Chapter 1875: A Real Man

Danny remained silent. He knew Shawn, not himself, was ultimately responsible; Shawn had appointed these people.

Shawn was beside himself with frustration. “It’s all over. I’m finished. Two billion in funding—gone!”

Despite his years in the business, Shawn was no match for Lucian. His family’s two-billion-dollar investment was his chance to prove himself. Failure meant bankruptcy for Crawford Heights Group and a reckoning with his extended family. The sum involved was substantial.

A dejected Shawn lamented, “Damn you, Lucian! Why do you constantly sabotage me? I was foolish! Unexpected situations always plague overseas ventures.” He dismissed Danny with a wave of his hand.

Shortly after, Coralie knocked and entered, unannounced. Noticing Shawn’s distraught expression, she gestured for the secretary to clean the office.

Once the secretary left, Coralie tossed a report onto the desk. Calmly, she stated, “You’ve exhausted your capital. Managing staff and office costs will be difficult. You have two choices: secure additional financing or take out a bank loan.”

Shawn looked up, lost and confused. “Coralie, beating Lucian is impossible!”

“Is it? Why fear failure? Grandpa failed years ago, yet he built our northern empire. You still have time. I’ve investigated. Lucian’s mineral claim was small and quickly developed. He also had connections with the group that caused this disruption, ensuring he controlled the resources. Our background checks were insufficient.”

Shawn ran a hand through his hair. “Coralie, this isn’t the time for analysis. My plan failed. I don’t know how to face my family.”

Coralie’s disappointment was evident in her cold sneer. “If you don’t analyze your failures, they’ll repeat. Both mistakes stemmed from your haste. Had you observed Lucian, you would have seen his calculated patience, his carefully laid trap.” She presented a summary report. “Let our family know why you failed, admit your mistakes, and accept the consequences. Show some backbone.”

Coralie left with a smile. This was all part of Lucian’s plan; Jonathan was merely his instrument. A gleeful thought struck her. Jonathan appeared easygoing and honest, but his capabilities far surpassed expectations. Her fondness for him intensified. “Oh, he’s dreamy and irresistible! I wonder when he’ll fall for me?” she mused.