chapter1469

"Especially Israel. You bought out his company's stock at rock bottom, crippling its future development. He hates you to the bone for that.

This time, they didn't openly turn on you only because they didn't want to become a public spectacle.

Don't be fooled by the fact that you're family. To Jonathan, Coleman, Israel, and Aurora, you're nothing but an outsider who's come to carve up their resources and snatch their inheritance.

The Williams Group's assets and resources are no small sum.

History is filled with stories of families turning on each other for far less.

You didn't grow up with them, so there are no emotional bonds. Their attitude toward you is completely expected.

Before, they didn't make a move because they lacked the opportunity and justification.

But now... you've handed them both on a silver platter. Why wouldn't they use it?"

Stella asked, "What exactly happened to Joshua?"

President Crawford replied, "Israel has already had Joshua apprehended on the grounds of leaking corporate secrets.

If you want to save him, you'll have to trade the equity and founding shares you hold.

If you refuse, he's going to... get rid of Joshua."

Stella's pupils contracted. "Get rid of Joshua? What do they plan to do?"

"Make him disappear from the face of the earth, or arrange for a fatal accident," President Crawford said gravely. "While the Williams family doesn't often resort to such methods, it doesn't mean they won't. When you truly want someone gone, there are countless ways to do it."

His tone was heavy with meaning. "If you refuse Israel, there's nothing they can do to you. Stella, this is

your last chance. You absolutenet

cannot give up your shares for man. If you sign that transfer agreement, you'll never have a chance to make a comeback."

President Crawford looked at her intently. "This is Solmaris, where capital is king. It's not your home country. You've lived here long

vel

enough to know that things li net

justice and the law don't apply in the same way. The laws and sense of fairness in Solmaris are fales made for ordinary people. Once you lose your power and influence, you'll be at their mercy, completely unable to fight back. It may sound cruel and cynical, but the power struggles within wealthy families are just this, ruthless. You may think they're lawless, but capital is their law. Unless they get too arrogant and bring about their own downfall, you won't stand a chance against them without your own capital."

Stella didn't reply.

Logically, she understood Crawford's point.

Emotionally, though leaving Joshua behind wasn't an option.

"President Crawford," Stella asked, "are you saying... Joshua is in Israel's hands right now?"

Last time, Joshua had been in a car accident. He'd claimed it was an accident, but Stella's gut told her it wasn't that simple.

Recently, the rumors about her and

Joshua had been swirling, and

fearing someone might harm him

again she had already told him to stop coming to work at The Williams Group.

With his arm injured and needing time to heal, he had been resting at home. She

had even assigned a few people to protect him discreetly.

But from what President Crawford was saying, Joshua had been captured anyway.

And she hadn't heard a single word about it.

The thought made her heart leap into her throat.

Ignoring the directors in her office, she grabbed her phone and dialed Joshua's number.

A cold, robotic female voice came from the other end.

"The number you have dialed is currently switched off. Please try again later..."