The Rebirth of a Scorned Heiress

“Sure, what do you have for me?” Mark asked, and Lily brought out her laptop. After typing away for a while, she turned it on to face him. Displayed on the screen were several codes and a small screen showing the analysis for the codes.

“This is the new programme I set for the Nex device. It’s a major upgrade from the formal one, and there is a possibility that it would overshadow the Waves programme we did previously. I did pour out my heart into writing this programme after all,” she chuckled after saying the last part.

“This programme will give birth to a major change in the mobile phone market. A revolutionary change.” She continued each word spoken, seeming to capture Mark’s heart as he stared at the programme with starry eyes.

“It’s tempting and I can already imagine the huge profit, but what’s the catch? I’m sure you could have told me all this through the site instead of meeting in person. Should I be worried I’ll have to sell my soul to get it?” he asked with a teasing smile, making Lily smirk in return as she poured herself another serving of tea.

“You truly deserve your title as the genius businessman with attention to details; you didn’t get swayed before knowing what the catch is. If you had, I might have demanded your soul,” she joked, and Mark squinted his eyes.

“Of course, it’s precisely because the product is too mouth-watering that I have to be even more cautious. Then there is you coming out to meet up.” He added with scepticism in his voice.

“I want you to help you win the succession battle between you and your cousin,” she voiced, and Mark frowned as he asked, “What’s in it for you?”

‘After all, there is no free lunch in the world. You have to give something to take something,’ he thought to himself while waiting for Lily’s reply.

“I’ll help you, and you’ll owe me a favour. You are free to refuse though, but you know what that means, don’t you?” She asked with a slight frown

‘It would mean the help goes to someone else.’ Mark replied in his mind. Despite knowing she was threatening him, he could understand where she was coming from and it was better for him that way.

Having her on his side while he owes her a favour, would be a huge boost for his game. Not only would he solve his biggest fear of her suddenly choosing some other company to work with, but it would also help him achieve so many of his goals.

No matter how he thought about it, it was a good catch but then…

His thoughts were interrupted by Lily’s words, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing too big, nor is it something illegal. It’s something you can do without it affecting your everyday life,” she assured with a knowing smile.

Mark leaned back in his chair, mulling over Lily’s proposal. Her offer was undoubtedly enticing, but the implications of accepting her help were something he was weary about.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

‘What does she want?’

The succession battle with his cousin was not much of a private matter, and he wasn’t surprised that someone as well informed as sinful knew about the inner dealings of his family.

However, the enticing offer made by the master hacker sitting before him felt like a poisonous apple instead of a juicy one that could satisfy his hunger.

“I appreciate your offer,” Mark began, choosing his words carefully. “But I’d like to know how you intend to help me win it. Although Alpha is the biggest part of the Watson group, it’s not a deciding factor, and it can easily be overshadowed by the joint forces of the other sectors,” he explained, and Lily smiled knowingly.

She had been anticipating his reply, which she was fully prepared for.

“You’re absolutely right, President Mark,” Lily replied with a confident tone as she maintained eye contact with him. “Alpha Tech, despite being a significant part of the Watson group, is only a piece of the puzzle. To secure your position as successor, we need to address the other sectors as well. And from my knowledge, you are being pushed out of those sectors because your rivals are afraid you’ll outshine them with your intelligence,” she added, and Mark nodded.

Mark’s curiosity was piqued by Lily’s assertion. Her insight into the company’s dynamics was impressive, making him wonder if she truly had a way to help him attain the post of chairman.

“I’m listening,” Mark said, leaning forward in his chair, his gaze locked on Lily’s enigmatic smile.

Lily leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “What if I told you that I have information on key players within the other sectors who could be swayed to support your bid for succession?”

Mark raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by her words. He had been expecting something else when she offered to help; he had never thought she’d play by the old rules of using their dirty work to blackmail them. If Lily’s information was accurate, it could indeed tip the scales in his favour, but that alone wasn’t enough to win against Frederick.

“Go on,” Mark urged, his interest piqued.

