Chapter 4

"Are you certain about this? Once we start, there's no turning back," my father said seriously.

"I'm certain." I said through gritted teeth. "They've gone too far. I need to show them the consequences of betraying me!"

"Alright, you have my support. We'll begin tomorrow."

After hanging up, I watched the setting sun, the fire of revenge burning fiercely in my heart.

The third day was a weekend. Derek said he was meeting a client, but he was really going to accompany Lily.

I pretended to believe his lie and saw him off as he drove away.

Then, in my capacity as CEO of SGA Group, I called an emergency board meeting.

"Everyone, I have an announcement to make." I stood at the conference table, my voice calm and forceful.

"Effective immediately, all collaborative projects between SGA Group and Horizon Tech are terminated."

The board members exchanged glances. Horizon Tech was Derek's company.

"Victoria, why? Horizon Tech has been an important partner," a board member asked, confused.

"Because their CEO, Derek Hayes, has engaged in seriously inappropriate personal conduct that violates business ethics," I said coldly.

"It conflicts with our company's values."

"But terminating the partnership so abruptly will incur penalty fees."

"I'll cover the penalties," I said without hesitation.

"This is a matter of principle. No compromise."

After the meeting, I immediately contacted Derek's company's other major clients.

Leveraging SGA Group's influence and my personal connections, I quickly made them concerned about Derek's company too.

By afternoon, Derek's phone was flooded with calls from clients.

I leisurely sipped tea at home, listening to him anxiously take calls on the balcony.

"Sally, why suddenly terminate the partnership? We've been working together so well..."

"David, is there some misunderstanding? We can negotiate the price..."

"John, please reconsider. Our company can't survive without this project..."

Watching him in a panic brought me satisfaction.

Derek came home that evening looking dejected and worried.

"I ran into some work problems today." He tried to appear strong in front of me.

"What happened?" I asked with concern, sneering internally.

"Several major clients suddenly want to terminate partnerships. I don't know why." He rubbed his temples in distress.

"Could competitors be sabotaging you behind the scenes?" I pretended to analyze.

"Possibly..." His eyes flashed with suspicion. "Several companies have been trying to steal our business lately."

I secretly gloated. He still didn't know the real enemy was right beside him.

"Don't overthink it. We'll deal with problems as they come." I gently comforted him. "Worst case, my family can help out."

Derek looked at me gratefully. "I'm so lucky to have you. Without you, I wouldn't know what to do."

Hypocrite!

If I was so great, why did you betray me?

But soon he wouldn't be saying that anymore.