Chapter 663 The House of Cards

Paul lay sprawled on the floor, arms wrapped around his head, shooting venomous glares at Taylor.

But Taylor wasn’t the least bit afraid. After today, Paul would be utterly ruined.

The media weren’t fools either. After she exposed the Powell estate’s cost-cutting on utilities, reporters quickly sent drones to confirm.

“It’s true! Part of the Powell estate has been shut down!”

“Look at this–we got drone footage from our press team. The waterfall, which used to run nonstop, has been shut off!”

“Everyone knows how much business families care about astrology. Cutting off flowing water–especially water features meant to symbolize wealth–is a huge sign that things are dire.”

The crowd gasped, murmurs rippling through the room as they turned to look at the now-wretched Paul.

“Mr. Paul, seriously? Powell Corporation was enormous, and you ran it straight into the ground?”

“Down to cutting electricity and water bills? That’s… wow. That takes a special kind of talent.”

“Is Powell really out of money?”

“Wouldn’t be surprising. Cooper Corp’s on top now. Everyone in the media knows Cooper and Powell were rivals. Now that Cooper’s won, why would they let Powell continue to dominate Silverburgh’s market? There’s been talk for a while–Powell’s been crushed, unable to fight back. This collapse was only a matter of time.”

Listening to the rising wave of criticism, Paul tried to claw his way back with one last desperate shout.

“No! No! Powell Corporation is fine! We’ve got plenty of money! You lowlifes! I could bury you with my cash if I wanted to!”

But his voice trembled–his earpiece was gone, and without his strategist whispering in his ear, his composure had completely shattered.

Paul now saw clearly: Wyatt had nominated him as acting CEO as part of a setup.

He hadn’t even wanted to hold the press conference today. But Nora had sworn she could help him hold the line. All he had to do was show up, and she’d spin it so that everyone believed Powell Corporation was thriving - Taylor would be exposed as a liar.

But now, Nora was gone. The line was dead. Without her, he was flailing–just another headless chicken shouting at the wind.

Taylor pounced. “You say Powell Corporation has money? Great–prove it. Pay what you owe these people.”

Reporters nodded eagerly.

“She’s right. It’s not even that much. Mr. Paul, show us your financial strength and pay up,”

One reporter baited, “Unless, of course, Miss Taylor was right and Powell really is a hollow shell…”

Paul’s face darkened. The provocation hit home.

“Fine! I’ll pay! What’s a few debts?”

He pulled out a checkbook, scribbled furiously, tore out the slips, and flung them into the small business owners’ faces.

“Here–take it! Buy yourselves coffins with it!”

The crowd erupted in outrage.

“This is our money! You owe us! You talk like we’re robbing you!”

“Buy me a coffin? I’ll buy you one first, scumbag!”

Cursing, they snatched the checks from the floor. This was survival money–for their families, their workers, their entire livelihoods.

Dignity mattered, but so did feeding mouths.

One man’s eyes welled up with relief. “I can finally pay the factory workers… I can go home with answers.”

Another sobbed, “Honey, I got the money. I’ll pay for your hospital stay. Please hang in there. I swear I’ll work hard, I’ll never trust someone like Paul again…”

Taylor narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t expected Paul to actually write the checks.

Did Yunice miscalculate? Does Paul still have money hidden away?

After all, even a dying giant still had weight. Maybe he had secret stashes.

But then Yunice’s voice came through the earpiece. “He’s bluffing. Look at his eyes–they’re giving him away.”

Yunice had known Paul for over two decades. She could read every twitch of his face.

Taylor turned to study him–and sure enough, Paul was inching backward, clearly preparing to bolt. Yunice added, “The checks are probably worthless. Don’t let him escape. Have the media stay on it.”

“Got it.” Taylor stepped forward, blocking Paul’s path.

“Everyone, I wasn’t lying. You’d better be cautious. I suggest two of you go to cash those checks right now. The rest should wait here for confirmation. *Otherwise… I’m afraid those might just be blank pieces of paper.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. The business owners stared at their checks with growing unease. Doubt crept into their eyes as their grip tightened–uncertain whether they were holding salvation or another deception.