Chapter 217

Adrian Valentine's gaze darkened as he looked at Vincent Ashcroft. "Do you understand the current state of the Ashcroft Group?"

Vincent clenched his fists.

No one knew better than him what his family was about to face.

Only desperation had driven him to seek help from this former friend.

"If we can save the joint project between our companies, there's still a chance to turn things around."

He had spent the entire night tossing and turning in that cramped ten-square-meter rental apartment before standing here today.

The young master of the Ashcroft family, who had grown up in luxury, had bathrooms larger than that entire room.

Adrian was blunt. "I can't help. The Sterling Manor project requires massive funding. I won't risk the Valentine Group."

The business world was a battlefield.

Vincent stared at this brother-in-arms and suddenly laughed.

He should have known better. Sentiment meant nothing when profits were at stake.

That Adrian would protect their overseas project was already his greatest concession.

"No room for negotiation?" Vincent's voice tightened.

Adrian met his gaze. "I can only preserve our existing collaborations."

Vincent's face instantly drained of color.

So empires could crumble in the blink of an eye.

"Thanks." He stumbled slightly when turning away.

Isabella Langley watched coldly, mockery flashing in her eyes.

Fool.

Did he really think Adrian would gamble the Valentine Group for him? Even if Adrian wanted to, she would never allow it.

"Vincent, do you know how much capital it would take to save the Ashcroft Group?" Isabella's red lips parted. "Helping you would set the Valentine Group back at least ten years."

She looked at this stray dog as if he were garbage.

The video she'd sent to the Macmillans last night was already taking effect.

Suddenly Vincent remembered Evelyn's words.

He whirled around, catching Isabella's triumphant smirk before she could hide it.

So that was it.

"It was you." Vincent's voice trembled. "You used my prejudice against Evelyn—"

He laughed until his eyes turned red.

To think he'd been played like a puppet by this woman.