Aliana demanded , her tone growing sharper . Andrian sighed , clearly tired of being accused . " Aliana , I've had more urgent issues to deal with , I'm handling everything at once . That painting just wasn't a priority for me . " Alana refused to hear any excuses . She stood abruptly , her face cold with rage . " Not a priority ? That painting belonged to Alicia - it's the only thing left of her that I have . You have no right to treat it like it doesn't matter . " tit Andrian fell silent , stunned by the outburst . He knew the painting belonged to Alicia and that it meant something to Aliana , but he hadn't expected her to react so emotionally over it . Deep down , guilt began to creep in . " I'm sorry . " Andrian said quietly , his eyes meeting hers , still full of anger . " I didn't mean to dismiss it . " Aliana realized she had lost her composure . Slowly , her emotions began to settle , replaced by exhaustion . " I want to see the painting now . Where is it ? " Andrian shook his head . " It's at home - in a secured room that only I can access . I can't leave the office right now , I have urgent work to finish . Aliana said nothing at first , her gaze turning sharp again - this time filled with disappointment . Andrian recognized that look . She was truly angry " I promise I'll show it to you when I return home tonight , " Andrian said , trying to ease the tension . Knowing there was no use in pressing further , Aliana stood , her expression once again cold and composed . Ilwait for you at home . I want to inspect the painting myself " Without another word , she turned and briskly left the room Andrian clenched his fists on the desk , his teeth grinding as a wave of mixed emotions surged within him . " Damnit That woman always comes and goes as she pleases ! " Meanwhile , elsewhere , at an upscale restaurant named Emerald Dining , not far from the Titan Group building , Bianca had begun executing her plan to persuade board members who had yet to side with Andrian . Inside one of the exclusive VIP rooms , Bianca sat gracefully , legs crossed , her eyes fixed on the man seated across from her . That man was Edward Lowell , one of Titan Group's senior board members - Infamously hard to persuade but wielding considerable influence over the rest of the board . Edward eyed Bianca with a scornful look , slowly stirring his coffee with a faint snort . " I didn't expect Andrian to send you to lobby us one by one . Has he really grown so desperate that he's sending a woman like you , Bianca ? " Bianca offered a faint smile , unfazed by Edward's condescending tone . Tilting her head slightly , she remained composed and calm . " Don't misunderstand , Mr. Lowell ," Bianca said quietly but sharply . " I'm not here under Andrian's orders . I'm simply here to share a perspective - that the project Andrian is working on could bring enorphous benefits . Not just for Titan Group , but for you personally . " Edward raised an eyebrow , clearly skeptical , " Personal gain , you say ? I'm not interested in empty promises , Bianca . Besides , what would someone like you know about business ? You're just a pretty accessory to Andrian . Don't get ahead of yourself " Bianca gave a faint , cold smile - just as she expected . Calmly , she took a brown envelope from her purse and placed it on the table in front of him . Edward eyed the envelope with suspicion , but Bianca got straight to the point #had hoped our meeting would be more refined , Mr. Lowell ," she said , sliding the envelope toward him . " But clearly , you only respond to clearer language . Go ahead , open it . " Edward opened the envelope swiftly . His eyes widened as he looked at the contents - photos of himself meeting with individuals from a rival company to Titan Group . His face turned bright red with rage , " What is this supposed to mean ? Are you threatening me , Bianca Edward's voice rose . " You insolent woman ! How dare you try to blackmail me like this ? " Bianca remained completely composed , her voice icy " What you think of me is irrelevant , Mr. Lowell All I want is your vote to support Andrian's project . Edward let out a mocking laugh . h . " So this is how low Andrian has sunk to protect his position ? I'm disappointed - so this is the best he's got Bianca cut in sharply . " Andrian doesn't know anything about this . I did it entirely on my own . " Edward narrowed his eyes in disbelief " I'm not a fool . Don't try to play me with that story ! Bianca held his gare , unshaken , " I don't care if you believe me . What matters is that I want your vote in the upcoming vote . If not , those photos will find their way into the hands of the shareholders . I'd be very interested to see their reaction once they learn you've been meeting with our competitors behind closed doors . " Edward clenched his fists on the table , his face reddening further . But he knew he had no other option . After a moment of silence , he finally gaye a begrudging nod . " Fine , " Edward said with hate in his voice . " You win this time , Bianca . I'll vote for Andrian . But I won't forget what you've done today . " Without another word , Edward stood up roughly and stormed out of the room . The room fell into silence after his departure . Bianca leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smile , her gaze dotting to the window with a triumphant gleam in her eyes . In her mind , she began calculating the number of board members who had pledged support . There were 60 members on Titan Group's board . So far , Bianca had secured key votes - including the three she had previously pressured : Randall Kent , Linda Moore , and Peter Choi , Now , with Edward Lowell added to the list - slong with several other naturally loyal supporters of Andrian - she had secured 19 votes . Bianca smiled slyly . She needed just 2 more votes to reach 35 % support a crucial minority. She was confident those remaining votes could be obtained by the end of the day . Her smile widened . Nothing could stop her from paving the way for Andrian . She would do anything to remain by his side . But Bianca's moment of victory was short - lived . Just as she was enjoying her small triumph , Derek approached with a hesitant expression , " Miss Bianca , " Derek said cautiously , " there's something you should know . " Bianca looked up , raising an eyebrow . " What is it ? " Derek took a slow breath before replying . " I just received word - Miss Aliana has returned to Zenith . She arrived this moming And this alternoon … she's currently at the company , meeting Mr. Andrian directly " Bianca's blood seemed to freeze . Her gaze sharpened , and her hands clenched tightly . The joy she'd just felt evaporated , replaced by a surge of uncontainable anger . * Blanca muttered furiously , rising abruptly from her seat . "How dare she try to cross me . We're going back to the office . Now . " A few minutes later … Upon arriving at Titan Group , Bianca strode swiftly toward Andrian's office . Nadia , noticing her approach , rushed to intercept her , visibly anxious " I'm sorry , Miss … Mr. Andrian is in a meeting . " Nadia said politely but nervously , trying to stop Blanca from barging in . " He left word that he cannot be disturbed for the time being " Bianca furrowed her brow , glaring at Nadia . " Is it true that Aliana came here earlier today ? What did she want with Andrian ? " Nadia shook her head quickly , hesitant . " I don't know the details , Miss . What I can say is that Miss Allana showed up unexpectedly and went straight in to see Mr. Andrian . But she didn't stay long -just a few minutes . " Blanca bt her lip , trying to suppress the storm of emotions rising within her . She was furious - especially knowing Aliana could walk in to see Andrian anytime , while she had to wait like this . Derek , standing behind Bianca , leaned in and whispered , " Miss , don't forget - you have two more meetings with board members . We don't have much time " Bianca let out a long breath , eyes still fixed on Andrian's closed office door . Finally , she took her phone from her bag and quickly typed a short message to Andrian Andrian , I know you're busy , but how about dinner together tonight ? I'll wait for your reply . Blanca walted for several minutes , eyes glued to the screen . But there was no response . She sighed , a little disappointed , but tried to be understanding - Andrian was likely too focused on his mooting to reply . Turning to Derek with a resolute look , she said : " Let's go . Let's get this done quickly . " Derek nodded without saying more , following , Blanca as she walked away , her heart burning with frustration and jealousy . Inside the elevator , Blanca made a silent vow she wouldn't give Aliana another chance to interfere with Andran . Tonight , she would make sure Andrian washers and hers alone .