Chapter 29

Jonny stepped into the Todd Group headquarters looking worn down, his jaw shadowed with unshaven stubble.

Several sleepless nights had left him drained, dark circles etched heavily beneath his eyes.

HHis suit jacket hung limply over one arm, his tie was nowhere to be seen, and the open collar of his shirt made his entire appearance seem ragged and burdened.

Employees trickling out after work caught sight of him and quickly lowered their heads, slipping past in silence as though afraid of provoking his temper.

Rather than head straight to the conference room, Jonny made his way into his private office.

He sank heavily into the leather chair, eyes shutting in helpless frustration.

"Allard, how's the assignment I gave you coming along?" he asked without opening them.

The rejection from the Stewart Group and several other major firms had forced Jonny to shift to a different approach.

This time, his strategy was to draw smaller companies into the fold.

Though these firms could contribute only limited amounts, mere tens of millions each, together their backing might be enough to breathe life into the Usepsall project.

By offering them attractive incentives, the Todd Group could still make the deal worthwhile.

Allard, waiting patiently at his side, responded quickly, "Mr. Todd, the plan is workable. More than ten small firms have already expressed interest. Still, the terms of cooperation will need your approval. I've arranged for you to meet with them tomorrow at three o'clock at the Lumina Hotel."

At last, Jonny reacted. His bloodshot eyes opened slowly, and he gave a weary nod of acknowledgment.

Finally, a sliver of good news had arrived. As long as money kept moving, the Todd Group still had a chance to survive.

Jonny was just beginning to ease his tension when he caught sight of Allard lingering with an uneasy look.

"What is it? Out with it," Jonny insisted.

At the sharp prompt, Allard's shoulders stiffened.

He cleared his throat, struggling to line up his words before speaking.

The issue could have been trivial, but his gut told him it was anything but.

Mustering his nerve, he delivered the message. "Enigma's assistant announced this morning that they're preparing to establish a firm named Enigma Group in Vladena and have already begun reaching out for bids."

The meaning was clear-those smaller investment firms might turn away from the Todd Group and throw their support behind Enigma Group instead.

A deep frown carved across Jonny's face.

Enigma? The name sparked a vague memory, tied to whispers of an elusive figure in the design world.

Within the industry, Enigma's reputation ranked at the very top, yet nobody knew whether this talent was man or woman,young or old.

The only detail anyone knew about this designer was the name-Enigma.

Once a year, without fail, Enigma released exactly ten designs. They were fixed drafts, never revised or altered.

Their distinct style and visionary concepts turned each piece into a masterpiece, drawing in fashion elites around the globe who were willing to pay staggering prices.

But hadn't Enigma only been selling design sketches these last three years? Why suddenly take the leap into forming a company?

Even so, Jonny felt little concern.

Exceptional talent in design did not mean the same in business.

A brand-new enterprise could hardly compare to the Todd Group, which was already listed.

Besides, he had given enough incentives in the Usepsall project.

Unless those company leaders had taken leave of their senses, they would know where their best choice lay.

With that thought, the darkness clouding his expression lifted. He gave Allard a brisk directive. "Clear out those old men in the conference room. Tell them funding is already secured. If they want to dump their shares or back out, let them. They can't use that to pressure me. And if they want to stay on as shareholders of the Todd Group, they'd better fall in line." Though unease twisted in his gut, Allard bowed quickly. "Understood, Mr. Todd."