Nancy had no interest in wasting more words on them. She spoke directly. "Mr. Zane, you publicly declared that the Seacity government would terminate all contracts with Walker Group.” “Since you're so eager to cut ties with us, I see no reason to beg. After all, losing such a major project has already placed Walker Group in a precarious position." She paused, Nancy gaze turning sharp. "However, the penalty fees stipulated in our contracts must be paid in full! Not a single cent less!" After saying this, Nancy suddenly turned to the crowd with a look of helpless resignation. "With this compensation, even if Walker Group goes bankrupt, at least we can still pay our employees. The Gibson family may struggle, but at least we won’t starve." Spencer watched Nancy’s flawless performance, inwardly impressed. How had his daughters not inherited their mother’s brilliance, If Natalie and Ashley had her level of skill, he’d never have to worry about them again! As expected, Nancy’s words immediately stirred sympathy among the audience. Most of those present were from the business world, and many had experienced similar situations, having contracts unfairly terminated, particularly when dealing with the government. Since Stephen had taken charge of these projects, many had worked with him before. He had a reputation for pressuring businesses, taking kickbacks, squeezing profits. Anyone who refused to comply faced the threat of having their contracts revoked. More often than not, companies had no choice. A partnership with the government gave a business a competitive edge. Even if they had to endure losses, most chose to comply rather than risk being cut off. Now, hearing Nancy speak, they understood the frustration and helplessness of her situation. Public opinion began shifting in favour of Spencer and Nancy. "Ms. Nancy is right, commoners can’t fight against officials. That’s been true for centuries." "Running a business isn’t easy. Cutting off all contracts so suddenly, if she doesn’t get the penalty fees, she might not even be able to cover her losses." "With Spencer under attack, the Gibson family has been relying on Walker Group’s income. If the company collapses, they’ll be in serious trouble." "Stephen ended years of cooperation in an instant. He didn’t consider Walker Group’s survival at all." "A business partner like that is nothing but a ticking time bomb.""Ms. Nancyr truly deserves respect. She has integrity and refuses to be bullied." "If she had backed down, Stephen would’ve taken full advantage. This was the right move." "Exactly. Stephen would’ve just kept pushing further. If Nancy had given in, things would be far worse right now." Though the murmurs were hushed, the Yarbrough family still caught snippets of them here and there. Seeing the tide of public opinion turning against them, Stephen’s expression darkened further. oHe shot a desperate look at Zane. What now?What were they supposed to do now?WasIe really going to have the government pay out such a massive penalty fee?And under what justification? How can I make it look legitimate while minimizing the impact on his own career? The Seacity government wasn’t just the two of them, there were plenty of other officials who wouldn’t take kindly to such a financial hit. Zane’s brow remained tightly furrowed as his mind raced. Stephen had publicly announced the contract terminations. There was no way to take those words back! He had never imagined that Nancy would dare go all in like this! Walker Group was her inheritance, a business passed down for three generations. Yet she was willing to let it go, just like that! Now, they were trapped. If Stephen backed down and apologized, it would be a humiliation far worse than death. No.No, the Yarbrough family could not afford that kind of disgrace. Zane exhaled slowly, his voice strained as he forced the words out between clenched teeth！ "Since Ms. Nancy is so determined, then please finalize the exact amount of the penalty fees as soon as possible so we can begin the necessary procedures." The moment he finished speaking, exhaustion washed over him. This banquet had been an utter failure. They had gained nothing, no satisfaction from humiliating Spencer, no victory over Nancy. Instead, the Gibson family had come out on top, while the Yarbrough family had been made to look like fools. It was like lifting a rock only to drop it on their own feet!! And now, they had to deal with a massive financial penalty on top of it all. Who knew how much money and effort it would take to smooth things over and protect Stephen’s position in the government.