Chapter 148 Brazen Arrogance
Emily strode out of the hospital room, and by the time she reached Obscura Fashion, Henry's car was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Emily arrive, he immediately opened the car door.
"Henry, head straight to Genova BioTech. Fill me in on what you've found while we drive," Emily said, sliding into the vehicle.
As the car merged into traffic, Henry drove while rapidly sharing the limited information he'd gathered. "Our people did some digging. The point person at Genova BioTech is someone named Joshua Thomas, with an extremely arrogant attitude. Very tight-lipped, just keeps repeating the same line: no allocation available, no matter what price we offer. And they seem well-prepared, completely unfazed by threats of legal action or regulatory oversight."
Emily closed her eyes briefly. "Keep investigating. For them to be this brazen, there must be more powerful backing behind the scenes. Contact the legal department—have them prepare a comprehensive evidence chain for all of Genova BioTech's contract violations. All communication records, emails, recordings, formal and informal—compile everything. Be ready to file suit at any moment."
"Understood." Henry immediately made calls to arrange this.
Tension filled the car as they drove. Hours later, they arrived at Genova BioTech's headquarters.
Rather than a luxurious office tower, it was a cluster of understated buildings situated on the edge of a conservation area, carrying an almost secluded air.
They waited in the conference room for nearly an hour before Joshua finally made his leisurely entrance. He appeared to be around forty, slightly overweight, wearing an ordinary business suit, his face bearing a formulaic, almost cold smile.
"Ms. Johnson, Mr. Phillips, sorry to keep you waiting." He took the head seat with complete composure, offering no pleasantries. "I understand you've traveled quite far to be here, and we appreciate the gesture. However, regarding the 'Silver Fox' allocation matter, the company has reached its decision. I'm very sorry, but this year's quota simply cannot be provided to Obscura Fashion."
Emily cut straight to the point. "Mr. Thomas, we're long-term partners based on mutual trust and deep cooperation. Our contract terms are crystal clear. Your company's unilateral, groundless breach of contract and termination of supply will result in all damages being borne by Genova BioTech. We have every right to pursue legal action and seek compensation for all losses, including brand reputation damage."
Henry added in a grave tone, "Mr. Thomas, Genova BioTech has always been known in the industry for its integrity. We'd like to know—what exactly prompted this decision? Is it about pricing, or some other factor?"
Joshua's smile faded slightly, becoming more perfunctory, "Ms. Johnson, Mr. Phillips—business involves give and take. Genova BioTech certainly values integrity, but we must also consider longer-term development."
Emily caught a fleeting flash of smugness and provocation in his eyes; her suspicions instantly magnified. "Longer-term development? Genova BioTech would rather pay massive breach penalties than continue cooperating with Obscura Fashion—and you call this long-term development? That logic doesn't add up. Has Genova BioTech been pressured by someone, or has someone made you a more lucrative offer?"
Joshua's fake smile vanished completely.
He leaned forward slightly, staring at Emily with an extremely arrogant smile that carried a blatant warning and a sense of condescension. "Ms. Johnson, you're indeed perceptive. Then I'll be direct—yes, someone finds Obscura Fashion rather... disagreeable, and made their feelings known. Genova BioTech had no choice but to show them this courtesy."
"Who?" Emily's voice was cold as ice.
Joshua chuckled twice. "Who? Surely Ms. Johnson already knows? In Emerald City, how many parties have the power to make Genova BioTech willing to pay breach penalties just to cut off your foundation?"
He deliberately paused, seeming to savor Emily and Henry's dramatically changed expressions, then clearly articulated three words, "The Scott family!"
The Scott family!
Why would it be the Scott family?
Because of Clara?
Had Clara and Daniel's relationship grown so deep that the Scott family would use such methods against Obscura Fashion? Just to settle a score for her?
This thought spun wildly through Emily's mind, but was quickly overwhelmed by deeper confusion and chilling realization.
No, that didn't make sense! The explanation was too far-fetched!
Obscura Fashion was her life's work, but also a brand she'd built through her own merit and skill. The Scott family was top-tier elite—what standing did Clara have to mobilize the Scott family for personal vendettas against a commercial brand?
These tactics were too vicious and too unreasonable!
"Well? Ms. Johnson, any other questions?" Joshua watched their shocked and incredulous expressions, as if enjoying the desired effect. He leaned back in his chair, his tone growing even more arrogant. "I'd advise you both to be pragmatic."
He shook his head mockingly. "Obscura Fashion is still far too weak compared to the Scott family! Accept defeat gracefully—you might still salvage some dignity."
Henry trembled with rage, about to slam the table and denounce such shameless business practices, but Emily firmly grasped his arm.
Emily's expression had returned to calm. She slowly stood, looking down at Joshua, and spoke each word deliberately, "Mr. Thomas, please convey my thanks to the Scott family for this generous gift. Obscura Fashion accepts it!"
She paused. "Also, please tell whoever's behind this: Genova BioTech's unilateral breach is a documented fact! Obscura Fashion will never retreat in the face of any threat from any power! No matter who the opponent is!"
"Legal proceedings will commence immediately! I will use every legal weapon at my disposal to defend every right of Obscura Fashion! The Scott family's reputation? I'm sorry, but in my book, it's worthless! See you in court!"
With that, Emily didn't spare a glance at Joshua's instantly livid, twisted face. She turned and strode out of Genova BioTech's conference room, leaving only a resolute and cold silhouette.
"You'll regret this!" Joshua jumped up, pointing at the doorway in fury, though his voice wavered slightly.
Henry followed Emily out, and only after settling into the car did he realize his back was soaked with cold sweat.
"Emily, if our opponent is the Scott family, we..."
Going head-to-head with the Scott family?
In his decades of business experience, it was something he'd never dared even imagine!
Emily leaned against the seat back, closed her eyes, and took several deep breaths. When she opened them again, only cold calm remained.
"Henry, are you scared?" Her voice held no emotion.