Chapter 209

Vincent Ashcroft Sr. let out a heavy sigh, his gaze complex as he stared at his son. "You're right. The Yangs can't touch us. But I've checked—Sebastian Cortez hasn't made a move against us either. Yet if he terminates our partnership, we're finished."

His fingers tapped absently against the desk. "Only the Cortez family can fund and produce this new project. I've waited six years for this opportunity."

So close to success, only to fail at the last moment.

"That Sterling Manor heiress is formidable. She developed it in just four years. If not for their production limitations, they'd never have partnered with us." A bitter smile twisted his lips. "My technology isn't inferior to hers. After finally gaining recognition..."

"They approached the Lowells first, but Isabella Langley stole credit. Then Adrian Valentine intercepted the deal. So the Sterling heiress took matters into her own hands. The product launched a year late but became an instant classic—it'll dominate the market for twenty years."

Vincent Sr.'s pupils constricted as realization struck. "Someone's been orchestrating this entire situation."

Vincent Ashcroft swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "Father... is there really no way out?"

"After paying a billion in back taxes, our cash flow is severed." Vincent Sr. shook his head. "Adrian Valentine is busy collaborating with Sterling Manor now—he won't help us. The Roscentes lost over a billion too."

Vincent's breathing turned ragged, his words choked. "I never thought it would come to this—"

"Enough!" Vincent Sr. snapped. "Tears won't solve anything. If you truly want to make amends, go work for Evelyn Roland."

Julian Roscente and Vincent Ashcroft froze simultaneously.

"Father, she's not even—"

"Are you certain?" Vincent Sr. slammed the table.

Vincent fell silent.

"Fortunes change overnight. The person you looked down on yesterday can leave you drowning today." A cold laugh escaped him. "That she hasn't kicked us while we're down is mercy enough."

Disappointment etched his features as he regarded his son. "Twenty-six years old, yet still acting like a reckless boy who doesn't know his place."

Selfish. Arrogant. Wealth had blinded him to reality.

And this was only the beginning.

Vincent Sr. turned to find his wife. With the political winds shifting in Vienna, self-preservation was paramount.

For over a year, he'd sensed something amiss. The Roscentes had been the first target.

Before leaving, he cautioned Julian: "Tell your father to tread carefully in the coming days."

"Thank you, Uncle Ashcroft." Julian inclined his head respectfully. "If you need anything..."

"Stay with him. Make him see reason." Vincent Sr. checked his watch. "I leave in an hour."

His shoulders slumped as he ascended the stairs. Some realizations, only his son could reach alone.

Vincent collapsed onto the sofa, his gaze hollow. "Julian... I never imagined the Ashcrofts would fall this far."

Never in his wildest dreams had he thought he'd plummet from the heights of privilege.

Julian's voice turned grave. "Believe it or not, we were both set up last night. Cassandra Valentine drugged me."