Chapter 472:

Summer had arrived in Warrington, the air thick with the relentless drone of cicadas. To some, it was irritating; to Corey, it felt like a celebration. In just two months, he had optimized the Q Robot and launched it with a high-profile campaign, initiating a new business battle. Meanwhile, Alicia had spent the day immersed in the Q Robot’s sales data. Corey’s reach and influence were far greater than she'd anticipated.

Later, she visited Caden’s office to share her findings. “If it weren’t for Corey,” she exclaimed, marveling at the figures, “I wouldn’t have realized how much wealth exists in this country. I could never have imagined seeing this kind of money.”

Caden had observed the sales surge, but his perspective differed. “Launching something like this in a high-end market requires a substantial investment,” he noted. “Q targets elite clients, meaning their expectations will be extremely high. They’re making money now, but they’ll face countless problems down the line. It might not end well.”

Alicia sighed in relief. “I thought you weren’t going to intervene.”

“I haven’t,” Caden replied coolly. “Whether Corey makes a fortune or goes bankrupt is none of my concern.”

“Then what have you been doing?” she asked, curious.

“Digging into Corey’s secrets,” he answered, a glint of intrigue in his eyes.

Alicia was about to press him further when Hank announced, “Sir, Corey is here.”

Corey entered, bearing gifts. On the very first day of Q’s sales—before any profits were realized—he had already withdrawn a substantial sum from his own account to give to Caden. The amount was staggering. Caden set the check down with a wry smile.

“You made the chip for the Q Robot. I can’t keep it all. From now on, we’ll split profits seventy-thirty, with you taking the larger share. This is the first payment; future payments will be settled annually by year’s end.”

Caden listened, sensing the underlying strategy. For a competitor to enter his territory with such a generous offer wasn't merely a gesture of goodwill—it was a calculated move. Crossing his legs, Caden spoke calmly. “It’s only been a few years, and the once-down-on-his-luck Mr. Hampton is now throwing money around without a second thought.”

Corey chuckled, unfazed. “Isn’t that what money’s for?”

“What do you want from me?” Caden cut straight to the point.

Corey smirked. He enjoyed negotiating with sharp minds—it saved time. “I want someone.”

Caden’s eyes narrowed; the answer was already forming. Still, he asked coolly, “Who?”

Corey’s gaze shifted to Alicia. He spoke slowly, deliberately. “Your girlfriend.”

Alicia’s brow furrowed; unease flickered across her face. Caden’s expression darkened.

Corey continued, his voice steady. “Your girlfriend doesn’t work for you, yet she’s here, listening to our negotiation. Are you sure she should be?” His words hung in the air, pointedly provocative.

Caden met Corey’s challenging gaze. “Alicia, leave us.”

Though her mind raced, Alicia obeyed silently, rising to leave.