After General Manager had thoroughly enjoyed Ethan and Edward's humiliating obedience, he casually informed them that Jason Carter was no longer at Skyview Pavilion, but had already gone to Starlight Fashion Group's headquarters.
The moment they heard this, both Ethan and Edward felt a surge of fury. In the past, even a mid-level manager wouldn't have dared to speak to them with such an attitude. Now, even he was openly savoring their downfall.
Yet no matter how angry they were, they didn't dare to lash out. They simply didn't have the strength anymore.
Swallowing their pride, Ethan and Edward rushed straight to Starlight Fashion Group. But the humiliation didn't end there. At the building entrance, security stopped them cold. Only after a long round of explanations, phone calls, and repeated assurances were they finally allowed into the elevator.
By the time they reached the upper floor, both men looked exhausted—physically and mentally.
Inside the conference area, Jason Carter was already in the middle of a meeting.
"Hello, Mr. Carter," Ethan stepped forward first, forcing a smile so stiff it looked painful. "Please forgive us for interrupting your meeting."
Jason glanced up, amused. "Oh? Isn't this Mr. Miller and Mr. Collins? What brings you here?"
Ethan's face twitched, but he still forced himself to smile. "There's… nothing important. We're here to apologize. We were ignorant before and offended you—and also offended Miss snow and the other models. We sincerely apologize and hope you can forgive our past mistakes."
With that, Ethan bent deeply at the waist. Then, turning, he bowed just as deeply toward Snow and the other models.
Edward followed suit. He apologized in English, his voice trembling slightly, then bowed—first to Jason, then to Victoria and the rest.
The room fell into stunned silence. All of the models froz. These were men who once controlled their livelihoods. Men who never treated them as people—only as commodities, bargaining chips, or toys.
Yet now they were bowing. Apologizing. Lowering themselves completely.
The shock quickly turned into something else. Pride. A quiet, burning pride rose in their chests.
Whispers spread among the models.
"Is this real…?"
"Edward and Ethan are actually apologizing to us?"
"I wouldn't even dare dream of something like this."
"Who is our new boss… to make them this terrified?"
"He's handsome, decisive, powerful… I'm done for."
"Even if I can't ever be with him, just working under him feels worth it."
The whispers continued, growing softer—but more reverent. And in the center of it all, Jason Carter sat calmly, expression unreadable. To everyone in the room, one thing had become crystal clear: this man didn't just control money. He controlled fate.
The discussion among the models grew louder.
"I heard Mr. Jason Carter didn't just expose all of CloudMode International's problems—he launched a full capital assault. The company couldn't even stabilize itself. Their stock completely crashed."
"Same here. I heard he shorted them in advance—borrowed nearly eight hundred million dollars' worth of shares. CloudMode is already down forty percent, which means he's pocketed over three hundred and twenty million."
"And from the looks of it, that stock isn't stopping anytime soon. If it drops to zero, that's four hundred million… five hundred… even six hundred million."
"Seriously? How long has it been? Destroying a company and making money off it at the same time—this is insane."
"Then losing CloudMode as a backer doesn't matter at all. It's like he swallowed the sponsor whole. He's got money and time—he can replace them whenever he wants."
"Ahhh… I like him even more now. I wonder if Mr. Carter needs someone to warm his bed."
Soft laughter rippled through the room.
At the edge of the room, Tanya and Angela stood frozen. They had also heard the numbers. Three hundred and twenty million in profit—already. And potentially double that by the end.
Angela's regret was so strong it felt like her insides were twisting into knots. If only I hadn't left him…
Every woman in the room now looked at Jason Carter with eyes full of light. This man was simply flawless.
After bowing repeatedly, Ethan Miller and Edward Collins continued to grovel.
"Mr. Carter," Ethan said hoarsely, "please be magnanimous. If you let us go this once, CloudMode International will prioritize Starlight Fashion Group for all future collaborations. We're even willing to transfer a large number of shares to you at a discounted price."
Jason smiled calmly. "CloudMode is drowning in scandals. Do you really think I still want to cooperate with you? The contract hasn't expired, but your public image is already ruined. That constitutes material breach. My legal team will be demanding compensation."
"As for your shares—if the price keeps falling, they'll be worthless. Why would I buy them now? In a few days, the shares I sold for eight hundred million will cost less than a hundred million to buy back."
He leaned back slightly. "Understand this clearly: you no longer have any value. There's no need to kneel. I actually preferred your arrogant attitude before. Please go back to that—I find it more entertaining when I destroy you."
Ethan and Edward's faces turned ashen. Their dignity had been crushed completely. Yet neither of them dared show even a trace of anger. They nodded and bowed again and again.
Jason waved his hand. Security immediately escorted them out.
They didn't give up. They tried calling connections in Los Angeles, New York, even San Francisco. They asked around about Jason Carter—learned he frequented Evergreen Club. They even tried contacting the club's owner.
Every response was the same. "Of all people… why did you provoke him? Who gave you the courage to offend a god-tier capital tycoon?"
CloudMode International's stock kept falling. Fifty percent. Sixty percent. Seventy percent. Like a landslide. Unstoppable.
Then came the final blow. The SEC investigation results were released. CloudMode International had committed financial fraud.
Under normal circumstances, connections could delay things. Money could smooth things over. But this time, the incident was too big. No one dared protect them. This was the death sentence.
Ethan and Edward stared at the collapsing stock chart and the investigation report. Their minds went blank. Their hearts turned to ashes. They nearly collapsed on the spot.
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