Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Since I heard from Duke that Magda is responsible for my demise three years ago and that she is using her father's influence for her schemes, I focused on research related to Giantshade Industries, and I have a very good understanding of their business model.

Richard Thompson, the CEO of Giantshade Industries, started as a small businessman. The Thompson family was never lacking, but their finances swelled about fifteen years ago when Richard started expanding his company by absorbing others and using their products and resources for his gain.

Within a few years, Giantshade Industries became a name in the world of business that made others shudder.

After the acquisition, he would keep the highest-yielding products while abandoning others, together with resources and people that worked on them.

Many people lost their jobs after the acquisition because of the aggressive strategy Giantshade Industries is using. They are focused on profits and anything that doesn't contribute to it is being discarded.

This is why many companies are reluctant to make deals with them, fearing that Giantshade Industries set their eyes on absorbing them.

It's a common occurrence that companies combine, with the more powerful one having the advantage. It's like a pond where big fish eats the little one.

However, Giantshade Industries built a reputation that makes others fear them as they don't get a chance to fight back, and negotiations are useless. Giantshade Industries is too big and too powerful, and it can acquire others forcibly by buying shares and forcing shareholders to sell.

Going against them is not advisable, no matter who the other party is, and unfortunately, it seems that Notte Pharmaceuticals got their attention.

The documents in my hands seemed fine, but I know better. The foundation of Giantshade Industries is based on ruthless calculations that are in their interest, and this offer for amicable collaboration with Notte Pharmaceuticals where Giantshade Industries will cover any losses is beyond suspicious.

"What do you want to do?", Aldus asked me.

I was surprised by this question. "Are you letting me handle this?"

Aldus nodded. "You said that you want to deal with them, so… It's on you."

Pride swelled inside me when I heard that Aldus will let me handle Giantshade Industries. This will be my first independent project with Notte Pharmaceuticals that involved other companies, and I was a bit nervous, especially considering who the other party is. But that was also my motivation because the Thompson family is the one responsible for my misery and this will be my chance to counterattack.

I knew what needs to be done, but I wanted Aldus's approval before doing anything. As much as he supports me, this is about Notte Pharmaceuticals and if I make a wrong move, the company might suffer.

"This looks like a too good deal to pass.", I summarized what's in the proposed agreement. "And that makes me wonder what they are hiding. I believe this is their way to make us lower our guard. Notte Pharmaceuticals is not a company that can be easily taken down, but in order to backstab us, they need to get close. What do you think?"

"If it's up to me, I would ignore it. We have no need to collaborate with them, and getting tangled with such a shady company might stain us as well. I agree that this is questionable but unless they make an open move against us, I would let them be. There is a chance they are testing the waters and if they see we are not interested, they will move on." Aldus smiled maliciously. "If they cross the line, there are ways to deal with them."

I shook my head in disapproval. I know that Aldus is not human, but sometimes he forgets that we live in a human world.

"Thompsons are humans.", I stated the fact and Aldus frowned because he understood my point.

We don't know who all is watching, and in order to avoid exposing ourselves, we should stick to human-only ways unless absolutely necessary. If we act recklessly, other creatures might see that as a green light to act openly against humans. These are the words that Aldus repeated to me on several occasions, yet he is the one forgetting them.

"Giantshade Industries doesn't have a history of moving on. How I see it, they are throwing a hook and when we don't take the bait, they will change their strategy. Richard Thompson is a prideful man, and he will not allow us to get away after rejecting him."

I couldn't read Aldus's expression as he asked, "What do you suggest?"

"I don't recommend that we take this deal, but we shouldn't reject them outright either. At this point, they are using a soft approach, and this is our opportunity to find out what they are up to. They are inviting us to their events. Let's attend the next one. The casual atmosphere is a perfect chance to find out what's going on outside the conference room. Other than seeing how they are acting on their territory, we might find some allies as well."

Aldus agreed. "Alright. I see that you have a plan in place. Let me know if you need my help and in the meantime, I will accept their invitation."

"We have one now?"

"Mhm…", Aldus hummed in confirmation. "Saturday. In London."

My insides trembled. Saturday. In three days. London. That's where Duke is.

I started stuffing my mouth with my barely touched breakfast.

"Why are you in a rush?", Aldus asked with a frown. Disapproval of my table manners (lack of them) was obvious on his face.

"I need to prepare for this event…", I said with a mouthful.

"That's what you said…", Aldus said grumpily. "But what I heard was that you want to practice your ability so that you can see Duke."

I lowered my head guiltily and scarfed down a few more bites before wiping my mouth and excusing myself.

Aldus was right. Am I that easy to read?

The fact was that there was no need for me to prepare for that event organized by Giantshade Industries.

Magdalena Thompson bullied me in school, blackmailed Duke to stay away from me, and then she came up with a scheme that ended with my death.

Magda did so many vicious things, not only to me, but to others as well and she got away with it because her father and brother are enabling her.

I said that I will not make a move against Magda if she leaves me alone, because she is an insignificant mortal who will die soon anyway, but this is an obvious sign that the Thompson family is set on disturbing my peace.

Magda thought that it's easy to bully Sanya because she had no backing.

Sanya ended up dead in a dingy alley while Magda is enjoying her lifestyle in a mansion full of riches.

But I am not Sanya and I will make the whole Thompson family regret Magda's actions.

Even if Richard and Jonathan didn't know that Magda was going after Sanya, their lack of supervision allowed Magda to do what she wants. It was their duty to keep her in check, their failure to control Magda will be the reason for their downfall.

Every time I talk to Duke, I am reminded of all the time we lost because of Magda.

I will show Magda how it feels when someone takes what you cherish.

She ruined my life and was responsible for my death, and Thompsons are brazen enough to go after Notte Pharmaceuticals!

They will not stop unless I make them.

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