The woman who entered spoke up, “I’m Vivian Bernard, legal counsel for Nature Tech. After reviewing our records, I can confirm there’s no subsidiary named Peak Technology under our corporate

    structure.”

    Bradley snapped, “What the hell are security doing today? How can just anyone waltz into the

    boardroom?”

    Vivian produced herpany ID from her jacket pocket. “You want proof? Here it is. But I must say, I was unaware ourpany had a subsidiary called Peak Technology.”

    Maxine rose to her feet, her heart swelling with emotion as she saw Vivian walk in. She couldn’t believe Vivian had rushed here for her sake, let alone that she actually worked at Nature Tech.

    With the real deal standing right in front of him, the man finally couldn’t hold back. He cleared his throat, about to speak. But before he could, Bradley stood up and cut in, “Alright, that’s enough of this farce. The meeting is over for now. We’ll let you know when it’s rescheduled.”

    Maxine saw that he was trying to stall for time. She stood up firmly and dered, “Since all the shareholders are here today, let’s settle this matter once and for all.”

    Bradley red fiercely at Maxine. “If Urban has a problem, let hime say it himself. He’s only been in that position a few years and already acting all high and mighty? Back when we were running thispany, he was still in school!”

    One of the senior shareholders, unable to tolerate it any longer, gave a deliberate, meaningful cough.

    “Bradley!”

    After being warned, Bradley reined in his temper with visible effort. Rising stiffly, he dered, “This meeting is adjourned for now. The partnership ispletely legitimate, I’ll address this personally

    with Urbanter.”

    Just then, Dawn, who had been silent until now, suddenly held up her phone and called out, “Mr. Soto has justnded, he’s on a video call right now!”

    Without waiting for Bradley to speak, she immediately connected the video call to the conference screen. Urban’s face appeared, he was clearly still in his car, the vehicle’s interior visible in the background.

    Urban gazed at the screen, the exhaustion from his long wait at the airport and nearly a full day on the ne clear on his face. Still, as his eyes swept over everyone, a faint smirk yed on his lips. “Well, well. What’s the special asion? Never seen such perfect attendance before.”

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    17:35 Tue, 26 Aug

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    The elderly shareholder who had first spoken up for Bradley couldn’t stand Urban’s sarcastic tone anymore. He snapped, “You already know what’s going on, must you really y dumb and ask these questions?”

    Urban’s smile vanished. “I’m already aware of the situation. However, as far as I know, Peak Technology is nothing more than a shellpany. Bradley, since you were responsible for this project, would you care to exin how the due diligence was conducted?”

    Urban said, “And what about the pre–drafted contract both parties imed to have? This is a multi- million dor contract that will define Alpite Group’s future in the tech industry. I just checked my

    inbox. Maybe my connection’s bad, but I didn’t see any contract files.’

    Urban said sharply, “Also, if I recall correctly, I’m the majority shareholder of this group. Bradley, you

    said all shareholders were notified, so why was I not informed?”

    Urban’s words came one after another, eachnding like a hammer blow on everyone present.

    Though his tone remained polite, everyone could sense the undercurrent of anger. Beneath the table, Bradley clenched his hands, only to realize, to his own shock, that they were trembling during Urban’s

    brief remarks.

    This dread wasn’t just about the future. A substantial part of it stemmed directly from Urban.

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