Chapter 251

Jeff's earlier strike had successfully kept Wray subdued for several days.

Yet, through Wray's unpredictable maneuvers, the Stewart Group managed to regain stability.

Inside the president's office, he lounged in a wide leather chair, one leg folded over the other, smugly humming a clumsy tune.

So, the Benton family wasn't as intimidating as people claimed.

He had overestimated Jeff.

While savoring his apparent victory, a sudden knock came at the office door.

The executive known for constant flattery burst in,nearly tripping over his shoes.

"Mr. Stewart, we got a problem. All our business associates in Zerovia abruptly canceled every partnership with us! Worse still, a shipment already dispatched there has been seized at Customs by the military!" the executive said breathlessly. Wray's smug grin vanished immediately.

The military?

How had soldiers become involved in this?

He sprang to his feet, seized the executive's collar,and barked, "Repeat that!"

Terrified by Wray's violent temper, the executive stammered through the details once more.

He finished with, "The military insists the cargo hides contraband, so it must remain under indefinite inspection."

At those words, Wray's strength deserted him.

His grip fell away, and he collapsed heavily into the chair.

Everything was collapsing.

Such staggering losses could never escape the board's notice.

This smelled of Nolan's schemes.

But how could Nolan command Zerovia's military so easily?

When businessmen collided with the military, it felt like fighting pistols against knives.

Frozen in place, unable to act, he saw Brodie stroll inside with effortless compoosure.

Brodie's eyes settled on Wray's ashen face, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

"Looks like trouble found you?" Brodie's tone carried no doubt.

Wray snapped irritably. "If you came only to mock me,then leave."

Brodie chuckled, waving the executive away.

Moments later, the office held only the two of them.

Pulling out a chair opposite Wray, Brodie calmly poured himself a cup of coffee. "I happen to hold some sway in Zerovia too," he said lightly.

Wray's eyes brightened. "You can fix this?"

After sipping leisurely, Brodie answered, "I can. But-"

Grinding his teeth, Wray demanded, "What do you want?"

Setting down his cup, Brodie casually brushed back his hair."The CFO's position."

That demand made Wray's brows crease. The Chief Financial Officer seat carried immense weight.

A single mistake from the Chief Financial Officer could spark a devastating financial collapse.

If failure struck, neither Norwood nor the board would ever forgive him.

Still, faced with Zerovia's disaster, Wray wavered.

Without a solution, he would lose his current job and even get kicked out of the company.

Watching his uncertainty, Brodie pressed harder. "You honestly think you can survive without me? You've seen Nolan's power today. He could bring you down effortlessly. Joining forces with me is your only escape."

Wray knew those words held truth.

He couldn't allow Nolan to triumph!

Never again would he live beneath another's control.

If the Chief Financial Officer seat belonged to someone loyal to him and Brodie, draining money from the Stewart Group would be far simpler.

Together they could outmaneuver Nolan, even Norwood. Then the entire empire would fall into their hands.

Resolved,Wray declared, "Deal!"

Brodie's grin widened.

He rose, extended his hand, and said, "Here's to our first successful partnership."

Wray clasped it firmly. "Looking forward to it."

Without delay, Wray launched his counteroffensive with Brodie beside him.

At the Regal Heights villa, inside the study, Erick delivered his report. "Mr. Stewart, Wray installed a new CFO, one of Brodie's allies. Also, Brodie pulled strings in Zerovia, and Customs already released the shipment."

Nolan tapped slender fingers against the desk.

Every piece fell exactly where he had planned.

That fool Wray lacked the composure to endure pressure.

Nolan felt pleased, convinced it was wiser to draw out hidden vermin in one sweep rather than hunt them individually.

His lips lifted faintly, though his gaze held not a trace of warmth.

He said, "Leave them alone. It's time we advance to the next stage."

A shiver ran through Erick. He bowed quickly."Understood."