a Cole by blood. We’re family. You-”


    “Mr. Cole,” Ondo cut him off coldly. “The Cole Group doesn’t have time for your games. Transfer all your shares to me.


    “Only the patents I hold can save the Cole Group from copse. Otherwise, just wait for it to go bankrupt and be seized by creditors.”


    Daniel’s expression grew grim. This was the day he’d always dreaded. He’d never dared to part with too many shares, afraid of losing control.


    However, he hadn’t thought Ondo was so resourceful, orchestrating all this behind his back.


    Daniel red, his voice edged with anger. “Without the Cole Group, you’ll have nothing left.”


    “I can bounce back from nothing. Can you?” Ondo shrugged nonchntly. He produced the contract. “Sign it.”


    ‘Now that Ondo’s the Chairman, what does that make me?’ Liam thought bitterly.


    Liam said coldly, “Ondo, what the hell are you really after?”


    “Just pure disgust for you,” Ondo sneered, his face twisting with revulsion. I’ve ved away for the Cole Group, while you didn’t lift a finger and still rake in millions in dividends. What kind of sweet deal is that?


    “Mr. Cole, most of the shareholders have already agreed. Stop wasting time-this is your only chance. Next time, I’ll be taking both your and Liam’s shares.”