Winning Her Heart Back

 Breaking His Limbs

Emelie lifted her head, looked at him, and then moved her rook one square over.

"Mr. Middleton, you're Mr. Davis's closest friend. Isn't it inappropriate to curse him like that?" she said.

They were playing international chess. The game had a board with 64 squares, with each player controlling 16 pieces that move in different ways. The goal was to checkmate the opponent's king.

"In the past three years, three-fifths of the Davis Group's funds have gone to Xanther. One-fifth has been keeping the Davis Group running. And the last fifth? He's been using it to expand the company's business. "William's voice was neutral.

He continued, "But who would've known the market would tank over the last two years? Nearly all the industries were going down. His investments didn't just fail, it was bad timing and luck. Now, he's facing a major cash deficit, especially lately."

William moved a pawn.

In the game of chess, pawns can only move forward, and never backward.

William's gaze darkened. "By the end of the year, he'll need to settle his accounts. He's already taken out a bunch of loans from the bank and can't get any more. Even so, the deficit is still there, putting him in a tough spot."

Emelie listened, a slight smirk forming on her lips as she moved her piece. "Mr. Middleton, you seem to know a lot about Mr. Davis' finances. It's a bit intrusive, don't you think? But since we're here, care to share just how big that deficit is?"

"About 100 million," William responded, clearly well-informed.

Emelie lifted her gaze. "Mr. Davis has a good reputation in the field. Just look at you, Mr. Middleton, and Mr. Swanson and Mr. Collins. With such connections, you think he won't get through this if you all lend him the money?"

William suddenly smirked. "Just as I said, by the end of the year, everyone needs to settle their accounts. 100 million is a nine-digit number. There's eight zeros. Even with our capital size, it's difficult to gather that kind of money in a short time."

He swiftly moved his knight, skipping over Emelie's piece.

"Besides, I'm on a business trip here, stuck in a snowstorm. Even if he wanted to reach out to me, he wouldn't be able to," William said.

Emelie felt that his smile was genuine. Was he actually happy about the Davis Group on the brink of collapse? Its downfall would be nothing but trouble for him considering William's close ties with the Davis Group.

Emelie composedly moved her piece to one square. "Oh? And then?"

Instead of answering, William posed a question. "If he's really that desperate, and suddenly he has over 100 million in his hands, what do you think he'll do?"

"Mr. Middleton, are you saying that the Davis Group might dip into Soar's charity fund to cover their debts?" Emelie took his piece with her rook.

"It's impossible. Mr. Davis isn't that kind of person. I trust his character," she defended Charles, her tone firm.

William looked at her. She was the mastermind here, yet she was playing the good guy.

He moved another piece, capturing one of hers.

Emelie held her chin with her hand. "Mr. Middleton, it seems like you have less faith in Mr. Davis than I do?"

William replied, "Human nature is fragile. When someone's back is against the wall, they'll do whatever it takes to survive. You gave him the encryption key, making it easy for him to get that money. Aren't you practically pushing him to take it?"

Emelie simply smiled as she advanced her pieces, closing in on his king.

William also made his move. "And let's not forget, you've planted two ticking time bombs by his side. Even if he holds himself back from temptation, he won't see it coming when someone stabs him in the back."

Emelie stayed silent.

Meanwhile, the game was heating up. William assessed the board, castled, and moved his king to safety. He traded places with his rook, evading Emelie's attack.

"In this game, he's undoubtedly doomed. So, you, the schemer, and I, the so-called accomplice, need to get out of Capebatt City before it all goes down," he said.

Emelie gave a scoff. "Don't flatter yourself too much."

She had designed the plan from the beginning. What role did he think he played? Did he really believe that by saying that, he could be on the same boat as her?

Emelie was unable to capture his king, so she took his queen instead, cutting off his key support.

Unfortunately for William, she saw him as nothing more than an enemy.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Just then, Jodie walked over. "Ma'am, you have a call.

Emelie put her piece down. "Game over. I've got something better to do now. Things are about to get interesting."