Loving DAD 1114

“If your recklessness ends up ruining Dad and Rick’s plans, they’ll never forgive you,” Scott said. 

At the mention of Richard and Rick, Silas’s arrogance dimmed slightly. 

“I won’t act rashly. I just want to meet that so–called investor–see if he’s the real deal or just another scam artist. If Sharon’s original shares fall into the hands of a fraud, we’ll end up losing far more than we bargained for.” 

Scott shot him a warning look. “Mind your limits.” 

“Relax,” Silas replied. “This time, I won’t be impulsive.” 

Though quick–tempered and easily provoked, Silas wasn’t stupid. To prevent Sharon from actually securing new investment, he secretly spread rumors and personally sought out several people who had expressed interest in partnering with or investing in 

her company. 

Those who received Silas’s “friendly reminders” quickly backed away. 

Their interest in working with Sharon had largely stemmed from her Kalen family connections. Now that Silas himself was warning them off, it clearly signaled internal discord. Getting involved with Sharon would mean taking a risk–perhaps even offending the powerful Kalen family. 

Soon, many investors and potential collaborators publicly withdrew their interest in working with Sharon’s company. 

Pleased with the results, Silas strutted back to brag to Scott and Victoria. 

“Even if Sharon manages to buy the Silverstone Group shares, no one will dare cooperate with her afterward.” 

Then he turned to Victoria. 

“Once she takes over Silverstone Group, the credit will go straight to her annual performance report. You’ll likely have to bear 

the brunt of that, Victoria.” 

Victoria’s smile was serene and unbothered. “Reclaiming the original shares has always been Dad’s wish. As long as that wish comes true, I don’t mind a little personal sacrifice.” 

Once Sharon acquired Silverstone Group’s shares, Victoria’s chances of surpassing her would all but vanish. Sharon’s standing would undoubtedly eclipse hers. 

Scott added, “Don’t worry, Victoria. Dad and Rick will find a way to make it up to you. For now, let her bask in borrowed glory.” 

Silas and Scott had already devised a plan to ensure Victoria’s performance would exceed Sharon’s by the end of the year. 

Unfortunately, Miles’s ill–conceived scheming against Sharon backfired, turning into an unexpected advantage for her instead. 

Still, forcing Sharon to give up even a small portion of her original shares could be considered some consolation. After all, the money for acquiring Silverstone Group’s shares would come from the Kalen family. 

But Silas wasn’t content to stop there. He wanted a plan that would both force Sharon to come begging for the Kalen family funds and spare Victoria from feeling slighted. 

He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with calculation. 

“Victoria, Jamie’s been making one blunder after another lately. If he hadn’t manipulated Miles this time, Sharon wouldn’t have landed such a golden opportunity. Clearly, Jamie isn’t as shrewd as we thought. You’d better keep your distance from him.” 

Victoria smiled sweetly. “I understand, Silas.” 

 

In a private suite, Doug sat across from a man cloaked in the shadows, the dim light failing to touch his features. Doug recounted in detail Silas’s warning earlier that day. 

The man listened in silence, then took out a small bottle of pills and handed it to him. 

“Make sure Julliard takes this.” 

Doug accepted the bottle, frowning slightly. “What is it?” 

The man’s lips curved faintly. 

“Since he dared to covet what’s mine… he no longer deserves to call himself a man.” 7