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“You know what you’re doing,” William shot back. “You want both the game and to humiliate Caroline–you’re just trying to manipulate her. Well, listen, you can’t have it both ways. You will never get Supreme Sword!”
“Three hundred million dollars.” Anthony raised three fingers. “After our technical team verifies everything and clears your name, I’ll cover the expenses personally, and we’ll also handle the initial marketing campaign properly.”
Caleb smirked. “Trying to play hero with a mere 300 million dollars? That’s pocket change to the Martin Group. I’ll double
it.”
A collective gasp swept through the venue.
Most attendees were indie developers hoping for small investments. These numbers blew their minds.
Anthony remained composed and continued raising his offer.
Caleb matched him with ease. The bidding soared to 1.5 billion
dollars.
William, a lifelong techie, had never heard such huge sums tossed around so casually.
Despite his hatred for Caleb, he had to consider his team’s
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Chapter 21 Rejection
future.
“Who is this Mr. Garcia?” William whispered to Caroline. “Won’t his public support cause problems for you?”
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After a pause, he added warily, “Is he another admirer? Let me be clear–if you’re planning to ditch us for another marriage, I won’t let you go!”
“It’s complicated,” Caroline whispered back, “but don’t worry. I’m clear–headed now. Men’s competition is just another stepping stone on my path to success.”
William didn’t buy it, his eyes flickering with lingering resentment. “I remember how you abandoned us before!”
Just then, both Caleb and Anthony fixed their gazes on Caroline.
“Have you made your decision?”
Anthony’s offer was 1.5 billion dollars, plus marketing and
expenses.
The development team could focus on the game, free from corporate drama.
Most importantly, he could clear their current crisis and avoid fraud charges.
And Caleb? His offer was simple–pure cash with full freedom.
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13 min left
But the Martin Group offered a prestigious platform with more potential.
Other teams watched, barely hiding their envy.
All eyes were on Caroline, the tension thick as if she were choosing a husband, not an investor.
Just as she was about to speak, Anthony softly said, “Don’t feel pressured. Even if you choose Mr. Martin, I’ll still protect you. I get it–it’s just business.”
“If you’re so good at reading people, maybe try fortune–telling,” Caleb snapped. “Caroline, I’m offering the best deal. What’s stopping you?”
Caroline scanned the room and said, “Supreme Sword needs investment, like all teams here. But two billion is too much–we can’t justify it. It wouldn’t be fair to others.
“Besides, I know you drove the price up out of rivalry. No need to ruin your relationship over my game. So, I’m declining both offers.”
Surprise flickered across both men’s faces.
Caroline continued, “Mr. Garcia, your offer to clear our name with a tech team is enough. Thank you.”
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Her thanks to Anthony, ignoring Caleb, sparked whispers.
Caleb frowned as Caroline avoided him. Anger flared as he stormed out.
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Soon after, Anthony’s tech team confirmed a virus had been planted maliciously.
The expo had 33 teams. The 34th team, missing by a few points, chose revenge.
Though it seemed clear, Caroline still had doubts.
If they barely missed qualifying, why target the top game instead of the 33rd?
But as bugs were fixed and funds returned, Caroline kept her doubts quiet, not wanting to spoil the celebration.
Amid relief, Caroline had William pack up, ready to leave.
As they walked, Caroline explained, “I know my choice seems odd, but accepting either offer would put us under their thumb. Plus, with so many teams, if any had bad intentions, our partnership could fall apart.”
“I understand,” William replied. “We’re used to struggling. Having you back is what matters. So what if we can’t get investment now? With you, things will improve, right,
everyone?”
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Caroline turned to see a dozen faces, excited and hopeful.
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She recognized them all–her collaborators from high school and university days.
William smiled, “After graduation, everyone scattered. I used this project to reunite us. I thought if you came back, seeing the original team would make you feel at home.”
Seeing those familiar faces and William’s sincerity, Caroline felt tears well up.
She thought she’d lost five years, only to find they’d been waiting for her.
Just then, someone handed her a bouquet of lilies.
Though the flowers were fresh, the arrangement screamed last–minute.
William handed Caroline the dewy blooms. “Your favorite flowers. Welcome back, Caroline.”
Caroline accepted them, playfully punching his shoulder.
“Why so emotional? You’re really pulling out all the stops to keep me here. Don’t worry, everyone. Refusing their investment won’t ruin us. Our future’s bright–better opportunities await!”
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Someone of their team teased, “After all these years, you still love lilies? When William mentioned it earlier, we thought he was just talking nonsense!”
“She doesn’t like lilies.” Caleb’s cold voice shattered the warm moment. “Cheap–ass flowers. And that arrangement? Amateur hour. You really think this would move her?”
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