Chapter 155

Frederik leaned back in his high-backed leather chair, fingers drumming a slow rhythm against the polished desk. The view from his office window showcased sleek glass and gray skies, the Parisian cityscape stretching endlessly beneath a cloud layer. The soft hum of distant traffic filtered through the glass, muted and faint.

He exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose as his assistant continued her updates. The headache thrumming at his temples showed no sign of easing, and the recent news only worsened it.

“He actually wanted that incompetent to take charge?” Frederik muttered, his fingers falling still. His eyes narrowed in disdain. “How utterly useless.”

Across the desk, his assistant nervously adjusted her glasses. “From what our sources have gathered, Mr. Weiss is trying to stabilize the company’s image,” she explained calmly. “He believes putting Vice President Calen Weiss in charge of the Macau Project will reassure investors. The Johnson family’s involvement seems significant.”

“Johnson Family,” Frederik scoffed, fingers curling loosely on the armrest. “Of course,” he muttered, his eyes glinting coldly. “That man would sell his own son for a few more months of stability.”

The assistant hesitated, glancing at her tablet. “There’s more, sir,” she added cautiously. “Miss Rossi has resigned from Weiss Inc. Her letter was already submitted.”

Frederik’s eyes darkened. His fingers stilled. “She what?”

“Resigned,” the assistant confirmed. “Effective in two weeks.”

Frederik exhaled slowly, a muscle in his jaw twitching. Two weeks? That couldn't be a coincidence. His meeting with the Rossi Group’s board was scheduled for the same period.

So that’s it. She’s making a move. She must be planning to join the Rossi Group!

Frederik’s lips tightened, annoyance flaring briefly. He clicked his tongue, frustration evident. He never considered Izzy the type to abandon something she’d built—something she’d invested so much time and effort into. But perhaps he’d underestimated her greed.

Or maybe it wasn’t greed at all. Maybe she’d simply reached her limit.

His assistant’s shift brought him back to the present. “What should we do next, sir?” she asked cautiously. “Our Macau contacts say the government is already inquiring about the delays. They can only stall for so long.”

Frederik’s eyes narrowed. “So even they’re starting to notice,” he muttered. He drummed his fingers once. “It seems I underestimated Renard Weiss,” he said slowly. “He’s using his son and the Johnson family as shields. Even if Calen fails, the Johnsons’ involvement will buy them time.”

The assistant nodded. “It’s a plausible strategy,” she agreed.

Frederik’s gaze sharpened. “What’s the status of the case against the Weiss Foundation?”

“The FBI’s involvement has accelerated the investigation,” the assistant reported smoothly. “But no results have been released yet. However, the leaks alone have significantly damaged their reputation. Most partners are reconsidering contracts.”

“Good,” Frederik muttered, fingers tapping the armrest. His eyes glinted with something dark and calculating. “That should keep them occupied for now.”

The assistant hesitated. “But if they manage to salvage the Macau Project with the Johnsons’ backing—”

“They won’t,” Frederik smoothly interrupted, his eyes narrowing. “Not if we act fast enough.” He leaned forward, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Find a way to halt the project’s operations. Permanently, if possible.”

The assistant’s eyes widened, unease evident. “Sir… do you mean—”

Frederik rolled his eyes inwardly. “An accident,” he said smoothly, his words cold and precise. “Someone’s death, a construction mishap, a delay in supplies—whatever it takes. I don’t care how you do it, just make sure it throws them off schedule for at least a few weeks.”

The assistant hesitated, a faint tremor in her hands. “But, sir, isn’t that… a bit much?”

Frederik’s eyes glinted coldly. “We’re dealing with Renard Weiss,” he snapped. “If we don’t force his hand, he’ll control the entire board by month’s end.”

“But isn’t this just the Johnson family? They're good with finance, but their construction reputation isn't as—”

“What do you know?” he hissed. “The Johnson Family has connections. Their name alone might influence people and turn this around! Just do what I say!”

The assistant swallowed, her fingers tightening around the tablet. “Understood,” she murmured. “I’ll contact our Macau contacts. But—”

“But what?” Frederik asked.

“Well—Horvath Industries is also involved in the Macau project. Mr. Liam Horvath just returned from London, and they seem to be investigating the delays.”

Frederik snorted. “They’ll never find out it’s me.” He’d ensured that. “Just do as I say.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good,” Frederik muttered, leaning back in his chair. His gaze returned to the cityscape, cold and calculating. This wasn’t just about the project anymore. It was about reminding Weiss Inc. who ensured their stability.

And it was about Izzy.

His eyes darkened, fingers drumming a slow rhythm against the desk. He’d started this out of boredom. Who knew he'd enjoy it? He snorted. Until Izzy’s shares remained in her possession, Frederik wouldn’t let her go to the Rossi Group. Those shares would be his, no matter what.

“Ah… we have updates on the shares you wished to acquire, sir,” the assistant said.

“Did they agree to sell?” Frederik smiled. He’d been quietly buying Rossi Group shares from other shareholders, of course, in secret.

“Unfortunately, he refused our offer.”

“That was a very generous offer,” Frederik leaned back. “Well… since Plan A failed, let’s proceed to Plan B. I wonder how long he can resist if his family’s safety is involved.”

“But be very careful this time,” Frederik said. “We can’t attract unwanted attention. Be discreet, and handle this with utmost care. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, you may leave.” Frederik smiled. The Rossi Group was almost his. Just a bit more… just a bit more.