Chapter 552

“So, you noticed I was provoking him.”

“Crystal clear.”

Ben knew Debra’s personality. She’d never stir the pot without a reason. But every word she had spoken earlier was aimed at Edgar’s weakest points. While he might have appeared outwardly calm, Ben could sense that inside, he was already fuming.

“You can tell, but he’s too caught up in his pride to realize it,” Debra said, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “Edgar wants to take down Oscar. If he can’t negotiate with me, he’ll turn to someone else. We’ll give him exactly what he’s looking for—just enough to make him act rashly.”

Ben caught on to her strategy. “You’re setting a trap for him.”

Debra nodded. “Tomorrow, have our people reach out to him. Someone like Edgar, with his massive ego, won’t be able to handle the humiliation for long. He’ll rush into action and try to find allies who’ll help him go against us.”

“But won’t he think about the consequences?”

“I’ve already spelled out the consequences for him. If Edgar cared about the fallout, he would have neglected his interests in Booton. Right now, he’s entirely focused on expanding his influence in Seamar City and taking down Oscar. He can’t see beyond that.”

Edgar had let the Odom family’s wealth give him a false sense of security. He believed that even if he made a few bad moves, their fortune would cushion the blow. But he’d forgotten the golden rule of business: never underestimate your opponent. Sooner or later, his arrogance was going to cost him.

In the private room, Edgar had reached his breaking point. With a loud crash, he flipped the table in front of him, sending everything flying.

Chace rushed in, alarmed by the noise. “Sir. What happened?”

Edgar’s expression was dark. “Gather all resources. I don’t care how much it costs, but within a month, I want Oscar erased from every screen.”

Chace asked cautiously, “Sir, did the conversation with Ms. Frazier not go well? Maybe we can arrange another meeting.”

“Another meeting?” Edgar’s voice was icy, the memory of Debra’s condescending gaze fueling his rage. “She never intended to negotiate with me.”

In his mind, Debra was just relying on Juan and Marion’s influence. Yet she dared to speak to him like that. He clenched his fists, his jaw tight.

“I meant what I said. Within a month, I want Oscar gone. Whatever it takes.”

“Sir, I just think we need to be cautious. If we pick a fight with the McKinney Group right now, it could…”

“What, you think I can’t take them on?”

“No, sir. It’s just that Seamar City isn’t exactly our territory.”

Edgar cut him off sharply. “So what? Do you think Marion and Juan would risk going to war with the Odom family over some woman? We have an empire, Chace. They’re not foolish enough to burn bridges with us. If it comes to a fight, I won’t lose.”

“Sir…”

“Enough! Do as I say. If I don’t see results in a month, you can consider yourself out of a job.”

With that, Edgar stormed out. Chace stood frozen in place. After all these years, Edgar had never talked to him so harshly. Chace couldn’t help but feel a sinking dread.