Chapter 87

The second those words left Alexia's lips, the entire room went still-every pair of eyes locked on her in disbelief.

Roger was the first to snap. "Have you completely lost it, Alexia?" he barked with fury flaring in his eyes.

Gloria was seething. "You want my son to walk away with nothing? Do you even hear yourself? After everything he's worked for, you think you can strip him clean? Keep dreaming!"

Marilee, though careful not to upset Alexia right now,also thought the demand was ridiculous. Surely Allen and Eleanor wouldn't actually go along with this.

Alexia just gave a casual shrug. "Alright then, see you in court. Good luck making it to next week's bidding,though."

As Alexia began to walk off, Eleanor reached out quickly. "Wait, Alexia! We can still talk. Nothing's set in stone yet!"

Roger's brow furrowed as he growled, "Grandma,did you not hear her? Let her walk away-l'm not agreeing to this madness!"

Allen's voice rang out sharp and cold. "Enough! Not another word from you!"

Roger was caught off guard by the scolding from both grandparents. A sinking feeling began to grow in his chest, warning him that things were about to get worse.

Allen's eyes didn't waver as he spoke to Alexia. "T'll give you two-thirds of Roger's personal assets.That's the best offer."

Alexia slowly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, her voice calm but firm. "Not enough. I want him to walk out with nothing."

"Alexia..." Eleanor's voice trembled, almost pleading.

Can't you rethink this?"

Alexia shook her head lightly, flashing a sugary-sweet smile. "I've been more than reasonable. Is Roger's money really worth gambling the entire Gibson family's future? If I leak whatI've got, it won't just block your bid-it'll bring the whole empire crashing down. And trust me, both your grandsons will go down with it."

Eleanor was shocked by how calm but cold Alexia sounded.

She looked like a totally different person-strong and sharp, like a knife ready to cut.

Roger gritted his teeth and snapped, "You don't have to take everything, Alexia! You're getting too greedy.Don't push your luck too far!"

Alexia tilted her head, pretending to be confused."Why are you shouting at me? You should be blaming your brilliant cousin and your equally clueless girlfriend. Oh, and let's not forget-you cheated on me. Obviously, there's a price for that. And seriously,

a who turns down more money? If you handed me the whole Gibson family, I'd manage just fine."

That offhanded comment sent a cold shiver through everyone in the room.

Watching their stunned faces, Alexia broke into a cheerful grin. "Oh, come on. Don't look so scared.I was just joking. Relax."

Gloria jumped to her feet and pointed at Alexia."Enough of the games! Just say what you want and stop acting all high and mighty! Don't make such big demands and waste everyone's time."

Alexia slipped her hand free from Eleanor's grip and folded her arms with ease. "I'm not playing around.Those are the terms-Roger walks out broke, or we go to war. I'll start tonight, and one by one, I'll bring you all down."

She threw a bold, deliberate look at Marilee, who instinctively shrank back in fear.

Ever since the live stream scandal, she had realized that Alexia wasn't someone to be underestimated.When it came to steering public opinion, Alexia was as skilled as any top PR expert. And if her secrets ever got out, Alexia wouldn't have to lift a finger-her competitors would do the dirty work for her.

She couldn't believe she had been foolish enough to trust Dina. If she could turn back time, she'd have stayed far away from this disaster.

"Roger..." Marilee whispered, holding onto his sleeve.Her eyes were red and full of tears, and she looked weak and helpless.

Even Brandon, who had been so arrogant moments ago, lost his composure. He grabbed onto Roger's leg like a drowning man reaching for a lifeline."Roger, I've already lost two fingers! You didn't help me last time. Are you really going to stand by again and watch?"

Surrounded by all the begging and shouting, Roger suddenly felt drained. A heavy tiredness washed over him.

The room stayed silent for a long timne until Alexia finail lost her patience. "So? Have you decided or not? I'm leaving."

'We'll accept your terms." Eleanor's quiet voice broke the tension.

Allen didn't say a word. His silence was as good as agreement.

Roger's voice trembled. "But Grandma..."

Everything he had built-years of effort, every dollar saved, even the wealth handed down from his father -was slipping through his fingers. The ache in his chest was unbearable.

Eleanor's voice was calm, but her expression was worn and tired, aged by the weight of the situation."What choice do we have? Do you want Marilee and Brandon to end up behind bars? We're old now; our reputations don't matter anymore. But you still have a future. The Gibson family still means something. As for money, it can always be made again."

The company was still standing. As long as that remained, there was still hope for a comeback.