Chapter 18
Chapter 18
there to throw money away. So, I’m
“That’s right.” Babur nodded without hesitation. “I have somewhere to be, so I take my leave p>
“Mr. Winslow, it’s nothing personal–it’s just business. We’re not running a charity, and certainly not
afraid this is where our cooperation ends ”
Victor stared at Babur in disbelief, “Mr. Blake, you.. you’re choosing The Chandler Group as
s well p>
Hudson Barrett also stood. “Mr. Winslow, I’ve got other matters to attend to. I’m sure well cross paths again someday.
That line “We’ll cross paths again“-was almost poetic in its irony.
The Chandler Group was on a meteoric rise, building their empire from nothing, already leaving Apex Game Studios far behind.
Within a month. The Chandler Group would completely overtake Apex, snatch up the Celestial Awards, and stand at the top of Silverhaven’s gaming industry–while Apex would be left to announce bankruptcy
By then, how could Victor ever face them again?
So yes, “well cross paths again“…perhaps, but only if fate was feeling cruel.
As Hudson Barrett and Babur strode out, Victor shot up from his seat, panic edging his voice. “Mr. Barrett, Mr. Blake, wait! Let’s talk this over–after all these years of working together! And today’s contract signing was already scheduled. If you both walk out now, where am I supposed to find new partners at the last minute? ”
Hudson paused and looked back, his eyes cold and laced with scom. “Mr. Winslow, the agreement may have been scheduled, but we never signed anything. Without signatures, there’s no contract, and no legal obligation. You ought to know your limits. Sometimes, it’s best to leave things unsaid–I hope you understand that much p>
Victor frowned. “Mr. Barrett, even if we haven’t signed anything yet. I thought our history meant something. Remember when your company was on the brink, and I stepped in to help? Can’t you give us one more chance? We all hit rough patches. If you help me through this, and if Apex wins the Celestial Awards and goes public, I promise you–l never forget what you did for me p>
Back when Hudson Barrett’s company was on the verge of collapse–partners pulling out, contracts terminated, everything falling apart–it was Victor who stepped in and kept the Barrett Group afloat through the worst of the storm.
Without Victor back then, there’d be no Hudson Barrett today.
Victor had assumed that reminding Hudson of those days would sway him, or at least earn some sympathy. But to his shock, Hudson only sneered. “Win the Celestial Awards and go public? Mr. Winslow, are you still dreaming? Can’t you see how things stand? Silverhaven belongs to The Chandler Group now. Apex is about to be nothing but a relic. The only company taking home the Celestial Awards will be The Chandler Group
“And let’s not rewrite history, I never begged you to bail out the Barrett Group–it was your choice. What now, Mr. Winslow? Are you trying to use that favor to hold me hostage p>
Victor’s eyes widened in disbelief.
He never thought Hudson Barrett would be so heartless.
Worse yet, he’d never imagined he’d end up living out the old fable of the farmer and the viper!
It’s true–only when you’ve hit rock bottom do you see people’s true colors.
Babur glanced at his watch and said impatiently, “Let’s go, Mr. Barrett. It’s nearly time to sign with The Chandler Group–why waste breath on someone like him p>
Hudson didn’t hesitate, he followed Babur right out the door.
“Hudson Barrett Babur! You bastards–you’ll regret this!” Victor shouted after them, barely able to contain his fury
Babur glanced back, his tone mocking. “Maybe we will, maybe we won’t. But right now, Victor, you’re about to become a stray dog
With that, both Babur and Hudson Barrett laughed as they walked out, leaving Victor standing alone.
Victor clenched his fists and slammed them down on the table K
This was humiliation, plain and simple t
Bang
The blow made the coffee cup on the table quake, dark liquid sloshing over the rim.
“Anger will only eat you alive, Mr. Winslow. Why stoop to their level p>
The unexpected voice startled Victor He looked up to see a young woman sitting across from him. He had no idea when she’d appeared. She wore a plain white T-shirt, her hair up in a messy bun, the picture of youthful confidence–seventeen, maybe eighteen at most.
“Miss, do I know you p>
Caitlin smiled, unbothered by his suspicion. She got straight to the point. “I can help Apex Game Studios bring down The Chandler Group, weather this crisis, and soar to the top–Celestial Awards included p>