Normally, Zora would have snapped back without hesitation. But tonight was different. She didn't have time for his games. She blurted, urgent, "I asked you to quietly ask around which execs are willing to sell their options. Did you find out?" Lucian chuckled softly, "I did. But you said there was no rush at the time." "There wasn't then. But now... now I want to buy. Are those people still willing to sell?" "Tsk," Lucian sighed. "Those old foxes are sharp. With SummitCore's IPO right around the corner, why would they sell to you? Holding onto them to cash out big after listing is the smarter play, don't you think?" Zora was growing desperate. "What if I offer ten times the price?" Lucian's eyebrows shot up. "Ten times? Are you insane?" Zora snorted, "Didn't you say once SummitCore goes public, the value could skyrocket fiftyfold? Buying at ten times now means I'd still net a fortyfold profit." Lucian let out a low, humorless laugh. "You trust me that much? At ten times the price, plenty would be willing to sell. But you have two problems. One, any options transaction has to go through Zane. Figure out what to tell him. Two, have the money ready. If you agree on a deal and can't pay, those old-timers won't give you a second chance." Zora lifted her chin confidently. "Don't worry about that. I'll handle both. And I can keep it from Zane. I'm the rightful lady of SummitCore now, remember?" She hung up. Susan, wrapping her shawl tighter, asked, "Well? What did Lucian say?" Today's rumors and Olena's attitude had made Susan realize that waiting to marry into the Vance family and then slowly taking over SummitCore was no longer feasible. She didn't have the time or patience. After weighing the options, she decided to move early.Zora wore a look of utter confidence. "Don't worry, Mom. Lucian wouldn't dare lie to me. You know how capable he is. If he says it's doable, it is. Now we just need the money." Susan sighed, "It seems we have no other choice. The Moss Group has never been strong, but it was your grandparents' legacy. I wouldn't consider selling unless we were truly cornered." Zora grasped her mother's hand. "Mom, today's compromise is for tomorrow's dominance. Once we secure control of SummitCore and it goes public as planned, with our stock options, we'll be set for life. The Moss Group will rise again." "I believe in you. I know you won't let me down," Susan said. "Starting tomorrow, I'll liquidate what assets I can. The rest, I'll mortgage at the bank." Just as they finalized their plan, Susan's phone rang. It was Zane. Zora ran a hand through her hair, irritation flashing in her eyes.She roared, "He's calling about the online mess again! I'm so sick of it! What's there to ask? If he really cared, he'd get the Vance family to delete every last rumor online! "Mom, cover for me. Tell him I'm too upset by the slander, took a sleeping pill, and am asleep." Susan patted her back soothingly. "Alright. Let the online noise be. Netizens have short attention spans; they'll forget by tomorrow. Don't dwell on it. But you must keep Zane stable. Don't let him suspect anything. At least until we have the options." Zora took a deep breath. "I know. I'm going to wash up." Once Zora was gone, Susan called back. "Zane? Looking for Zora? Oh, dear... those awful rumors online have devastated her. She couldn't eat, took a sleeping pill, and just drifted off. "Zane, you're engaged now, practically husband and wife. You're a unit. If others don't believe her, surely you do? After over a decade together, you know her better than anyone." On the other end, Zane pinched the bridge of his nose, dark circles evident under his eyes. "I understand, Mrs. Parker. I'll visit her tomorrow." He buried his face in his hands. The information swirling outside was overwhelming. He could no longer tell what was true and what was false. Earlier, his father had summoned him. The online firestorm couldn't be contained; someone was clearly targeting Zora with serious intent. Meaning Zora, or the Moss family, had made a powerful enemy—one willing to spend heavily to ruin her. Zane frowned. Was it not Darcy but someone else? Or— Not only Darcy. Maybe someone was backing her from the shadows. Viktor had paused, then offered advice. "You're only engaged. No marriage certificate yet. If you regret it, it's not too late to walk away." Zane offered a bitter smile. "Dad, are you asking me to abandon Zora to save myself?"