Inherit Billions

Chapter 401 Accountability

Billy felt a sudden pang of anxiety; everything had been going too smoothly for him here.

He wasn't a professional researcher; all his insights into the development results came through Aiden. Because he represented Seraphina, both Aiden and Orion's people treated him with great respect. He had always believed that with Seraphina involved, this collaboration was a three-way partnership that wouldn't encounter any problems.

But now... something monumental had happened, something that could only be described as a catastrophe.

Seraphina stepped out in her high heels, her demeanor calm as people greeted her. She nodded and smiled, giving nothing away.

On the surface, there was no sign of trouble, but that changed when she reached Aiden's office door.

His secretary was surprised to see her. He asked, "Ms. Dros, what brings you here so suddenly?"

Seraphina smiled lightly. "Is Aiden in?"

The secretary nodded. "Yes, he is."

She acknowledged him but didn't wait for him to announce her; she simply pushed the door open.

Inside, Aiden was on a phone call. He looked surprised when he saw Seraphina enter.

After hanging up, he approached her with a smile, though the coolness of her expression immediately made him uneasy. "Seraphina, what a surprise! I was just thinking we should grab lunch together. There's a new restaurant nearby."

Seraphina fixed him with a piercing gaze and suddenly smiled, but it was anything but warm.

"Aiden, is Giant Group going bankrupt?"

Aiden's face tightened, and his eyes narrowed.

"Seraphina, please get straight to the point."

"You

gave the research department a holiday; surely that should have gone through the board's approval? During the break, no one was assigned to oversee the project, leading to a complete halt in development. Isn't that a sign that you're heading for bankruptcy?" Her words were sharp and unapologetic; she couldn't remain polite.

It wasn't just about Wilson's contract-Cross Group was a direct partner, and they all stood to lose.

Aiden's eyes flickered, revealing his growing guilt.

However, without that person's orders, he wouldn't have the nerve.

"You're misunderstanding. It was just a short break. After resolving the issues with the Al vehicles,

Chapter 401 Accountability

Seraphina let out a cold chuckle and asked, "A short break? A random two-week holiday? You delayed the development schedule intentionally to sabotage Wilson's project, didn't you?"

Aiden pursed his lips and denied, "Of course not..."

"I was the one who recommended Wilson for your company's collaboration. If you want to terminate the partnership, we can follow the proper procedure, but engaging in underhanded tactics is beneath you." "It wasn't me."

"Then who was it?" Seraphina pressed.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

The atmosphere in the office grew heavy.

Aiden looked at Seraphina, realizing she meant business. Suddenly, Aiden felt he had gone too far.

This mess jeopardized not only Wilson but also his primary partner-Cross Group.

With their interests at stake, how could Seraphina remain indifferent?

Yet, if he betrayed Orion, it wouldn't just harm their relationship; it could very well end the three-way collaboration altogether.

In that fleeting moment of hesitation, Seraphina narrowed her eyes as if realizing something.

"Who was behind this?"

Aiden's lips pressed tightly together, and his expression turned anxious.

"It was...

I should have considered this more thoroughly. I'll have everyone cancel their vacations

immediately."

"I think this is more complicated than that."

Seraphina's gaze was calm yet unwavering. She said, "I'll instruct the legal department to draft a contract limiting the research progress timeline. My company will send a professional team to regularly check the development results. If you fail to deliver, we can terminate the collaboration at any time. After all, Giant Group isn't Cross Group's only option."

Aiden's expression darkened slightly. Though he maintained a composed facade, he was filled with regret.

Clearing his throat, he softened his tone.

"We need to talk about this. How about we grab a meal together?"

Seraphina smirked, the coldness returning to her smile

"There's nothing to discuss, Aiden. Our relationship isn't at a point where we can joke about company interests. You should realize how significant the losses have been these past few days, and you must bear the responsibility." Feeling the pressure, Aiden grew genuinely tense. Seraphina's assertiveness and professionalism surpassed even Orion's.

However, he was unable to betrav Orion at this time.

Chapter 401 Accountability

"Ms. Dros, I can compensate for the losses, but...

"There are no buts." Seraphina interrupted coldly and said, "I'm the one who has the upper hand here."

With that, she spun around, her high heels clicking as she strode out.

The moment Seraphina left, Aiden immediately called Orion.

This was all Orion's fault; he had intended to teach Wilson a lesson but had offended Seraphina instead.

When Orion answered, Aiden recounted everything that had just transpired, rubbing his temples in frustration.

"Mr. Dros, I've done my best, but Ms. Dros is still furious. If we actually start investigating the progress, it'll only complicate things further."

There was silence on the other end.

Aiden thought the call had dropped.

"I'm helpless in this situation," Orion finally replied.

Aiden was taken aback.

"What?"

That wasn't the response he had hoped for.

""Don't betray me," Orion added.

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