Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 824

Martin's desperation was palpable, and for good reason.

Over the past three years, the Mercer Group's primary revenue stream had come directly from their collaborations with the Blake Group. Their recent stock suspension had infuriated the Blake shareholders, severing the connection. But now that the Mercer Group's stock was trading again, they desperately needed to resume those partnerships.

More importantly, without the Blake Group's backing, the Mercer Group was essentially dead in the water.

Bella put on a deeply conflicted expression. "Dad, you know how the corporate structure works over there. I don't have the authority to intervene. I might be an executive, but I only manage specific projects. I don't have the power to sway the board.

"And as for Sebastian... when it comes to our personal relationship, it's really not appropriate for me to push business on him. You know his parents still despise me. Yes, we're signing the papers tomorrow, but at the end of the day, Sebastian and I aren't on equal footing.

"I have to prioritize protecting my marriage right now. There are things I simply cannot do, and lines I cannot cross. Even if I begged him, Sebastian wouldn't necessarily listen. Dad, I really need you to understand my position."

Martin's brows pulled together in a heavy frown. He remained silent, digesting the rejection.

But Brandon suddenly reappeared in the dining room archway, his voice dripping with venom.

"I said this from the beginning. She's not a real Mercer. She's never going to actually stick her neck out for us. She stole Lillian's man, and now that she's finally securing her spot, she won't even lift a finger to say a single good word for this family.

"If we had known it would end up like this, we never should have sacrificed Lillian. At least Lillian actually has Mercer blood in her veins. When Sebastian was still married to Lillian, the Blake Group kept our supply chains moving without us even having to ask.

"Now? This one is about to marry him, and she can't even get him to throw us a crumb. It's obvious how little weight she actually holds in Sebastian's heart. Dad, you completely miscalculated!"

Bella's face hardened, her eyes flashing with cold fury.

She was supposed to be enjoying a romantic, pre-wedding dinner with Sebastian tonight. She only came back because her mother had called, practically begging her to share one final meal with her "maiden family" before her status changed forever.

She had expected a joyous celebration, not to be interrogated and insulted by a failing businessman.

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