Given Arabe''s character, she would never leave the Hawke family on a whim. And those who once cherished her like a rare gem in the Hawke family - would they really sever ties with her that easily?


    Meanwhile, the rumor mill was buzzing with the news that Sebastian''s official ount had posted a statement: All Everhart Group subsidiaries would cease any coboration with the Hawke family.


    But as people dug into the story, they realized that the Ashcroft Group had beaten them to the punch with a simr announcement. And this Ashcroft Group was run by none other than the Ashcroft family''s heir, Elian.


    Though discreet, the Ashcroft Group wielded significant influence. Even if the average person wasn''t aware of it, the way other big yers responded to their ount spoke volumes about their status.


    With three major families taking a stand, it was as if the entire elite circle was ready to cklist the Hawke family. These folks knew exactly whom to cross and whom to avoid; they were sharp and shrewd.


    "Boss, thepany ount just received arge sum of money. The finance and ounting teams are in a panic and came to me right away to ask you about it.”


    Sebastian paused his contract signing for a moment. "How much?"


    "Five million dors," the assistant replied.


    Five million was no small amount, so the finance department promptly submitted the report. Sebastian''s eyes narrowed slightly, as if he had already pieced something together.


    "We couldn''t trace the transfer''s origin, so we don''t know who sent it."


    "Got it. You can go ahead. Tell them not to worry about it."


    Sebastian''s voice carried a noticeable chill with thatst remark. Sensing the boss''s displeasure, the assistant didn''t dare say more and quickly made an exit, leaving with a brisk "Understood."


    Sebastian put down his pen and nced at his phone nearby. The screen hadn''t yet dimmed, disying a photo of them taken by fans during the joint event. Though the snapshot was innocuous, the ambiance and fan edits made it seem much more intimate.


    "So distant now, huh?"


    His gaze chilly, his voice was soft, with an edge of restrained yet profound emotion.


    Over at the Ashcroft estate in Zephra.


    "I hear the inte''s buzzing these days," Mr. Ashcroft remarked casually, doing some exercise at home.


    Elian, unusually at home today, wasn''t idle either. He was absorbed in his custom- made pad, projecting 3D images of seemingly terrains and weapon models.


    This special pad was exclusive to certain military personnel, capable of connecting directly to the core military systems, issuingmands and receiving orders. Its security was top-notch, both in software and hardware, essible only by its owner.


    "You''ve taken to surfing the web now, huh?" Elian teased, a hint of humor in his tone.


    "Hmph, not only do I browse the web, but I also know you and that Everhart kid don''t see eye to eye," Mr. Ashcroft retorted, shifting to a new pose.


    "That Everhart boy is no ordinary fellow. Keep your eyes open. Don''t let him quietly snatch someone away before you even realize it."


    Mr. Ashcroft was aware of the promising youngsters in their circle. Though he was arade of Elian''s grandfather, their social circles ovepped considerably.


    He knew a bit about Sebastian too. As a child, Sebastian would asionally visit, and even then, he was smart and unassuming, always achieving unexpectedly outstanding results.


    en


    Compared to the brash Elian, Sebastian seemed gentler. But the kid had a knack


    for keeping things under wraps, making him anything but straightforward.


    Elian curled his lips upward. “He won''t get the chance."