Chapter 8
“I simply make it a habit to keep backups and prepare contingencies for everything.”
I said matter-of-factly, not mentioning that this was a self-preservation instinct honed through years of navigating corporate
battlefields.
t was while organizing these backups that I’d vaguely sensed there had been more covert interference in our travel arrangements ind hotel bookings-interference that didn’t originate from Luna. I’d been too buried in work at the time to investigate further.
looked up, my gaze burning into Sebastian:
Mr. Brightwell, I can do everything in my power to help salvage this project for the company. I can even temporarily refrain from ursuing criminal charges against Luna, giving her, the Fairmont family, and… any other potentially involved parties a chance to ettle this privately.”
Sebastian immediately grasped my subtext:
What are your conditions?”
First, Luna must publicly issue a written apology to me, clarifying all false rumors spread about me and restoring my reputation. econd, the Fairmont family must provide full compensation for the direct and indirect damages their daughter’s actions caused to Brightwell Corporation and to me personally-the specific amount to be calculated by my attorney. Third,”
paused, articulating my final demand clearly: “Your engagement to Ļuna must be terminated. Furthermore, you need to issue an official internal company announcement explaining the situation, stabilizing morale, and explicitly expressing the company’s ommitment to employee safety and reputation.”
Each of these three conditions struck at vital pressure points.
‘ublic apology and compensation would strip away the Fairmont family’s dignity and assets;
Terminating the engagement would completely crush Luna’s delusions while also cutting off any internal Brightwell family nembers who might hope to gain benefits through this arranged marriage;
And the company announcement would bind Sebastian and me to the same ship, forcing him to stand with me and purge internal hreats.
Sebastian fell silent, studying me with complex eyes.
le probably never imagined that this female assistant who typically executed orders with quiet efficiency could unleash such
recisely calculated and ruthless counterattacks when cornered.
This wasn’t merely revenge against Luna-this was forcing him to cleanse internal corruption, to reshape the rules of the game entirely.
‘Catherine, do you realize the consequences of this approach? The Fairmont family won’t let this slide quietly, and my mother…”
His tone was heavy.
“Mr. Brightwell,”
I leaned back against my pillow, pale from exertion but with unwavering resolve in my eyes. “The choice is yours: protect a deranged woman who nearly destroyed the company and its employees, along with the parasites potentially lurking behind her, or protect
Brightwell Corporation’s foundation and future while giving those who truly contribute to the company the justice they deserve.”
I closed my eyes, no longer looking at him.
“I’m exhausted and need rest. Consider carefully before giving me your answer. Additionally, until I’m discharged and receive a clear response, I won’t sign any settlement documents or take calls from the Fairmont family.”
I transformed myself into a silent fortress-a wounded soldier holding crucial cards.
Sebastian stood there for a long time before finally leaving the room without a word, his footsteps heavy.
Listening to the door close, I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the stark ceiling.
