Gabriel''s face was grim, and he didn''t speak.


    The conference room fell silent, the only sound the faint, heavy breathing of those present.


    "Enough. I understand. For now, take care of the backlog of files on my desk. I''ll handle the PR situation. I won''t let Nyce Tech copse!" he announced.


    His words did little to inspire confidence. The shareholders still looked deeply uncertain.


    From Gabriel''s expression, it was clear the allegations of stealing Prospectus Technology''s core technology were true.


    No wonder. That was how they had managed to release the Gxy chip so quickly.


    If Prospectus Technology had solid evidence, just the charge of stealing data rted to their chip''s development would be enough to bankrupt Nyce Tech entirely. Even selling thepany wouldn''t cover the damages.


    "Understood..." the shareholders chorused.


    Upon seeing their grimaces, Gabriel''s expression darkened further. He waved them off impatiently. "Alright, that''s it. You can all leave."


    The shareholders filed out one by one, leaving the conference room empty except for Gabriel.


    He sat alone for a long time before finally rising and heading back to his office.


    His time out on bail was short-he had to make the most of every second.


    Back in his office, he immediately called for his secretary. "Find out how much liquid capital Nyce Tech currently has."


    Less than ten minutester, the secretary returned with the numbers. "Mr. Hackett, Nyce Tech currently has 79,300,000 dors in liquid assets."


    Gabriel took a deep breath, his voice cold. "Transfer all of it to this ount."


    He handed the secretary a slip of paper with a string of numbers that looked like a bank ount.


    The secretary took the paper, his fingers trembling slightly. "Mr. Hackett, if we move all the liquid funds, thepany won''t be able to function within a week. Are you certain about this?"


    "Do as I say. I''ll handle thepany," Gabriel replied.


    After a moment''s hesitation, the secretary nodded. "Understood, Mr. Hackett. I''ll take care of it right away."


    Once the secretary left, Gabriel contacted a friend overseas, asking them to prepare a helicopter for him.


    Given the current state of Nyce Tech, it was clear that Prospectus Technology wouldn''t let him off the hook.


    He knew all too well that the evidence Damon had submitted was enough to keep him behind bars for life.


    At best, Philip could buy him another day or two. He had to leave before the police came to arrest him again.


    There was just one more thing he had to do before he fled.


    Gabriel''s expression darkened further, his eyes cold and calcting.


    ...


    Spencer entered Damon''s office, holding a document. "Mr. Sumner, I''ve just received word that Gabriel was released on bail this morning."


    Damon paused mid-signature and looked up. "Where did he go after being released?"


    "Straight from the police station to Nyce Tech," Spencer informed.


    Damon nodded. "Understood. He''ll be back in custody soon enough."


    "Should we have someone keep an eye on his movements?" Spencer asked.


    "Yes," Damon answered.


    After Spencer left, Damon finished signing the document and turned to review another file.


    By 3:00 p.m., Damon called N to let her know he''d be workingte "N, you and Buddy don''t need to wait for me for dinner tonight I''ll be home a littlete."


    N''s gentle voice came through the phone. "In that case, I''ll have Lydia pack up some food, and


    Buddy and I will bring dinnerel


    I the


    office for you."


    "No need. It''s too much trouble for you two toe all the way here. I''ll be back by 8:00 p.m. at thetest, and I''m swamped right now. Even if you came, I wouldn''t have time to sit with you," Damon exined.