"Why has this happened? You clearly agreed to renew the contract, so why did you change your mind?" Just as they pushed open the doors to the Conference Room, the couple heard Dio Powell's angry growl. Several senior managers were seated at the conference table, all pursing their lips in silence.

For some unknown reason, clients of Cosmos Group were reneging on their contracts. For those whose agreements were due to expire and who had previously consented to continue cooperating, the renewal documents were already drafted, and the CEOs from both sides had met. All that remained was a signature for the renewal to take effect. However, they had now all backed out, intending not to renew with Cosmos Group but to cooperate with Griffin Lighting Company instead. As for the contracts that hadn't expired, although cooperation hadn't been terminated, the orders for Cosmos Group were noticeably decreasing. It was heard that the large orders had also been given to the Griffin Family.

Cosmos Group primarily relied on its lighting business for survival. Now that its clients were about to be poached by the Griffin Family, Dio Powell was naturally anxious. Even though some long-time clients, out of years of good relations, hadn't defected, Cosmos Group was too large to survive on old clients alone.

"Dad."

Diana Powell and Nicholas Coldwell walked in, greeting Dio Powell.

Dio Powell glanced at them, signaling with his eyes for them to sit down.

Diana and Nicholas were already aware of the blow Cosmos Group had suffered, so Dio Powell didn't need to explain it again.

"CEO," Nicholas Coldwell began, his voice composed, "although the Griffin Family is the leading giant in this industry, they haven't monopolized it. That's precisely how Cosmos Group has reached its current position. But now, the Griffin Family's actions show a tendency toward monopoly. I've heard it's all Miss Helen Griffin's doing. On the surface, Miss Griffin seems approachable, but in reality, she's even more ruthless than old Mr. Griffin. Her snatching our Cosmos Group clients clearly means she wants to drive us to our death. The Griffin Family's resources surpass ours at Cosmos Group, so it's no surprise that clients would choose them. However, why has Helen Griffin targeted us? I heard she's quite close with Glades Horne, the Crown Prince of the Horne Family. Could this be his doing?"

Although he came from a poor background, mingling in the business world required Nicholas to be adaptable. It was essential for him to have a clear understanding of the important relationships within the business community.

Upon hearing Nicholas's words, everyone in the room appeared to have an epiphany.

As soon as Glades Horne's name was mentioned, Dio Powell inwardly sucked in a sharp breath. Cosmos Group had been frequently experiencing business problems, and it seemed to have all started after his daughter's wedding. Could this be Glades Horne's doing again?

Others in the room were whispering amongst themselves. Some cast glances at Nicholas and Diana, considering them the culprits behind Cosmos Group's troubles. If Diana hadn't stolen Julia Bluen's boyfriend, or if Nicholas hadn't abandoned Julia for wealth and status, would Cosmos Group be facing these problems today? Perhaps such problems might have arisen eventually, as the business world is merciless and unpredictable, but not within the short span of a month. Therefore, these issues must have been orchestrated.

Who else could bring a large, established company to such a state, other than the Crown Prince of the Horne Family, a man whose influence could shake the entire business world?

At the same time, they mused to themselves: The Prince is certainly good to his sister-in-law! We've never seen a brother-in-law go to such lengths to avenge his sister-in-law against an unfaithful man before.

"Nicholas, do you have any ideas?" Dio Powell looked toward Nicholas Coldwell, his expression showing satisfaction with Nicholas's incisive analysis. This son-in-law might not have an impressive background, but he possessed ability. Dio Powell had agreed to the marriage primarily because his daughter liked Nicholas. It now seemed he hadn't misjudged the man; Nicholas could indeed help share his burdens and find solutions.

"CEO, I think we should first contact those clients and find out what benefits the Griffin Family offered to sway their loyalty. Once we have a clear understanding, we can discuss our counter-strategy," Nicholas suggested calmly.

Businessmen often prioritize profit; they align with whoever offers the most.

Dio Powell nodded, then said with trust, "Nicholas, I'm leaving this matter to you. I believe you won't let Dad down." Dio Powell made it clear to Nicholas in front of everyone: if he could successfully handle this matter and win back those clients, he would earn Dio Powell's significant trust and might even be promoted to Vice President.

"Dad, rest assured, I'll do my best," Nicholas responded promptly.

Seeing her husband entrusted with such an important task by her father, Diana Powell felt pleased, even though it was a daunting responsibility.

Once Nicholas succeeds, I can then seize the opportunity to ask Father to promote him to Vice President. Then, with us as a couple holding significant influence in Cosmos Group, we won't have to worry about Father's mistress trying to take over the company.

Rachel Bailey felt she had been particularly unlucky lately. Ever since she had shoved dirty clothes into Adele Horne's mouth, she barely dared to conduct her business during the daytime because Adele always had the city inspectors on her tail.

Adele Horne wanted to severely punish and retaliate against Rachel Bailey before Julia Bluen returned. This young heiress was notoriously bad-tempered and infamous for her unreasonable behavior. Even if Rachel hadn't provoked her, Adele wouldn't have let Rachel off easily simply because of Julia. Now that Rachel *had* provoked her, retaliation was a certainty.

Adele had declared that as long as Rachel Bailey dared to do business openly, she would ensure Rachel lost everything.

Having been helped by Hansen Ruiz twice, Rachel Bailey felt it would be inappropriate to burden him further. To avoid losses, she could only earn some money for food expenses by working at night when the city inspector patrols had ceased.

Adele Horne's actions made Rachel Bailey keenly aware of the power wielded by the rich and influential, which fiercely motivated her. She vowed in her heart that one day, she too would become a powerful figure, making others live at her mercy. As for everything Adele Horne had done to her today, Rachel kept a mental tally; if she ever got the chance, she would absolutely repay the favor, twofold.

In broad daylight, Rachel Bailey didn't drive out. She just walked aimlessly along Betra Street, strolling casually with no particular destination. Occasionally, she would enter clothing stores to check out the prices or wander through a Shopping Mall, but she wouldn't buy anything.

This aimless wandering is so boring.

"Do I need to go back to work at a company?" Rachel Bailey murmured to herself as she stepped out of a Shopping Mall, gazing at the bustling street, unsure of her next move.

The people who wanted to lure her back to their companies, treating her like a goddess of wealth, still frequently tried to persuade her.