Chapter 592

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During the New Year’s holiday, disaster struck-the Cole Group plunged into its worst financial crisis yet, far surpassing the previous one.
Watching the news, Aria knew Russell was about to make his move against the Wolfshade Syndicate.
Though they still hadn’t found Margery, Aria had spent years with the Wolfshade Syndicate. If Russell dared to act boldly, he could use that connection to stir up trouble.
The only one I’m really worried about is White, Aria thought. ‘But White has survived the Solemnity Guild for years-he can handle himself’
Her phone rang. It was Diego calling. Aria answered the call.
“Aria, what’s your relationship with Orlando? Is he working for you?” Liam demanded, his voice sharp and accusatory.
Aria wasn’t surprised-she’d already guessed it was him. “Isn’t Orlando your bastard brother? Why ask me?
“You can’t even manage the company-handing the Cole Group to others while clinging to your title as heir. Did you really think Orlando’s some kind of saint who’s going to slave away making money for you forever?’
“What good is a brain if you’re not going to use it? You might as well feed it to the pigs,” Aria scoffed.
The line went dead.
Diego snatched the phone away. “Your brother is fighting you for the Cole Group, and you’re blaming someone else? I really don’t get how your mind works.”
Liam’s face darkened. “They’re getting too close,” he muttered, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
Daniel was hospitalized, with Liam by his side, leaving the Cole Group in complete disarray.
Meanwhile, Orlando, the mastermind behind all this chaos, was chilling at a bar.
Orlando reported, “Russell, within three days, the Cole family will hand the Cole Group over to us on a silver platter.”
Russell smiled, “Well done.”
Orlando said, “It’s okay. The assets are all transferred. Watch your back in the Wolfshade Syndicate.”
Russell replied calmly, “Got it.”
After their conversation, Orlando picked up his phone and messaged Aria: [I’ll have people keep watch over Mayen Garden. We need to pay special attention to Pearl’s safety these days.]
Aria: [OK.]
Orlando had expected Daniel to hold out until the next day, only to be contacted by the old man that very afternoon.
Contract in hand, Orlando set out for Heffner Hospital.
The moment Orlando entered, a cup came flying at his head.
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Orlando sidestepped the cup, his eyes turning icy. “If you don’t want to talk, I’m leaving now.”
Daniel was shaking with rage, on the verge of passing out. Liam rushed to steady him, pleading, “Grandpa, easy now.”
After what felt like an eternity, Daniel finally regained his composure, his piercing glare fixed on Orlando. “It was you,” he spat. “You orchestrated the Cole Group’s downfall.”
Orlando scoffed, “Didn’t you just hand the Cole Group to me on a silver platter?”
Orlando sneered inwardly, ‘Did they really think a measly few percent of shares would make him slave away for the Cole Group? How could they be so confident?’
Playing hardball didn’t work, so Daniel had to switch to a softer approach. “Orlando, you’re a Cole by blood. We’re family. You-”
“Mr. Cole,” Orlando cut him off coldly. “The Cole Group doesn’t have time for your games. Transfer all your shares to me.
“Only the patents I hold can save the Cole Group from collapse. Otherwise, just wait for it to go bankrupt and be seized by creditors.”
Daniel’s expression grew grim. This was the day he’d always dreaded. He’d never dared to part with too many shares, afraid of losing control.
However, he hadn’t thought Orlando was so resourceful, orchestrating all this behind his back.
Daniel glared, his voice edged with anger. “Without the Cole Group, you’ll have nothing left.”
“I can bounce back from nothing. Can you?” Orlando shrugged nonchalantly. He produced the contract. “Sign it.”
‘Now that Orlando’s the Chairman, what does that make me?’ Liam thought bitterly.
Liam said coldly, “Orlando, what the hell are you really after?”
“Just pure disgust for you,” Orlando sneered, his face twisting with revulsion. I’ve slaved away for the Cole Group, while you didn’t lift a finger and still rake in millions in dividends. What kind of sweet deal is that?
“Mr. Cole, most of the shareholders have already agreed. Stop wasting time-this is your only chance. Next time, I’ll be taking both your and Liam’s shares.”
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