For a moment, the room fell into complete silence.
A few board members chuckled quietly, likely thinking they had just heard something absurd,
Shane raised his brows. “Ari, you’re going to take responsibility? How exactly do you plan to resolve the issue?1understand your concern, but there’s no need to worry.
“I’m not trying to take over Jayson’s position. I’m simply stepping in to address the current situation. We were just discussing which role I should assume.”
Ariel shot him a cold glance. “Have you forgotten what I do for a living, and who I regularly meet at work?”
Shane’s expression stiffened at her words.
Evelyn glanced at Ariel discreetly.
Despite her tall frame, Ariel looked so frail it seemed a gust of wind could sweep her away. Yet she stood firm, facing a room full of seasoned, calculating businessmen without flinching.
“I can assure you right now that I’m capable of negotiating with the relevant government officials to secure their approval. My background and status provide all the connections we need.
“I’ve already contacted Commander Quinton from the Department of Defense and my mentor, Mr. Hockney. They’ll help connect me with the officials involved. I even have influence over certain terms and conditions of the deal. So tell me do you still doubt my capabilities or the resources I bring to the table?”
Her tone was calm and composed, but her words carried undeniable weight. No one in the room could refute her.
Most of the board members had been in the industry for years. They knew the stature Carlos and Gary held in their respective fields.
With just a word, those two men could open doors to anyone. And Ariel was likely Carlos‘ successor, poised to inherit his legacy and influence.
A tense silence settled over the room.
Shane’s expression darkened. He had known Ariel was involved in research, but he hadn’t realized she was so well–connected—especially with someone like Gary.
As for Carlos, no matter how much he favored Ariel, would he really use his personal connections to help her with corporate matters? And why would Ariel call in such favors when she had other ways to leverage those relationships?
“Ari, I understand you’re saying all this to buy time for Jayson. But I’m afraid you have no authority to interfere with the board’s decision on who will lead the project.”
Ariel met his gaze without flinching. “I’ll prove through action that I can resolve this issue. If you still don’t trust me, I’m willing to sign a personal liability clause. I’ll take full accountability if Bluum Corp suffers any damage or disruption because of me.”
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Sheplaced a document on the table.“Thisis the equity transfer contract for Nexura Solutions. If I fall to securethenegotiations and the project, I’ll offer Nexura Solutions as collateral,”
Gasps rippled through the room. Everyone knew the value of Nexura Solutions. It was a billion–dollarcompany. Ariel was putting everything on the line.
Shane stood abruptly,his expression icy. “Aren’t you raising the stakes a bit too high, Ari?”
He had planned to take advantage of Jayson’s absence. Samson had used his connections to delay government approval, giving Shane time to step in and lead the negotiations.
He intended to quickly solidify his return to Bluum Corp’s headquarters and take charge of the major project. But Ariel had anticipated his move. She responded swiftly, leveraging her connections and even offering Nexura Solutions as collateral.
Those were powerful cards to play.
Despite her pale complexion, Ariel remained calm and composed. “I’m confident because I know I have the upper hand. So tell me, Shane–what will you offer as collateral?”
Shane’s face twisted into a scowl. Kyle, meanwhile, grew visibly uneasy. His cold gaze swept across the board members.
Ariel didn’t give them time to respond. “Ladies and gentlemen, once you choose a side, there’s no turning back. Jayson has the support of the Cavell family. I have extensive connections.
“A poor decision is like investing in a business destined to fail. You may not be able to bear the consequences. So choose wisely.”
Though her tone remained even, Ariel exuded a commanding presence. Her message was clear–anyone considering switching sides to support Shane had better think twice. She knew exactly what Shane was planning.