"Not another word from you, starting this very moment!" she threatened.

Melon, perplexed by his mother's wrath, looked pitiful but dared not defy her dominance.

Meanwhile, Holden couldn't stifle a chuckle once the line fell silent.

Alongside his laughter, an intense yearning to meet Ariana in person surged within him.

The realization jolted him. She had thoroughly enchanted him.

When Shawn entered, he discovered Holden beaming more brightly than he had in quite some time, feeling Intrigued.

Happiness, however, proved fleeting.

Advancing with purpose, Shawn assumed a solemn expression as he handed over a folder.

"I'm afraid I bear unfortunate tidings, sir. It appears that our semiconductor operation in Mistlyn has been intercepted by Zayden.”

Holden's brows furrowed sharply at the news. He snatched the folder, briefly scanning it before tossing it aside in irritation.

“Investigate this immediately. I need to know precisely what occurred," he commanded, his voice icy.

Holden was well aware that his cousin Zayden held nothing but resentment for him. In the past, Zayden never missed an opportunity to make a fool of himself with petty antics whenever Holden was around.

Holden had always taken great pains to avoid Zayden.

Ever since his grandfather had relinquished full control of the Fredrick Group to Holden, Zayden had set out to build his own empire, all the while tirelessly working behind the scenes to undermine Holden's efforts.

For nearly half a year, Holden had meticulously laid the groundwork for this groundbreaking semiconductor project. If successful, the Fredrick Group's new chips would unquestionably dominate the market.

By interfering now, Zayden was clearly courting disaster.

A cold smile crept across Holden's face. If Zayden insisted on snatching from the tiger's jaws, then neither of them would profit from the venture. Holden would ensure that.

Yet, questions gnawed at him. How had Zayden learned of the top-secret project in the first place? And how had he obtained confidential documents that should have been securely locked away?

His study!

This realization shot through Holden like a bolt of lightning. Devin had mentioned Sadie's curious activities in his study. Holden's narrowed eyes reflected the crystallization of his suspicions.