“Over the past few months, I’ve been discreetly gathering intel on the other sectors, identifying individuals who could be persuaded to back your claim,” Lily explained, her tone confident and assured. “With my assistance, you can build a coalition of supporters that will render your cousin’s efforts futile; even amongst his trusted men, there are a few that would voluntarily jump ship to you.”

Mark considered Lily’s proposal, his mind racing with the possibilities. If they could secure the backing of influential figures within the other sectors, it would indeed make his cousin’s opposition seem insignificant.

“But how do you intend to sway these individuals to our side?” Mark asked, seeking clarification. “What leverage do we have to convince them to support me?”

Lily’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. “Everyone has a secret, Master Mark. A desire, a weakness, or a hidden ambition. I have uncovered the vulnerabilities of these key players, and we can use this knowledge to our advantage.” She explained calmly, and Mark mulled over her offer while sipping from the teacup.

“I need some time to think about this. After all, we are going to be dealing with rotten men in the industry.” Mark said finally, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “What you’re proposing could have far-reaching consequences, and I need to be certain that I’m comfortable with the approach before we proceed.”

“That’s okay by me. I know that President Mark hates taking underhanded methods and was only testing my theory,” she chuckled. “Although that offer still stands, it’s not the main plan I have to help you secure your position. I heard you are trying to bid for the federal government project.”

“That’s true. It’s my key strategy to win the succession game once and for all,” Mark replied with a nod and an attentive expression.

“The main person in charge of the bid is Mister Walton Stark, not the minister. He’s going to be in the city by next Wednesday; he doesn’t like bribes, but he has great eyes for talents and great projects,” she explained calmly as she provided a document containing all the information about the man and handed it over to Mark.

“I need you to win the federal government’s project, no matter what. It’s going to benefit both of us.” She voiced it with a serious expression.

“What’s your plan?” Mark asked sceptically, unsure why she was going out of her way to help him win the seat of the chairman when she didn’t trust him enough to show her real identity to him.

“I have a blood debt to collect from a certain set of people. I mean, I need to take revenge on them, and I can’t do it without strong backing. So I need you to be my backer; in turn, I’ll make your company one that is unrivalled. What do you say?”

“There are many ways I could have used your help without your direct consent but I hate owing favours. And that’s why I need to establish this give and take relationships early on, I hope you don’t mind,”

Mark’s gaze flicked between Lily’s earnest expression and the document she had handed him. The proposal on the table had shifted drastically from exploiting vulnerabilities to securing a crucial government project, with hints of a hidden agenda tied to blood debt. The gravity of Lily’s request settled heavily in the air between them.

“You’re asking for a significant commitment from me,” Mark stated, placing the document down on the table. “I understand the potential benefits for both of us, but I need to know more about this blood debt and the people involved. I can’t agree to back you without fully understanding the implications and potential risks.”

Lily nodded, her gaze dropping momentarily as she collected her thoughts. “I can appreciate your caution, President Mark. It’s only natural to want more information before making such a decision.” She looked back up at him, her eyes filled with a steely resolve. “But I promise my dealings will not affect you in any way; I just need a constant inflow of cash and strong security,” she explained.

Mark studied Lily’s expression, weighing her words carefully. “I’m not asking for every detail, but I need more than what you’ve given me,” Mark replied, his tone firm yet empathetic. “If we’re going to move forward with this partnership, there needs to be trust between us, and trust is built on transparency. I don’t even know what you look like under that mask of yours; how am I sure the blood debt is not against my family?”

Lily took a deep breath, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as she considered Mark’s request. After a few moments, she gave a slight nod, seeming to have come to a decision.

“I can share a bit more, but please understand that the fewer people who know the specifics, the safer we’ll both be,” she cautioned. “It’s a blood debt with my father and his family. I need to avenge my mother. That’s all I can tell you.”

“I guess that’s enough for me to work with at the moment?” He asked with a thoughtful expression.

The day had been more eventful than he had thought it would be, and thinking about the partnership that was about to be established, he could already sense more exciting things to fill his coming days.

“Alright, I’m in!”