?


    Damon''s expression was icy as he spoke. "I''ve already sent the head of R&D with a team to investigate. Let''s wait for their findings before jumping to conclusions."


    He added, "The Agihop 6th Gen isn''t out yet. If the issue does lie in the Agihop 5th Gen, we should prepare for the worstpensation payouts and the possibility of... bankruptcy."


    "What?!" A collective gasp echoed through the room, disbelief etched on everyone''s faces.


    "All this over a single batch of faulty machines from the Longbow Company? Isn''t that a bit extreme?"


    "Exactly. If the problem is with the Agihop 5th Gen chips, wouldn''t payingpensation suffice?"


    "Mr. Sumner, aren''t you exaggerating?"


    The notion that Prospectus Technology could face bankruptcy over a single chip seemed absurd.


    Meeting their skepticism with a calm demeanor, Damon borated, "The news about Longbow Company''s machines breaking down after using our chips has already spread.


    They''re attributing the issue to Prospectus Technology''s products. Several clients have reached out, intending to cancel their contracts."


    "If the investigation confirms our chips caused the damages, we''ll lose more than money. We''ll lose the trust our brand has painstakingly built."


    In Saintornia''s fiercelypetitive business world,panies watched each other like hawks, ready to exploit any weakness. A hit to Prospectus Technology''s reputation could be irreparable.


    After Damon''s exnation, a heavy silence nketed the room. Grim expressions reced the initial disbelief.


    Damon broke the silence. "Alright. There''s no need to panic yet. We''ll wait for the investigation results. Meanwhile, we prepare for the worst. The possibility of bankruptcy is already on the table-there''s not much worse than that."


    He stood, scanning the room. "That''s all for now. Meeting adjourned."


    With that, he strode out, leaving the room heavy with unease.


    ...


    Back in his office, a sharp knock interrupted Damon''s thoughts. Spencer entered, his movements hurried.


    "Mr. Sumner, we''ve confirmed many of the online rumors about our chips were spread by paid posters hired by Nyce Tech. I''ve also learned they''re about to release a new chip they''ve been developing for years.


    Damon''s gaze turned steely. "Understood. Keep the PR department working on damage control.


    "Also,pile evidence of Nyce


    Tech''s actions and send it to


    Gabriel Make it clear that if they continue smearing Prospectus Technology, we''ll involve the authorities."


    "Understood, Mr. Sumner," Spencer affirmed before leaving.


    As the door closed, Damon returned his focus to the documents on his desk.


    At Gabriel''s vi, he and Tom sat across from each other, wine sses in hand.


    Tom scrolled through his phone with a smirk. "Gabriel, you''re impressive. One move, and Prospectus Technology is in chaos. Partnering with you was the smartest decision I''ve ever made."


    Gabriel''s expression remained impassive. "Don''t assume you can just sit back and do nothing."


    Since their alliance began, Gabriel had shouldered most of the work. Tom''s contributions were minimal, limited to asional suggestions.


    Tom swirled his winezily, raising an eyebrow. "Rx. It''s not my time to act yet. Don''t worry. I''ll keep my end of the bargain."


    "You''d better," Gabriel said coldly. "I despise being used."


    "Of course. You have my word," Tom assured him.


    Their conversation was interrupted by a maid entering with a document in hand.


    "Mr. Hackett, this just arrived from Prospectus Technology," the maid announced.