She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 603

"I'll go," Yorick muttered, his voice trembling. "I'll apologize and beg him not to cut us off entirely."

Elise watched him, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Lucian is a reasonable man. He won't push things to the absolute brink. If you offer a sincere apology, and I make sure all the proper respects are paid, we can survive this."

She looked down at her defeated grandson. "Yorick, the shipping empire is the blood, sweat, and tears of generations. Protecting it isn't easy, and everyone makes mistakes. I just hope you don't let this crush your pride completely. If you fall apart now, the hundreds of people in this family, and the countless workers depending on us, will go down with you."

Kneeling on the cold floor, Yorick felt the crushing weight of his family's survival pressing down on his shoulders for the very first time.

Later, Elise brought Yorick to the Shapiro family estate, with his parents following closely behind carrying lavish gifts. When they entered the parlor, they were shocked to see they weren't the only ones there. Several executives from the companies Yorick had manipulated were also waiting, gifts in hand, hoping for an audience with Lucian.

The collective glares directed at Yorick felt like physical daggers. It took every ounce of his willpower not to turn and run, but he forced himself to stay rooted to the spot.

After a tense wait, the butler finally appeared. "Mr. Shapiro is extremely busy today. He understands why you are all here, but he simply does not have the time. With the exception of the Winslet family, everyone else may leave their gifts and depart."

The executives immediately began pleading. "Please, didn't Mr. Shapiro say anything about our previous contracts?"

The butler offered a polite, icy smile. "Words spoken cannot be unsaid, and actions cannot be undone. The partnerships are terminated. Mr. Shapiro is confident that capable individuals such as yourselves will continue to thrive in Metropia without the Shapiro Group's assistance."

When they tried to argue, the butler cut them off. "Mr. Shapiro also mentioned that he detests disloyalty. I suggest you don't push your luck."

The message was crystal clear. Defeated, the executives slunk away.

Finally, Elise and Yorick were escorted into the study.

Joanna was just setting a steaming mug of fresh fruit blend on Lucian's desk. "I went to the orchard this morning and picked these myself," she said softly. "It's quite sweet. Please, have some before you get back to work."

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