chapter182

The bosses at LYLX really knew how to make a statement.

Jenson was tossed out by security, landing on the pavement outside the towering building. He looked up, feeling both furious and helpless. Was being a big company really such a big deal? Did that give them the right to drop him like nothing ever mattered? Heartless, that's what they were.

He used to think LYLX was the gold standard. Now, they were just another cutthroat giant trying to crush Smith Corporation. Ending the partnership out of nowhere felt like a death blow.

No matter how much he replayed the past, he couldn't figure out what he'd done to offend them. It was driving him crazy.

His phone buzzed. It was Milana.

He answered, not bothering to hide his irritation. "What do you want?"

She hesitated, her voice suddenly cautious. "So... it didn't go well?"

Jenson's anger spilled over. "They're unbelievable. One minute we're partners, the next they dump us without even giving a reason. Who does business like that?" Honey, just breathe. If it didn't work out today, there's always tomorrow. LYLX is a huge international brand. Every day, tons of companies want to work with them, and most of them are bigger than us. We just need to figure out our next move."

Jenson had thought maybe LYLX just wanted to renegotiate, push him for a better price. Now he realized that was wishful thinking. They simply didn't want anything to do with Smith Corporation anymore.

Maybe they'd found a better supplier. Honestly, that seemed like the only explanation.

"Whatever. I'm hanging up."

He ended the call, but his phone immediately rang again. He almost ignored it until

he saw it was Harry, his assistant. With a grim face, he picked up. "What is it?"

Harry's voice was frantic. "Mr. Smith, it's bad. Five more companies just called to break off their contracts."

Jenson felt his world tilt. "What? Are you serious?"

"They're even willing to pay the penalties. They just want out, and they won't tell us why."

"I'm coming back now."

Meanwhile, Milana was pacing at

home, worry etched into her face She'd wanted to tell Jenson that Lydia wasn't answering her calls, but after hearing about the failed meeting, she decided to keep quiet.

The company was in trouble, but her son's life was slipping through her fingers.

Her poor boy was lying in the ICU, barely holding on, waiting for surgery. And that stubborn Lydia had blocked her everywhere and wouldn't answer any new numbers either.

"Mom, Dad couldn't fix it, could he?"

Sandy's voice was soft and careful. She'd learned to read the room after years of surviving the White family, always knowing when to keep her head down.

Milana shook her head lightly. "There's a problem, but don't worry. LYLX has been our client for years. They won't just cut us off without a second thought."

She glanced at Sandy, whose face was finally looking a little better. The time was coming to talk to her about the kidney donation.

After all, the old lady had promised to bring Miracle Hands to operate on Luke soon.

"Yeah, I believe in Dad. It's just... we

We

can't reach Lydia. If we can't find her, we can't apologize, and I don't know how well explain that to Grandma Sandy sighed

The mention of Lydia made Milana's face twist with anger. "That girl is nothing but trouble. Every time she shows up, something goes wrong. Your brother needs surgery, but that old bitch says we have to apologize to Lydia first or she won't call Miracle Hands for us."

She shook her head, seething. "The old woman's lost her mind. If she makes us

miss Luke's surgery, I swear, she'll regret it for the rest of her miserable life.