His assistant, embarrassed, informed him, "Yes, they've requested a different partner. The chairman is displeased with you. If this isn't resolved, you might lose the CEO position to your brother."

Winston paled at the news.

He immediately contacted Flora, who in turn reached out to Marlene for assistance.

Marlene was unaware of this matter, but she found herself unable to outright confess her lack of assistance to Flora's boyfriend. Her response assumed an air of ambiguity, “Flora, my role lies in presenting your boyfriend an opportunity. Should he falter to seize it, my hands are quite tied."

“Marlene, can't you aid me in uncovering the reason of the sudden termination of the collaboration?" Flora asked anxiously.

"It's best if you address the matter directly with them," Marlene nonchalantly suggested.

Indeed, Central Railway Engineering wielded substantial influence within the industry. Even Marlene, with her considerable standing, faced challenges in securing a partnership effortlessly.

It fell upon Flora to relay Marlene's cryptic message to Winston.

Winston spared no effort in reaching out to a Central Railway Engineering staff member. Their response was veiled, “Mr. Hammond, you've ruffled the wrong feathers. Now, no one can shield you."

"Could you at least hint at who I have offended?"

The man on the other end maintained silence and abruptly terminated the call.

Frustrated, Winston delved into investigating Central Railway Engineering. To his astonishment, he uncovered its affiliation with the Harris Group.

Rumors had circulated about a seldom-seen daughter of the Harris family, who was the apple of the family's eye.

Winston devised a plan. Winning the affection of the Harris family's daughter could potentially secure his foothold in the Harris Group, not to mention pave the way for success with his family's company.

Winston exuded confidence in his own charm.

Without hesitation, he set out to trace the elusive Harris family daughter, offering a handsome reward of five hundred thousand to anyone who could uncover her whereabouts, posting his plea on a hacker website.

To Winston's amazement, events unfolded with greater ease than he had anticipated. He swiftly acquired leads about the mysterious girl, discovering that she would go to the Hayton Hotel that night.

During her leisure hours, Lilah casually perused various hacker forums and stumbled upon this particular message.

She was surprised to find someone delving into Effie's affairs.

Without delay, she traced the IP of the individual behind the post and promptly identified him as Winston.

Lilah conveyed this information to Effie, who responded, "Lilah, feel free to let him know what he seeks."

Lilah assured, "Certainly, no issue."

In a private room of the Hayton Hotel, Effie engaged in discussions with the director.

"The Phillips family is contemplating offering the role to Flora. In my view, she doesn't hold a candle to you."