“Besides, isn’t it a bit sudden for you toe all the way here without notifying Mr. Hodgson or


    acknowledging our booking of this venue today just to pitch your offer? It sounds to me like you


    don’t take this seriously at all.”


    “Exactly!” Betty muttered.


    Alyssa sighed. “I know. But I couldn’t help it. If I hade by any secondter, Mr. Hodgson would


    have never had a chance to regret his decision.”


    “Regret his decision?” Sophia shrieked. “What do you mean?”


    Alyssa ignored her and said to Onder, “Mr. Hodgson, won’t you consider working with us? You’re


    not refusing my offer just because I’m a woman, are you? I was sent here on behalf of my brother


    Jonah.


    “As CEO of KS Group, he gave me permission to oversee everything in rtion to this project. I can


    have him verify my statement if you don’t believe me.”


    “I believe you, Ms. Alyssa, but Javier and I truly do go a long way back. Our countless business


    partnerships have solidified my unwavering trust in them.” Onder’s tone was kind.


    He continued, “Plus, it would make sense for Sna City’s strongestpany to work on this


    project, given it’s centered here, so… I’m sure we’ll have opportunities to work together in the


    future.”


    Javier and Sophia were looking quite pleased now. They saw Alyssa as proud and were surprised


    by her trying to take their project without any notable achievements of her own, finding it all.


    absurd.


    “Well, alright. I understand your predicament. But I do want to say there’s something that will.


    never happen if you do agree to work with us.” Alyssa took on a sly grin. “You would never regret.


    working with us.”


    Jasper swallowed, suddenly realizing what her expression meant.


    She was up to something now!


    Sophia frowned. “What do you mean by that, Ms. Alyssa? Why are you making it sound like we would


    fail Mr. Hodgson?”


    +15 BONOS


    “What time is it, Sean?” Alyssa asked casually.


    3:00 pm on the dot, Miss.”


    “Get the news channel on and show it to Mr. Hodgson.”


    “Yes, Ms. Alyssa.” Sean then yed the news live stream for everyone to watch.


    “Wee back to the afternoon news, your one–stop for credible news reports daily! The 3:00 pm


    headlines for today–Vice President Henry Kirkman of Beckett Group was detained earlier today at


    1:00 pm for suspected bribery and criminal breach of trust.


    “The prosecutor has filed criminal charges against him at the district court, and the first trial is


    expected tomence soon.


    “The grounds of arrest were revealed to be due to underground involvement with Wicked Co’s


    thereby gaining secret profit.


    “We currently have knowledge that Henry Kirkman has been involved with his cousin, Sophia


    Kirkman, present–day President of the Beckett Group, and have worked on many past projects.


    The police are still investigating this matter, and we will be the first to update you all on this


    Javier’s face turned pale while Sophia stumbled backward as her world crumbled before her.


    “Mom, what’s going on? Mom?” Betty cried. “Why is Uncle Henry being arrested?”


    Jasper gazed steadily at Alyssa, his temple twitching violently. They had made sure no news


    about Henry’s arrest would be released to the public two hours ago.


    It looked like that brother of hers, Ss, had really given her a push!


    Javier asked Sophia curtly, “What is the meaning of this, Sophia?”


    “I–I don’t know! I swear I don’t, Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson. There must be some misunderstanding You


    know how the news tabloids are. You can’t believe those rumors!”


    Sophia never expected shit to hit the fan this quickly, so all she could do was try and y it off.


    But Minnie’s face had already darkened.


    Onder spoke up, “Henry’s your cousin, isn’t he? You were involved with those projects he


    started, right?”


    +15 BONOS


    “But I really have no knowledge of all the illegal stuff!” Sophia shook her head, trying to appear


    innocent.


    Just then, there was amotion from the golf course entrance.


    Several uniformed armed gentlemen came forward, led by a tall, stern–looking man. They were


    from the Investigative Bureau.


    “Madam Sophia Kirkman, on behalf of the police, you are required to apany us to assist in


    our investigation into your brother’s criminal charges.”