Chapter 152

As dawn broke, Caiden made his way to Harper Group,accompanied by Alexander, whose recent skin graft was visibly healing.

They entered the CEO's office, where Caiden nonchalantly tossed his feet onto the desk and motioned for Alexander to make himself comfortable.

Alexander cast a scrutinizing glance around the room,his expression unreadable as he took everything in.

The desk was a chaotic stack of documents needing approval, official seals, and stamps-all disorganized and scattered.

His eyes then caught a piece of paper on the floor.Stooping to retrieve it, he realized it was Harper Group's business license.

Despite being aware of Caiden's lax approach to business, the level of disorder still shocked Alexander.

"Don't fuss over that," Caiden remarked casually, as he placed a steaming cup of coffee on a nearby table,settling back with a relaxed air. "Daniela will be here soon to sort out this disaster. I'm tired of managing this circus; it's her turn to take the reins."

Flashing a self-satisfied grin, Caiden leaned back further. "If Daniela can elevate Harper Group to compete with Elite Lux, my remaining forty-nine percent stake could turn into a gold mine."

He smiled, basking in the glow of his imagined future riches.

Alexander sat across from Caiden. "Daniela has climbed her way to the top; she's clearly capable. Do you really think she'll accept defeat without a fight?"

Just moments earlier,Alexander had eavesdropped on the chief financial officer detailing a grim financial reality: the company was drowning under a debt exceeding seven hundred million dollars.

The only lifelines were bank loans and a handful of clients still loyal to Brylee.

On the outside, Harper Group maintained its majestic facade, yet internally, it was mere shadow of its former self.

Alexander found it astonishing how effectively Caiden had managed to run the corporation into the ground.

Engrossed in his thoughts, Alexander's contemplation was interrupted by the buzz of his phone. It was a message from Caiden containing a list of contacts. Puzzled, Alexander raised his eyebrows at Caiden.

With a sly grin, Caiden responded, "Your tip about Joyce's baby was a lifesaver, and I'm grateful you joined me here today. That list? It's our last batch of solid clients. Feel free to transition their accounts to Bennett Group. Tell them I approved the move."

Relaxed in the glow of the well-lit office, Caiden leisurely sipped his coffee, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

From where he stood, Alexander could see Caiden's blatant disregard for Daniela, his own daughter.

He couldn't help but remember the day Daniela was a drunken mess, and the Harper famnily treated her like trash left out on the curb.

Even now,it seemed like the whole world had turned its back on her.

Tucking the list-a generous offering from Caiden-into his pocket, Alexander sensed the tension in the air.

By nine o'clock, whispers of impending doom circulated among the employees.

Caiden remained detached, offering no reassurances.When they questioned him about what to do next,his response was firm and clear. "Wait for Daniela.If she's truly capable as they claim, she'll prove herself. I'm eager to see if she possesses her mother's unshakable grit in crisis situations!"

As the clock struck ten, the secretary notified them of Daniela's arrival.

Moments later, the door to the CEO's office burst open. Daniela entered, her stride confident, her presence commanding.

She was not alone; accompanying her were Ryan,Lillian, Cedric, and a lead auditor.

Caiden rose from his seat, his eyes locked on Daniela in disbelief. "You've brought an auditing team to scrutinize your own father's company? How dare you!"

Ignoring the tension, Daniela walked over to the executive chair and settled into it with an air of authority.

Behind her, Ryan, Lillian, and Cedric lined up, their faces masks of unwavering confidence.

Daniela began, "We've legally dissolved any familial bonds. This isn't just a family matter; it's business. And with fifty-one percent of the shares in my possession,I have full authority here. I need you to hand over every financial record and key document now. After a thorough audit and the transfer of documents, I will assume leadership of Harper Group."

This poised declaration took Alexander by surprise.

It had never crossed his mind that Daniela might actually understand the intricacies of business affairs.

He had always presumed her accomplishments were more a stroke of fortune than expetise.

"And what if I refuse? The company's right here. Take it if you can, or walk away." A derisive smirk twisted Caiden's lips, the frustration of being trapped evident in his expression.

Daniela's tone was serene as she delivered her ultimatum. "Each day you resist, the company will be shut down. I can absorb such losses. Can you?"

Caiden glared at her, incredulous. "What the hell,Daniela? You're more vicious than I ever thought you could be!"

The cost of shutting down would bleed the company of hundreds of thousands daily. Caiden's stake in this venture was personal-he aimed to lay down a sturdy groundwork for Joyce's offspring.

"This is standard protocol during a takeover. You've been running this firm for a decade. Don't tell me you're clueless about how a handover works.Your ignorance has been apparent for too long." Daniela's eyes then fell to the business license under Caiden's foot. "Under your leadership, Harper Group nearly crumbled from a titan to ruins. We know who's responsible."

Rising, Daniela exuded an icy demeanor that made Caiden instinctively recoil.

Without a flicker of emotion, she approached him,locking eyes briefly, her expression unreadable.

Caiden, reminded of Brylee by the intensity in Daniela's gaze, took a cautious step back.

Daniela's eyes then dropped to the license on the floor,her voice cutting through the tension. "Pick itup."