---- Chapter 8 Kingston Group officially released a statement announcing that it had retracted all sponsorship for Michael, Howard, and Jeremy, and publicly exposed the details of their betrayal. In an instant, their reputations in the business world plummeted, and no one dared to hire them. To make matters worse, major media outlets rushed to cover the news surrounding the "feuding wealthy families". Michael was even branded a traitor and a shameless liar. His once-proud title as a top graduate of one of the country's most elite universities had now become the butt of ridicule, with many mocking him as a selfish opportunist. "What are we going to do now, Michael? No company is willing to even give me an interview," Howard said as he paced nervously around their apartment. Jeremy's eyes were lifeless as he slumped on the couch. "All my research funding has been pulled. My ---- advisor doesn't want me anymore..."" Michael's expression was stormy. "It's because of that bitch Tahlia! She guaranteed that she'd help us get control of the Kingston family's assets!" Just as the three of them were feeling completely lost, they received a message from Tahlia. "T'm off. You three are on your own. Good luck." With that, she disappeared from the face of the earth. Only then did the trio realize that all their savings had been transferred out of their bank accounts. Tahlia had even mortgaged the apartment under Michael's name. "It's over... We're done for. That bitch Tahlia had everything planned out all along!" Michael cried out as he collapsed to the floor. Amonth later, three disheveled figures appeared at the Kingston residence gates. ---- Michael's clothes were ragged, and his eyes bloodshot as he kneeled outside the gates, crying and begging. "Ariel! Please forgive me! I know I've made mistakes! " he wailed out in devastation. Howard and Jeremy were on their knees, too, looking regretful. "We were seduced by that bitch Tahlia. We shouldn't have betrayed your family's kindness..." Rain began to pour down, and the three were soaked through, but they stubbornly refused to leave. Passersby began snapping photos, and social media platforms once again erupted into a frenzy. Charles, standing by the window, furrowed his brows. "They're just acting." I scoffed. "Of course they are. Tahlia stole all their money, and they have nowhere left to go now, so they're just here to try their luck." "Do you want to see them?" Charles asked.