Chapter 41 Chapter 41 Titan Group Andrian convened another meeting with the board of directors to discuss a new p project the company was about to undertake , As usual , the boardroom was far from peaceful . Andrian sat upright at the head of the long table , his sharp gaze sweeping across the faces of the directors , each wearing a stem and rigid expression . The scandal that had once shaken the company was now slowly being forgotten , fading until it was no longer the main topic of discussion . But that didn't mean the meeting was calm , Once again , Andrian faced strong opposition from the board regarding the new project he was determined to launch . " As I've explained before , Andrian said firmly , " this project will proceed , regardless of who agrees or disagrees . " A few of the older directors muttered in discontent . Their eyes narrowed with suspicion , clearly disapproving of what they saw as Andrian's overly risky approach " We've never run a project with such bold methods ," one senior director said coolly . " Especially not with this level of risk involved . " " Which is exactly why we need to try it now , " Andrian replied without hesitation . " We've been stuck in the old ways for too long . If we don't take risks , Titan Group will never move forward , " Some of the directors remained silent , not entirely convinced , but unwilling to confront Andrian directly . However , the atmosphere shifted drastically when Andrian revealed who would lead the project . " To ensure the project runs optimally , I'm appointing Bianca as the lead ," Andrian announced firmly . All eyes immediately turned to Bianca , Andrian's trusted deputy seated to his right . Bianca looked surprised , her eyes widening for a moment before she gave a slight smile , Such trust was a significant honor for her . However , not everyone welcomed the announcement . Charlotte reacted sharply . " Blanca ? " she exclaimed with biting sarcasm . " We're handing over this crucial project to someone who hasn't even proven herself capable of managing a large - scale operation ? I'm sorry , Mr. Andrian , but I think this decision is reckless , " The room tensed instantly . Andrian stared coldly at Charlotte . " Bianca has more than enough capability and experience . I've thought this decision through carefully , " Charlotte shook her head firmly . " This isn't personal - it's about the company . We all have the right to weigh in . If this decision is as solid as you say , then why don't we put it to a vote ? " The room fell into a hush. Everyone knew what was happening : Charlotte was trying to trap Andrian in a game he could hardly win . Andrian realized most of the older board members were content with the company's past successes and resistant to change . " A vote ? " Andrian repeated sarcastically . " Are you sure this isn't just a trick to kill the project before it even begins ? " Charlotte gave a cold smile . " If so many people disagree , doesn't that mean your project isn't worth pursuing ? " " It's not that simple , " Andrian countered . " If we vote , we can't go by a simple majority . It's too easy to kill an idea just because people are afraid of change . " Charlotte met his gaze defiantly . " Then what percentage of support do you think is fair ? " Andrian took a deep breath , his eyes scanning the room . He knew winning a majority would be nearly impossible . But he also didn't want to back down . " Twenty percent , " Andrian aid firmly if just 20 percent of the board supports it , the project must go forward , " The room stirred with murmurs . Charlotte smiled coolly . " Twenty percent ? That's far too easy for you . How about forty percent ? If you can secure 40- 1/5 M 19:47 Wed , 27 Auguм . Chapter 41 percent support , then we move forward " Andrian's brow furrowed , annoyed . " You know that's not realistic . Even twenty percent is a challenge ." 号 : 68 % " Then thirty - five percent ," Chlotte offered slyly . " A middle ground . If you don't accept , you can bury your dream of launching that new project . " Andrian clenched his fists under the table , frustration and emotion boiling . He knew Charlotte was playing him . But he didn't have much choice . He looked around at the directors , some clearly not on his side . " Fino , " Andrian said at last , trying to keep his tone controlled , " accept the challenge . If I can secure 35 percent support , the project must be approved without further interference . " " Agreed , " Charlotte responded swiftly , her tone laced with a restrained sense of triumph . She then glanced at her watch theatrically before saying , " And to keep everything transparent and structured , the vote will be held this Friday . Three days should be enough for you to gather support , right ? " Andrian stared at her , his jaw clenched . He