Chapter 1846: Provocation

Coralie panicked upon learning of the situation. Import and export trade was inherently risky; profitability was secondary to securing payments. She immediately informed Shawn.

"I'll ask Danny to look into it," Shawn said, his expression turning serious. He'd entrusted the entire list of Farwell Group's Epean clients to his assistant, Danny Yaeger. Danny's first contact was Paolo. Minutes later, he reported back.

"What? The number's been disconnected?" Shawn was furious.

"I'll try the other two clients. Maybe it's a temporary issue. Mr. Paolo often gets into trouble and changes his number," Danny offered, though he was equally concerned. He hung up and called the remaining clients.

That month's sales increase stemmed largely from the three clients poached from Farwell Group. Losing all three would be disastrous. Both remaining numbers were disconnected.

Terror seized Danny. He frantically searched for the companies' contact details online and dialed, his hands trembling. The result was the same—no connection. He felt utterly distraught, unsure how to report this to Shawn.

Shawn, previously enjoying wine and anticipating a swim at his villa, was no longer in the mood. Danny's prolonged silence signaled trouble. He quickly changed, entered his Bentley, and drove to the company.

Danny stood by the CEO's office entrance, his face grim.

"Did everything go wrong?" Shawn asked, entering. Before Danny answered, Shawn suspected Lucian's involvement. This is a trap, he thought.

Shawn's eyes darkened; Danny cowered, avoiding eye contact. A knock came at the door.

"Mr. Crawford, a guest sent a flower basket and insists you see it." It was their first day in the building; numerous flower baskets had arrived since morning, mostly left downstairs or at the entrance.

Danny frowned. Who would demand Mr. Crawford personally view a flower basket? He snapped at the secretary, "Don't bother Mr. Crawford with trivialities! Put it somewhere."

The secretary's face fell. "Ms. Crawford instructed me to deliver it. It's from Lucian of Farwell Group."

Shawn's face contorted; he stormed out, startling the secretary.

"As expected," Shawn said, his eyes fixed on Lucian's name. "What a provocation!"

The secretary was terrified by Shawn's rage. Danny also rushed out, his face draining of color. A deliberate attempt to provoke Mr. Crawford, he thought. Those three clients pretended to betray Lucian and scammed us out of hundreds of millions.

Shawn resisted smashing the basket—it was beneath him—but he needed an outlet for his anger. Without a word, he returned to his office, slamming the door. The sound of furious destruction soon followed.