The Voyager Securities contract was demanding, with a tight deadline. To make it profitable, they had to accelerate the R&D and delivery cycle. Otherwise, with the current labor costs, the project would be unsustainable. Zora's pushing for the company's sake. On the other hand, Zeke was full of excuses for his team, not considering the company's position at all. It showed a lack of vision. After a moment's consideration, Zane made his decision. His cold gaze fell on Zeke. "The Voyager project is our top priority. The company is moving towards an IPO, and this contract's revenue is crucial for that. Overcome all difficulties. Ensure the R&D and delivery are completed on time, no matter what." Zeke's heart sank. "So you're saying...?" Zane's voice was final. "Follow Dr. Moss' lead. All of it."A smug smile touched Zora's lips. "You heard him, Mr. Rowe. Implement what I said immediately. Starting today, your team is on mandatory overtime—every single day. They eat, sleep, and work right here. No unauthorized leave—not for any reason." Zeke's lips trembled, his eyes burning with resentment toward her and, now, deep disappointment in Zane. He was a founding member who had watched SummitCore Tech grow from a handful of people into a billion-dollar industry unicorn. Now the company was doing well, going public, but for employees like him, an IPO meant nothing. They just wanted a manageable workload, good pay, and a life outside these walls. He wanted to argue further, but what was the point? Everyone knew Zane and Zora were about to be engaged. She was the future Mrs. Vance. They were a family unit. Who would listen to an outsider? A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Very well. We'll do as Dr. Moss says." Zora flipped her long, curled locks over one shoulder, her tone dripping with condescension. "Good. Let's bury that little spat and move on. I'm not going to hold a grudge against you. And as for your team, that threat about firing them? It was just a tactic, obviously. You know how much pressure. Please help calm them down." With that, she hooked a smile and glanced toward Zane on the video call. "Zane. The engagement's the day after tomorrow—I'll shoot you the final details later. Help me pick, okay?" The message to everyone was clear—I'm about to be the boss' wife. This company will be half mine. Cross me, and you're out. The meaning wasn't lost on anyone. Heads bowed, no one dared to speak up. As the crowd finally dispersed, Lucian stepped out from behind Zeke and patted his shoulder. "The wise pick their ground wisely."Zeke looked up, startled. What did Mr. Yorke mean by that? Is it what I thought? But isn't he one of Dr. Moss' people? While Zeke was still processing, Lucian gave a slight, enigmatic smile and walked toward the elevators. The next day, Zora was at home, sleeping in for her beauty rest. Tomorrow was the big day. She would be the star of the show; she needed to be in perfect form. But her phone on the nightstand vibrated incessantly. Annoyed, she grabbed it. It was Lucian. "Hello? What is it? Why call me this early? You do know my engagement is tomorrow, right?" she snapped. After her tirade, there was only silence on the other end. Zora gripped the phone, a coy smile touching her lips. "I'm sorry. Does the news of my engagement upset you? Lucian, you're wonderful. Your looks, your talent, your personality—you're exactly my type. But your family background is just not a match. I know your uncle is impressive, but it doesn't bridge the gap. So..." Her feelings for Lucian were complicated. Those years abroad, she'd relied on him to get through her studies. Even her doctorate—he'd arranged it. Her current reputation was built on his efforts. And they'd shared some truly happy times. But he couldn't compare to Zane. From a practical standpoint, Zane was her best choice. Still, once SummitCore is fully in my hands, I might think differently. Who knows? So she left her words hanging. Lucian should understand her meaning. Back at SummitCore, on the second floor, Lucian stood by a window. After he heard Zora out, a cold smile curled his lips."Zora, has anyone ever told you how utterly nauseating your arrogance is?" "Hurt that you can't have me? I forgive you," Zora purred. Lucian actually laughed out loud, deciding to cut the charade. "Over half the R&D team has submitted their resignations. Think about how you're going to clean up this mess." "What?!" Zora leapt out of bed, unable to believe her ears. "Say that again!" Lucian held the phone away from his ear, his tone deliberately casual. "Zeke and the team you berated last night have all quit. And thanks to your inspiring speech, people from other R&D teams and the delivery group are starting to hand in notices too. HR just did a quick tally. About 60% of our technical staff are now considering leaving."