The mere thought of the BRD Group infused Darian with loathing. He hoisted the computer from the table and hurled it onto the floor.

The BRD Group was the Fredrick family’s enterprise. They must have conspired against him. It was entirely Theodore's doing!

Surveying the contents of his office, Darian launched into a destructive frenzy, cursing, “Despicable wretch! She should've never birthed him! Ingrate! Merciless scoundrel! All are damned, all are damned!"

In the midst of his rampage, faint knocks echoed at the door. Shortly after, a female secretary timidly pushed open the door to find a livid Darian wreaking havoc in the office. She meekly said, "Sir, there's a mob gathering downstairs, clamoring about the project funds they're owed."

Upon learning that the Anderson Group was confronting a crisis, a wave of concern washed over Ariana. The conglomerate’s prosperity had been an outcome of Theodore's efforts, but she couldn't shake the suspicion that he might also be the architect of the current turbulence.

She had dispatched a message to Theodore, inquiring if he was the catalyst behind this turmoil, but she had yet to receive a response.

A growing unease gripped Ariana at the thought of Theodore embroiled in the quagmire that the Anderson Group was presently ensnared in. She promptly extricated herself from the bed, dressed, and dashed to the company's headquarters.

Upon crossing the threshold of the Anderson Group, she was struck by an all-pervading gloom.

Previously, an air of discipline and structure had prevailed here, with everyone focused on their individual tasks in their assigned spaces, the corridors undisturbed by footfall.

Now, the scene has drastically altered. Clusters of people congregated in separate huddles, their conversation echoing through the hallway.

The entrance was besieged by a throng of individuals, whose purpose was unclear.

Access to the elevator leading to the offices was blocked. As Ariana edged closer to the crowd, snippets of conversations about the company floated to her, coaxing her to draw nearer.

"Did you catch the Latest headlines?"

“Why bother? Weren't we all witnesses to yesterday's events?"

“I heard payroll won't be met today. They're calling it a delay, but the truth is, they're short on funds."

Upon closer inspection, Ariana spotted several uniform-clad individuals at the reception, bellowing, "We're here for our dues. We won't budge until you settle today!"

She then approached a girl in the crowd and queried, “What's the situation?"

The girl shrugged, letting out a sigh.

"I don't have all the details. I only heard Mr. Anderson is deep in debt due to the project. Some folks are apprehensive that he might abscond if the company goes under, so they demand immediate payment.”

The reception desk reverberated with loud voices, threatening to escalate into a conflict with Darian.