Chapter 57
Anna’s POV:
1
“Why?” I stared at Heniy, a knot forming in my stomach. EcoMarine Group was Seth’s company. No matter how ruthless Blake cowrid be, he wouldn’t target Seth! The Price family seniors wouldn i stand for it, and Seth’s older brotfier would surely intervene “Thi doesn’t make any sense.”
Henry forced a smile, his eyes not quite matching the expression. Ava, don’t you know why ErnMarine Grup exists in the first place?”
1 was taken aback, unsure of what his sudden statement really mean
He opened his mouth as if to say something more, then closed it again, letting out a soft sigh instead.
“Anna, let me take you home.”
“I’m going to find Seth right now.” My voice was steel, matching my resolve.
Henry smiled. “Anna, you can’t imagine the severance packages Seth is offering. Why do you think none of the researchers are making a fuss?”
His calmness caught me off guard. “You knew this day would come?
He shook his head. “I became certain after meeting you.”
“You never thought about fighting for it? You guys are so close.”
“I feel some disappointment, sure, but I’m not short on opportunities. I can’t give Seth what he wants. His voice remained steady, professional, detached. “When I first met him, he was just a rich kid burning through family money. Now he’s a legitimate businessman. How long did you expect him to run a losing venture?1
“You never let him lose money!” I was certain of that. The research we did was groundbreaking, valuable. “EcoMarine Group is doing important work-
Henry spoke softly, cutting me off. “Anna, you’ll understand eventually.” His tone suggested a finality that silenced my protest.
I stared into his eyes, searching for emotions he kept well–hidden behind his calm demeanor.
I didn’t want to understand “eventually.” I only knew that Emily was now caught in the crossfire because of me.
Her family was just ordinary academics, already struggling as her parents retired. Without this job, how would she hold her head up at home?
“Henry, you go back. I need to find Seth!” I insisted, taking a step toward my car.
Henry caught my elbow, his grip gentle but firm. “Anna, why are you so stubborn?” He sighed, the sound weary and resigned. “You can’t give him what he wants either. What will you negotiate with?”
“What does he want?” I demanded, frustration building in my chest.
Henry didn’t answer, just shook his head, his expression unreadable
I eventually let Henry drag me to his car, too exhausted to put up more of a fight.
1/2
Chapter 57
My head felt like it might explode from the pressure building inside
No progress with Claire’s situation, Blake closing in from all sides, and now I had to worry about my childhood nemesis:
That night, as I sat alone in my apartment staring at financial reports that no longer seemed to matter, my phone buzzed with text. Claire had collapsed in detention.
My stomach dropped as I read the details – Blake had posted bail and rushed her to the hospital. Her stab wound had somehow torn open and become infected, the situation serious enough to warrant mediate medical attention.
Before I could process this, my phone rang. Blake’s name flashed on the screen. I answered, bracing myself.
“If anything happens to Claire, I’ll make sure you pay for it!” he threatened, his voice a barely controlled fury that sent ice through my veins.
“Blake, have you forgotten that I’m the innocent victim in all this?” I fired back, my own anger rising to match his. “I didn’t create this situation. Your precious Claire did.”
The line went dead. He hung up on me, not even bothering to continue the argument.
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