Joanna was really good at setting unrealistic goals for herself, goals she couldn't even achieve.

If his boss didn't know her true colors, she might have actually used Sebastian's influence to become a business mogul in a year or two. But now that they knew her entire plan, there was no way she'd succeed.

Secrets never stayed hidden for long. Joanna's world was bound to burn down around her.

They had snagged a few of those branch companies themselves, and under proper management, they were thriving.

"Boss, Zachary was trafficking organs. That's a death sentence."

A lethal gleam flickered in Sebastian's eyes. "A guy like that deserves everything coming to him. Did you check if his companies are clean?"

"On the surface, yes," Sean replied. "The accounts don't show any red flags."

Sean handed a file to Sebastian. "The two entertainment companies Joanna acquired are currently the ones with the worst reputations under Zachary's name. The four we snapped up are the top-tier ones. Robert Warner is signed to one of ours."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, calculating his next move. "Terminate Robert's contract. Blacklist him from the industry. And drop a hint that Joanna is the one who ordered the hit. Let them tear each other apart."

Sean's face lit up with excitement. "Perfect. I love watching Joanna fail. Ever since her thugs tossed me into the freezing ocean, I swore that if I survived, I'd make her life a living hell."

The memory of plunging into the icy depths flared Sebastian's own burning hatred.

"Good. Handle it," Sebastian said, sitting in his wheelchair and staring out the window, his gaze dark and profound.

Natalie, we have a long life ahead. I'll pave the road to bring you home.

At that exact moment.

Joanna had just finished dinner when she got the news.

She had tasked Jenna with buying out Zachary's company. When Jenna called, Joanna answered eagerly. "Jenna, how did it go? Did we get it?"

Jenna's tone was apologetic. "I'm sorry. We only managed to secure two of the branches. An unknown buyer swooped in and grabbed the other four. I haven't been able to

trace who they are yet."

"What?!" Joanna was stunned. How could someone beat her to the punch?

"But the two we did get are solid,

and the resources are great," Jenna

quickly added. "Once all the

paperwork is done, I'll meet with the

partners. There's some real

promising talent on the roster."

"Fine," Joanna agreed. "You take charge of those two branches. Bring Nora's

brother in to work with you."

She used the opportunity to lay

down the law. "Jenna, Nora used to be the leader of your crew, but she got greedy. Now you're the one in charge You need to set the standard. Don't let greed run you like it did her. I'm bumping your salary up by half a million dollars. Do we understand each other?"

Losing Nora had been a massive blow, a sting she still hadn't gotten over.

Nora had always been incredibly reliable.

Jenna's response was sharp and determined. "Don't worry, I won't let you down.

Also, Robert is signed to one of the four agencies we didn't get. How do you want to handle him?"

"Ever since his movie got pulled, he's been throwing tantrums at the office, demanding to see you."