"Only a fool gets slapped and then
offers their face for another one, Cousin."
Julia's gaze was sharp as it landed on Lily, who had arrived unusually early at the company—far too early to be innocent. The Aurexx stock price had crashed overnight, and Lily had sprung into action the moment the news broke. She had been waiting for this. Praying for it.
Lily scoffed, irritation flashing across her face—less at the situation and more at Julia's infuriating calm. Julia sat casually on the edge of her desk, legs crossed, utterly unbothered, looking every bit the ruler of the place.
"Just wait," Lily snapped, dropping all cordial pretense. "You'll beg me to save this company. I'll make you kneel before me."
Julia slid off the desk gracefully and walked closer, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She leaned in, her voice lowering to a near whisper.
"You really are a dreamer," she said coolly. "Seems that damaged imagination of yours has been the only thing keeping you going since your demotion."
She straightened, her expression turning glacial.
"Hold on to that delusion. It's all you're ever going to get."
Lily clenched her fists. "You don't understand how serious this is. Kelvin Kings has declared war on Aurexx. Investors will pull out. Losses will pile up. It's already happening."
Julia smiled faintly. "I can tell."
Hope flickered in Lily's eyes.
"So," Julia continued lightly, "what do you want me to do? Beg you to take charge? Ask you to save the company?"
Lily lifted her chin, confidence surging. She finally understands, she thought. She needs me.
But then—
"In your dreams."
The words shattered Lily's hope instantly.
"Get back to work," Julia added coldly. "Before I fire you."
She turned away, already dismissing her cousin.
"And one more thing," Julia said without looking back.
"All those shareholders you planned to secretly meet with?"
She paused.
"Cancel it. Every single one."
Lily froze.
"Because if I find out you went behind my back again," Julia finished calmly,
"your demotion will look like mercy."
Lily called her PA the moment she stepped out of Julia's office.
Once again, things had not gone as expected.
Since when did Julia become this hard to crack?
Worry sank deep into her chest. I need to act fast. Her fingers curled into fists. If I have to destroy this company to take it, then so be it.
"Arrange a meeting with Kelvin Kings," she ordered her PA sharply.
A friend of an enemy was also an enemy. Lily didn't know the full reason behind Kelvin Kings' feud with Aurexx, but that hardly mattered. She would use it to her advantage.
Julia exhaled slowly the moment the door shut behind Lily.
"Oh, I'll deal with you, Kelvin Kings," she muttered.
She hadn't expected his attack to be this fierce—but then again, he was called the Devil for a reason. The news was everywhere. The entire city was watching their confrontation like a live spectacle. Analysts were already predicting Aurexx's downfall.
"Mrs. Robert," Jeo called, bowing slightly as he entered.
The man looked worn out. From the dark circles beneath his eyes, it was clear he hadn't slept at all.
"Not a good start, is it?" Julia said lightly.
He hadn't even asked what had triggered her conflict with Kelvin Kings' eldest son.
Jeo sighed. "It's my job, ma'am. It doesn't need a good start."
He handed a file over. "I've stopped as much damage as I could."
Julia flipped through the documents, genuine surprise flickering across her eyes.
"I thought of what your father would've done," Jeo continued. "I sued most of the investors for breaching contract. Some still pulled out."
He gave a weary smile. "They'd rather pay millions in penalties than offend Kelvin Kings."
Julia understood. The Kings were old money—roots buried deep and wide. Aurexx, no matter how powerful, was still the newer force. Losses were inevitable.
"Don't force the share price," Julia said calmly. "Leave it as it is."
She looked up at him. "You did a good job. Thank you."
Having someone loyal by her side was… comforting.
"I'll handle the shareholders," Jeo said. He hesitated, then added, "Whatever happened with Kelvin Kings, I don't think facing him head-on is wise."
Julia smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I'll make him pay for messing with us."
Jeo shook his head, unconvinced. Young people, he thought. Always impulsive. He only hoped he could contain the mess this time.
"Time for payback," Julia muttered as she took her seat and opened her laptop.
She might not be a veteran in business.