Chapter 160 Ô Soon , my father and Aidan arrived at the company . In the past few days , they hadn't had time to take care of their appearance . Staying in the burnt - out villa had also left them covered in soot . To the employees of the Sherman Corporation , the two of them looked utterly disheveled and pitiful . If it weren't for their recognizable faces , they might have been thrown out without mercy the very next second . My family didn't pay any attention to the stares of those around them . Their only concern was finding me . Seeing this , the secretary hurried over . " Mr. Sherman , all our partners have sent representatives demanding that we terminate our agreements . These partners account for sixty percent of our company's business ! Not only that , Carter Enterprise has also sent representatives to cancel their cooperation . " The secretary's face was filled with worry . Although losing those partners would severely damage the Shermans , it wouldn't shake the foundation of the company . But if the Carter Enterprise withdrew its investment and terminated the partnership , then the company would be completely finished , After all , it was Carter Enterprise that had sent representatives to rescue the Sherman Corporation from the brink of bankruptcy during its previous crisis . It was also because Sally had played such a significant role in that deal that my father and Aidan had started to favor her . My father suddenly realized something was wrong , but he had no time to dwell on it . He was focused on getting clues about me from the patent lawyer . However , the secretary , terrified by the partners who had come together demanding to terminate their agreements , stood firmly in their way , refusing to leave . With that idea , my father turned to Aidan . " I'll question that lawyer about Susan's whereabouts . She's not dead . You handle the partners , sort things out and find out exactly why they're threatening to pull out . " Aidan initially thought about protesting , but our father's expression told him that this decision was final . Recalling that I was still alive , Aidan forced down the pain in his chest and chose to handle the partners ' matters first . He quickly tidied his appearance in the office , changed into a suit and headed toward the conference room . Meanwhile , my father had already followed the secretary to the lawyer's location . " Upon entering the room , Aidan found the partners left behind by his secretary , along with representatives from Carter Enterprise . Their faces showed clear impatience . " " Mr. Collin , Mr. Cox , Mr. Wallace . Our previous collaboration was quite pleasant , wasn't it ? Why are you all suddenly withdrawing your investments and canceling the partnership ? " Confusion clouded Aidan's expression . He genuinely couldn't fathom their reasoning . There had been no change and no news from Sally's side , so why would the Carter Enterprise suddenly demand to withdraw its investment ? As he thought about it , Aidan gave a subtle glance toward the representative sent by that company . " My collaboration with the Sherman Corporation was only done out of respect for the Carter Enterprise . You haven't forgotten that your company was almost bankrupt , have you ? " " " Exactly . If it weren't for Carter's investment , we wouldn't have partnered with you in the first place , let alone fund you . Now that the Carters are withdrawing , we naturally follow their lead . " After that , Mr. Cox and the others gave a flattering look at the Carters ' representative . In turn , the person gave them a mocking glance and held his head high . " Hearing their words , Aidan froze instantly . He had considered this possibility , but never imagined they would state it so bluntly . Still hoping to salvage the situation , he addressed the Carters ' representative . " Then what is the reason for Carter Enterprise's withdrawal ? Hasn't my company generated substantial profits for the Carters over the past year ? " N Mr. Collin sneered coldly , " This is an order from our Mr. Carter . The only reason we agreed to collaborate with you in the first place was because of Miss Susan , because of the relationship between her and Mr. Carter , because she personally asked him for this favor and because she promised to grant you free use of those patents . It was only under these conditions that the Carter Enterprise agreed to work with you . " W The Carters ' representative made it abundantly clear . He was deliberately venting on my behalf.N When Aidan heard this , the smile on his face immediately froze and his face went deathly pale . " What are you talking about ? Wasn't it Sally Sherman who begged your CEO on her knees to secure our partnership ? How did it become Susan ? " N You must have made a mistake , right ? " Aidan asked , his voice filled with disbelief . Mr. Collin didn't expect that the Sherman Corporation didn't even know who had helped them and looked at them in surprise . " Of course it wasn't some so - called Sally . I don't even know who that person is , let alone our CEO . " } With a mocking twist of his lips , he added , " If kneeling and bowing could secure the Carters ' investment , then the lobby of my company should be filled with people on their knees right now . " He immediately shot Aidan a haughty glance , effectively delivering a death sentence . " Enough then . There's nothing more to discuss with such fools . You cannot even identify your own benefactor . I truly wonder how Miss Susan manages to get along with you lot . " & " As for the withdrawal of investment , there's no need to discuss it further . I hold no decision - making authority . My presence here was solely to inform you . Now that you know , I can depart . The relevant follow - up documents will be delivered to you . " Shortly after , the representative from the Carter Enterprise left without a moment's hesitation . Aidan didn't care about Mr. Collins and the others as they departed ; he stood frozen in place . Only now did the truth dawn on him : it had all been my doing . Every ounce of gratitude they had claimed belonged to me all along . In the end , they had harmed the treasure they should have held in their hands , all for a fake benefactor and an illegitimate child . As this realization sank in , the blood in his veins ran cold .