Adrian's expression grew dark. He glanced at the identification card hanging from Donna's neck and raised an eyebrow.

“Director? With the department in chaos, no one has come forward to intervene. Are you truly deserving of your position? The sheer absurdity of the company became painfully apparent. Perhaps it's time for you to start by reorganizing yourself," he added, his tone Laced with criticism.

Donna froze instantly, fear coursing through her veins as beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead.

Rather than pressing further, Adrian inquired, “Is Darian present?"

Donna breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly replied, “Yes, he's here.

He's in the CEO's office. Allow me to show you the way."

She hustled Adrian ahead, and as they passed Ariana, he halted briefly, his voice softening, "My condolences."

Ariana was momentarily taken aback, but swiftly donned a sorrowful expression. In an instant, her eyes reddened, and she bowed her head to wipe away tears.

Once Adrian moved on, Ariana slowly lifted her gaze, discreetly studying his retreating figure.

Adrian seemed to have had a connection and friendship with Theodore in the past. Ariana wondered if he had any inkling of Theodore's plans, and if so, how much he truly knew.

She couldn't determine whether she could place her trust in him or not.

Lost in contemplation, Ariana couldn't shake the unease that clung to her, feeling trapped in a web of uncertainty where trust eluded her.

In the CEO's office, Darian Lounged in the plush office chair, a victorious grin lighting up his face. He toyed with the trinkets scattered across Theodore's desk, assuming the posture of a conqueror.

Meanwhile, he unabashedly rifled through Theodore's computer, scrutinizing the contents of various documents and files.

A knock resounded through the door, and a man entered, clutching a stack of papers in his hands.

It was none other than Darian's trusted accountant within the company.

As soon as Darian spotted him, he promptly rose from his seat and inquired, his voice weighted with seriousness, "How's it going? How much funding have we managed to secure now?"

The accountant paused, just a beat, before he gave the dreaded document to Darian.

“We've hit the brakes on any projects we could, and pulled our investments out of everything we could. But..." His voice wavered.

“We're still falling short of what we need."