Brandon’s tone was warm and accommodating. “Please let me know what you need. I’ll do everything in my power to fulfill your request.” A soft chuckle came from the other end. “Oh, there’s no need for you to trouble yourself this time. Since this is a Sinclair family issue, it’s only fitting that the Sinclair family resolves it themselves,” the voice on the line replied casually. Liza, resting her chin on her hand, appeared calm and composed, her gaze sharp yet indifferent. “Mr. Brandon, would you mind passing the phone to Mr. Sinclair? I’d like to speak to him directly.” Startled but compliant, Brandon handed the phone over to Liza’s Father, who quickly grabbed it with both hands, his expression a mix of nervousness and anticipation. “Hello, Black Tide,” he greeted, his voice slightly shaky. “This is Mr. Sinclair speaking.” Despite his outward composure, his hand trembled faintly as he held the phone. The mere thought of being in contact with Black Tide, a renowned top-tier hacker, filled him with both excitement and anxiety. If he could build a good relationship with someone of this caliber, the Sinclair Corporation could see unprecedented growth. Black Tide’s capabilities were nothing short of legendary, and having someone like that on their side would be a game changer. “Mr. Sinclair,” the voice on the other end began, cool and businesslike, “I understand you’re in a rather difficult position. Feel free to explain the situation, and if it’s within my capability, we can discuss terms.” Mr Sinclair took a deep breath, steadying himself. “Black Tide, this is a very delicate family matter, but I’m left with no other options. My eldest daughter is blackmailing Serena with a video. If that video gets released, Serena’s reputation will be completely destroyed. We’ve tried everything—reasoning with her, pleading with her—but she refuses to relent. Believe me, this is a last resort.” On the other end of the call, Liza ran her fingers lazily through her hair, her tone calm yet laced with sarcasm. “That must be exhausting for you, Mr. Sinclair, having to deal with such a troublesome daughter.” A sigh escaped Mr Sinclair, heavy with feigned regret. “It is indeed. But what can I do? She’s still my daughter. No matter how many mistakes she makes, she’ll always be my child.” Liza smirked inwardly, the irony of his words not lost on her. “Since you’re so devoted to your family, I’ll keep this simple. I’ll take 5% of Sinclair Corporation’s shares in exchange for resolving this issue.” Before Mr Sinclair could respond, Victoria, who had been quietly listening nearby, immediately interjected. “Absolutely not! Those shares are meant for Serena! Why should we give them to an outsider?” “Enough!” Mr Sinclair barked, lowering the phone and glaring at Victoria. “Do you have any idea what this means for Sinclair Corporation? Do you know what it represents to have Black Tide associated with us?” Victoria shrank back, her protests silenced. Mr Sinclair turned his attention back to the phone, his voice now ingratiating. “Don’t worry, Black Tide. I’ll have the 5% shares transferred to you immediately. As for my daughter…” “Your affection for your daughter is truly admirable, Mr. Sinclair,” Liza said mockingly, her words carrying a faint edge. “Rest assured, this issue will be handled soon.” With that, the call ended, leaving Mr Sinclair clutching the phone, unaware of the trap he had just walked into. At the Sinclair family’s residence, Victoria was restless, pacing the room with frustration. Her thoughts revolved around one thing—the 5% of Sinclair Corporation’s shares that were just handed over. “Five percent! Just like that!” she muttered bitterly. Her heart clenched at the thought. The old master had always favored Liza. If Liza ever got married, a massive 65% of the company’s shares would automatically transfer to her name. That left Mr Sinclair with a mere 20%, while the rest were scattered among various shareholders. Now, on top of that, Black Tide was taking 5%—shares that were originally meant for Serena. The idea was unbearable.Victoria glared at her husband. “That 5% was Serena’s! How could you give it away just like that?” Mr Sinclair sighed deeply, his patience thinning. “How can you be so shortsighted? You’re only seeing the shares we’ve lost, but I see the opportunity we’ve gained. With Black Tide on our side, Sinclair Corporation is bound to thrive. This isn’t a loss—it’s an investment!” Seeing her mother’s frustration, Serena gently interjected. “Mom, I know you’re upset because you’re thinking about my future, and I truly appreciate it. But Dad is right. Black Tide’s influence is invaluable for the company. Besides, those shares were meant for me anyway. If using them solves this problem, it’s worth it. At least this way, I can feel less guilty knowing the matter is being handled.” Her soft, understanding tone seemed to calm Victoria a little. Mr Sinclair’s expression softened as he reached out to pat Serena’s hand. “That’s my good girl. Don’t worry. We’re family. It’s only natural for your mother and me to take care of you.” Brandon, sitting beside Serena, wrapped an arm around her shoulder and spoke in a soothing voice. “Your parents are right. We’re all in this together. Don’t burden yourself with guilt. Everything will be fine.” Serena lowered her head, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Alright,” she murmured softly. Meanwhile, Liza had just ended her call and leaned back in her chair, letting out a deep sigh. Her mind was cluttered with thoughts she couldn’t quite shake off. She picked up her phone and typed a message. [Westbrook, what do you think it means to like someone?] It had become a habit for her to turn to Westbrook when grappling with personal questions, especially about emotions. Perhaps it was because he always seemed to have a straightforward, if unconventional, perspective on matters of the heart. Oddly enough, his reply didn’t come immediately as it usually did. It was only after some time that her phone buzzed with his response: [I get angry because of her. Sometimes I can’t tell if I’m happy or furious with her. That must be what they call ‘liking’ someone.] Liza furrowed her brows at his words, puzzled. Was that really what liking someone meant? To her, Westbrook’s description sounded more like a brewing storm than affection. Before she could formulate a response, another message from Westbrook popped up. [Do you like someone? If so, let me give you some advice: don’t. And if you absolutely must, make sure they fall for you first. Trust me, being the one who falls first while the other doesn’t feel the same is excruciating.] Liza straightened up in her chair, startled by the intensity of his words. [Got it! I won’t fall for anyone easily!] she quickly replied. Love, she decided, was far too complicated. If someone as composed and unflappable as Westbrook could be so affected by it, then it was a path she’d tread with extreme caution.