knew the deadline was tight , but refusing would make him look weak . " Friday , " Andrian echoed quietly , as if absorbing the sudden pressure . " Fine . I'll be ready . " Leaning back , Andrian felt the weight pressing on his chest . He knew the road to convincing 35 percent of the board would be full of obstacles . And with only three days to gather the votes , the challenge was immense . But Andrian's resolve was firm . One way or another , the project had to happen . Without it , Titan Group would never break free from its comfort zone . While the room buzzed with low conversations among the directors , Bianca slowly turned toward Andrian . Her eyes held a mix of anxiety and hope . She still couldn't quite believe it - Andrian had entrusted her with such a significant responsibility . So … he's not really angry , she thought to herself All this time , Bianca had assumed Andrian was furious aher discovering that she had intentionally injured herself to sabotage his plan to attend the Gama night with Aliana . Since then , he had asked her to stay out of sight - officially for security reasons , as the assassin had yet to be caught . But deep down , Bianca always felt that it was merely an excuse to push her away . Yet now , with Andrian publicly naming her as project lead , Bianca's unease gradually faded . He still trusted her . Just like before . Bianca gave a faint smile , trying to show confidence , even though she knew their struggle was only just beginning The meeting gradually dispersed , leaving Andrian seated in silence , already strategizing on how to gather support for the project he believed would be a major step forward for Titan Group . Once the room had emptied , Bianca rose slowly from her chair . She began tidying the documents before hor , feigning busyness while occasionally glancing at Andrian , who remained upright with a hardened expression . When the room was finally quiet , Bianca approached his table and cautiously pulled out her phone . " I have something I think you need to see , " she said gently , her voice deliberately measured , Andrian turned , raising an eyebrow . " What is it ? " Blanca swiped her phone screen , revealing a photo of Aliana - wounded on the night of the Game event . Her right shoulder was bleeding , her face contorted in pain - an expression Andrian had never seen before . Andrian froze . His eyes narrowed . The image looked raw and deeply unsettling . " Where did you get this ? " he asked coldly , voice strained " I don't know who senti Bianca replied softly , her gaze fixed on Andrian's now tense face . " The sender just said that Aliana might be more than just s victim that night . Maybe … she's part of something bigger . " 2/5 19:47 Wed , 27 Aug Chapter 41 68 % Andrian stared intensely at the phone screen . Emotions churned inside him . He didn't want to believe such an accusation , but the fact that Aliana had never been honest about the injury - along with her consistently closed - off demeanor - sowed doubt . A growing discomfort settled in his chest . " I suspect … maybe Aliana is the one who tried to kill you , " Bianca whispered , beginning to plant the seed of suspicion . " Aliana would never do this , " Andrian muttered , though his tone sounded more like he was trying to convince himself . Bianca tilted her head slightly , imitated by his response . She spoke again , her tone soft but laced with pressure . " Andrian , you don't really know her . I know you want to trust her . But what if she is part of this scheme ? We can't just turn a blind eye . If that's true , you could be in serious danger , " Andrian gritted his teeth . He turned away briefly , trying to calm himself . He had always prided himself on logical thinking , but this time his emotions were overwhelming his reasoning . " What if … Aliana isn't the culprit , " he murmured , rejecting Bianca's accusation , though he himself wasn't sure of his own words . " What if she was the victim ? Maybe she got hurt defending herself , Maybe she was attacked by the assassin and fled behind the building . Bianca rolled her eyes slowly , holding back frustration . She was annoyed to hear Andrian defending his wife again . " If that's the case , why didn't Aliana say anything about the wound ? Especially a wound that serious . Does that make any sense to you ! " Andrian fell silent . Bianca's words lingered in his mind . On one hand , something urged him to trust Aliana . But on the other , the doubt grew stronger , shaking his confidence . Bianca looked at Andrian intently before " You should investigate everything . There's no harm in being cautious . speaking again . " y Andrian lowered his head , taking a deep breath . " I'll think about it, " he said . His eyes regained their sharpness and focus . " Now , go . I need time alone ." Bianca nodded slightly , masking her uncase that was slowly turning into a faint sense of satisfaction . She turned and walked out , leaving Andrian alone with his chaotic thoughts - tom between trust and suspicion Minutes passed . Then suddenly , Andrian grabbed his phone and called Elric in Ravenska . The line connected quickly . " Elric , " Andrian said coldly , " I want you to thoroughly examine Aliana's condition . Make sure she isn't hiding any serious injuries from me ." " Serious injuries ? " Elric asked , confused . Andrian paused . He recalled having checked on Aliana the night before and found nothing . But the photo Bianca showed him now made him question that conclusion . " Check if there's any wound on her shoulder . Do it yourself . Don't delegate this to anyone . " " But sir , Miss Aliana may not approve . " Andrian clenched his jaw . He knew Elric felt uncomfortable , But Andrian couldn't trust anyone else with this - especially since he had already been deceived once , lailing to notice any injury before . * I don't care what she says , Andrian replied firmly " Do as I instructed . Immediately . " Elric went silent . After a moment , he responded , though his voice wavered with reluctance . " Yes , sir , I'll do it right away . Andrian ended the call with a harsh click and exhaled deeply . He clenched his fist , replaying the Image Bianca had shown him of Alana I hope you're not involved in this , Alapa , because if you are won't stay silent ." Yreu , 27 AL 68 % Chapter 41 In Ravenska , Alana stood still after her parents had left . She stood in front of the large window of her room in the homestay , gazing at the fir forest shrouded in a thin mist … Aliana knew well - the time to act was drawing near . She had to leave to meet her parents at the designated place . She pulled out her personal phone , carefully hidden all this time , and read a short message from Rale " The new meeting point is ready , Sir and Madam are waiting there . " Aliana let out a short breath . She knew the more steps she took , the greater Andrian's suspicion toward her would grow . But it was a risk she had to take . She couldn't stay idle . The investigation into Alicia's death had to continue From behind the door came the sound of approaching footsteps . Aliana quickly slipped her phone back into her pocket , then turned as someone knocked " Miss , may I speak with you for a moment ? " Eric's formal voice called out Aliana glanced at Elena , who stood beside her . With a subtle gesture , she signaled for Elena to handle the man . Elena nodded slightly and walked over to the door , opening it just a crack . Elric stood there , tall and sharp - eyed . " Mr. Eric , " Elena greeted cautiously . " I'm sorry , Miss Aliana is resting . She just fell asleep ." Elric looked slightly hesitant , but replied calmly , " I understand . But there's something important i need to speak to her about directly " na looks very exhausted …. I don't dare wake her right now . " Elena bowed her head slightly , her tone careful . " I understand , but Miss Aliana looks Elric was silent for a moment , thinking . Then he gave a short nod . " In that case , please let her know I came and that I'd like to speak with her when she wakes " Of course , " Elena responded quickly . " I'll make sure she gets the message ." Once Elric turned and walked away , Elena let out a sigh of relief . She shut the door and turned to Allana , who now stood not far from the window , her sharp gaze following the sound of Elric's fading footsteps "I have to go ," Aliana said firmly . " Go ? " Elena tumed quickly , surprised . She was confused why had Aliana sent her to send Elric away if she intended to leave the homestay ? A flicker of worry crossed Elena's mind - was Aliana about to do something dangerous ? * Where are you going , Miss ? Should I inform Mr. Elric to prepare an escort ? " Aliana shook her head slowly , but firmly . " No. I'll leave quietly . There's something I need to take care of on my own . " Elena's expression shifted to panic . " But … it might be dangerous out there . Besides , it's impossible to leave the homestay without the guards knowing . There are too many patrols . You won't get out unnoticed . " " I have a way . " Aliana replied shortly . " All I need from you is one thing - act normal . Don't do anything that might raise suspicion that I'm gone . They must believe I'm still in this room . " Elena looked at her uncertainly . " But if you're discovered = " Aliana gave her a sharp , determined look . The intensity in her eyes was enough to silence Elena's words . " Wry well … " Elena finally said , nodding slowly in resignation . " But you must be careful , Miss . " Aliana placed a hand gently on Elina's shoulder , then turned away - She began preparing to leave the room .