Chapter 2

Blake glanced at the report, his eyes skimming over the numbers.

The financials looked too perfect, which made him suspicious.

"I'm not considering any investment plans for the next quarter," he said flatly.

Richard's face tightened, a flicker of panic in his eyes. "But Mr. Weston..."

Lucas Reed stepped forward, cutting Richard off. "Mr. Weston doesn't repeat himself. Mr. Hayes, you can leave now."

Richard didn't give up easily. "Mr. Weston, if the partnership doesn't work out, it's alright. I've booked a table at a five-star restaurant. How about we have dinner together and get to know each other better?"

Blake raised an eyebrow. Was this guy seriously trying to continue the business talk over dinner?

He lifted his hand and tossed the proposal back in front of Richard. "Mr. Hayes, maybe you haven't realized your problem. The amount of falsification in this proposal is obvious to me. Your ambition is written all over your face. Doing some real work would be better than anything else."

Blake was the CEO of CSA and a renowned math professor at the University. He was also a top mathematician and actuary, a prized student of the world-famous expert.

And that was just one of his many interests.

With his myriad of skills, it took Blake only a moment to see through the falsified report.

Richard had heard of Blake's prowess but didn't expect him to be this formidable.

Blake's sharp insight at such a young age was bad news for him.

After leaving Weston Tower, Richard headed to the five-star hotel he mentioned earlier.

Inside Suite 888, Victoria and Emily were already dressed to the nines. They were chatting when he arrived.

Victoria and Emily quickly stood up to greet him, but their eyes searched behind him.

"Why are you alone? Where's Mr. Weston?" Victoria asked.

Richard loosened his tie, his face showing obvious fatigue. "Don't mention it. Mr. Weston declined the partnership for the next quarter and also refused the dinner invitation."

"What?" Victoria was stunned, recalling Blake's image from TV.

"You mean, Mr. Weston is hard to get along with?"

"It's not that he's hard to get along with; he simply doesn't think we're worth his time. We need to think of another way. Hayes Consortium is at a critical juncture; the funding chain cannot break. If it does... the consequences are unimaginable!" Richard's face was pale, already envisioning the disastrous outcome.

His most important ledger had been taken, and exposure was a constant threat.

If he didn't find a backer soon, it would all be over.

Victoria and Emily tried to comfort the disheartened Richard.

"It's okay, there's always a way. We'll figure something else out," Victoria said reassuringly.

"Exactly, Dad. Don't forget, you have a clever daughter," Emily added with a confident smile.

Richard looked at Emily, confused. "You? What can you do?"

Emily smiled confidently. "Dad, I'm pretty well-known in the entertainment industry. My posts get over a hundred thousand views. With that kind of influence, I can prove my worth. I think a guy as impressive as Mr. Weston needs an equally impressive woman. Once I show up in front of him, he'll definitely reconsider."

Richard and Victoria exchanged hopeful glances.

Richard's hope reignited. "Sweetheart, can you really save me?"

"Of course, Dad. Don't worry, just wait for my good news."

Emily's confidence made Richard feel much better. He held Emily's hand.

"Good girl, if you can get Blake to sign the partnership for the next quarter and even fund Hayes Consortium, that would be perfect. But remember, Blake has a bad temper."

Emily, lost in her daydream, brushed off his worries. She patted Richard's hand, feeling his concerns were unnecessary. "Don't worry, I know what to do."

The air raid siren blared, but Ophelia remained motionless under the tree.

Patients scattered frantically across Oak Haven Retreat, getting beaten if caught.

Ophelia had only been beaten a few times.

Lost in her memories, she slowly looked up at a growing black dot in the sky.

A helicopter?

Why would a helicopter come to Oak Haven Retreat?

As it landed, the entire management of Oak Haven Retreat came out.

The real management, not the mentally ill, but the actual staff.

"Mr. Weston, it's an honor to have you at Oak Haven Retreat!" the director said with a flattering smile, extending his hand, only to be ignored by Blake. He awkwardly withdrew his hand.

Blake was very handsome, his hair falling over his sharp eyes. His features seemed sculpted by God, combining elegance and strength.

Everyone in Silver Bay knew Blake.

The CEO of the global top-tier conglomerate CSA, handling billion-dollar deals without blinking.

At under twenty-five, he controlled the world's economic pulse.

It was said that at international economic conferences, a mere gesture from him could send global markets soaring.

Such a legendary figure had come to Oak Haven Retreat?

Though many at Oak Haven Retreat didn't recognize him.

Ophelia, having glanced unintentionally, saw the man approaching with a group of followers.

She stopped biting her nails.

What was this?

Blake stopped before her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

He reached out, grabbing her wrist. "What's this?"

The director wiped his sweaty forehead. "Mr. Weston, she's a patient here, diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoia, and violent tendencies. But she's usually quiet, sitting under the tree like a mushroom. She was admitted three years ago, with no family or friends."

Blake's assistant, Lucas, coughed, lowering his voice. "What's her name?"

The director quickly added, "Ophelia Hayes."

"Ophelia?" Blake's handsome yet cold lips slowly repeated the name, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

Her gaze was clear.

Most importantly, she resembled someone.

"She's the one. Clean her up before bringing her back. No dirt left on her."