Natasha was convinced Dahlia was behind it. As Seamus’ goddaughter, Dahlia controlled nearly half of the Mosey family’s finances. Her influence in business and high society was undeniable. With the full support of the Moseys behind her, crushing Dash Corporation would be child’s play.
Natasha’s eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing within them as she searched for Dahlia’s motive. Her thoughts snapped back to the barbecue restaurant the day before, to her own blatant display of affection, which she knew had struck a nerve.
Given Dahlia’s pride and aloof nature, Natasha was sure she wouldn’t make a scene in public. Yet she could easily imagine Dahlia nursing a private grudge and using her business influence to exact revenge, all to humiliate her.
In fact, Natasha sensed this might not just be about revenge. Something more calculated had been at play.
“Dahlia, I didn’t expect you to be this petty, “Natasha muttered, tapping her fingers on the desk absently, her gaze hardening.
“Everyone says all’s fair in love and business. You couldn’t win Dustin’s heart, so you’re pulling this dirty crap instead? Do you want me to back down? Or just hoping to watch me make a fool of myself? 11
She scoffed, anger and resentment settling into a cold resolve.
“Fine. If you want to play this game, I’ll see it through to the end. Let’s see whose resources run deeper, the Mosey family’s fortune, or my own methods.”
Without hesitation, Natasha grabbed the phone on her desk and quickly dialed a number. After a few rings, the call connected, and a steady, middle-aged voice came through. ” Natasha? Is everything alright? You never call this early.”
The person on the other end was Jensen, one of the key figures of the Ballard family and Natasha’s maternal uncle. He had considerable influence in both business circles and certain specialized fields.
“Uncle Jensen…” Natasha began, her voice grave and skipping all pleasantries. She got straight to the point. “My company’s being targeted. Key clients and suppliers were poached overnight, and it’s hitting us hard.
I think Dahlia from the Mosey family is behind it.”
“The Mosey family? Dahlia?” Jensen’s tone turned serious at once. “Are you sure?”
“I don’t have any solid evidence,” she replied. “But aside from them, I can’t think of anyone else with both the capability and the motive.”
Then, she quickly briefed him on the situation, including her conflict with Dahlia the day before.
“Uncle Jensen, I need your help. I didn’t want to trouble Grandfather, but I have no choice now.”
“Don’t worry. I’m with you,” Jensen said decisively. “We may not have the Mosey family’s reach, but we’re not pushovers either. If it comes to a fight, we won’t necessarily lose.”
He continued, “I’ll take care of the funding and pull in the connections immediately. I’ll also inform Dad to put pressure on the Mosey family. You just need to hold your ground, verify the facts, and be ready to strike back when the time comes.”
Hearing his firm and unwavering support, relief washed over Natasha. The pressure and gloom that had been weighing on her seemed to lift slightly.
“Thank you, Uncle Jensen. I know what to do.” After the call ended, she straightened in her chair. The exhaustion in her eyes was replaced by sharp determination.
She pressed the intercom button and ordered, “Liora, notify all department heads. Emergency meeting in 30 minutes.
“Also, compile every piece of intelligence we have on the Moseys’ business operations, especially anything where we might compete or where they have weak points. I want everything on my desk.”
“Yes, Ms. Harmon.”
As daylight spread across the city, a different war was underway; one that waged in spreadsheets and boardrooms, but every bit as ruthless.
Inside a luxurious villa, Florence was happily enjoying her breakfast. A tablet was propped on the table, streaming the latest viral short drama.
“The Domineering CEO Falls for His Divorced, Single-Mom, Post-Menopausal Ex-Wife” was riddled with clichés. The plot was utterly ridiculous, yet she watched with rapt attention, barely looking away from the screen even while eating.
Just then, Dahlia came down from the second floor in her silk pajamas.
“Come check this out. This short drama is so addictive, and I can’t stop watching it.” Seeing her daughter come downstairs, Florence waved her over enthusiastically and gestured for her to sit beside her.
“It’s all just cheesy nonsense. What’s so interesting about it?”
Dahlia sat beside her and picked up a bowl of warm oatmeal from the table, eating slowly. Having tossed and turned all night, her mind relentlessly replayed that familiar silhouette.
She had once believed that with the passage of time, she’d gradually forget Dustin. But after running into him last night, she realized she’d just been fooling herself. She couldn’t forget him at all.
Just then, her phone rang. Dahlia answered and immediately frowned. After a long moment, she nodded.
“Alright, I understand,” she said. “Don’t do anything rash. Wait until I investigate, then I’ll get back to you.”
“Dahlia, what’s wrong?” Florence asked casually, her eyes still glued to the screen.
“Just a minor issue at the company. I need to go and deal with it. Take your time eating.” Dahlia offered no further explanation. After a few brief words, she headed upstairs to change.
She had just received a call from her secretary, Lyra, reporting that Dash Corporation was applying pressure on her company, with the Ballard family pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Her relationship with Natasha had always been one of strained coexistence, a deliberate and mutual understanding to stay out of each other’s way.
Natasha’s sudden aggression was a calculated escalation that didn’t fit. The thought that it might stem from jealousy over Dustin crossed her mind, but she dismissed it just as quickly.
But knowing Natasha’s temperament, she doubted a personal matter would provoke such a drastic business move. She had to uncover it, and quickly.
