When Alice and Angela witnessed Jason's treatment—and the multi-million-dollar gowns worn by Mia and Grace—their minds spun with chaotic thoughts. The sense of superiority they had felt after joining Infinity Media, the top-ranked MCN in the country, evaporated almost instantly.
The scene they had imagined—standing above Mia and Grace, enjoying their envy—never appeared. Instead, Jason remained untouchable and elevated, Mia and Grace sat beside him in the VIP section, and they themselves were still insignificant background figures.
After their performance ended, the three stepped off the stage and were quietly guided to a corner near the back. No one paid them any attention. The four of them stood there in silence, slowly digesting the cruel gap between expectation and reality.
At that moment, a charming woman approached them. She smiled warmly and said, "Hello, ladies. May I ask—were you previously streamers under New Vision Media?"
Alice and Angela exchanged glances but didn't answer. They didn't want to talk about it. Compared to Infinity Media, New Vision Media suddenly felt… beneath them. Or at least, that was what they told themselves.
The woman smiled lightly, unfazed. "I don't mean anything negative. I'm just… curious about your former boss." She glanced subtly toward the VIP section. "That Mr. Jason—he's the owner of New Vision Media, right? Why would he attend Infinity Media's annual meeting? I'd like to get to know him. Maybe you could introduce us? We could become friends—maybe even collaborate on streams and help promote each other."
The three women hesitated. They recognized her immediately. Charlotte. One of Infinity Media's most popular female streamers. Her charm was intoxicating, her fanbase wealthy and loyal. If she helped promote them, their rise would be almost guaranteed.
For a brief moment, temptation flickered. But reality quickly followed. They had already, in one way or another, fallen out with Jason. They were still technically under contract with New Vision Media, yet here they were attending Infinity Media's annual meeting. Trying to introduce Jason now would only offend him further.
And Alice, who still harbored resentment, spoke first. "I heard he's about to go bankrupt. You'd better not waste your time."
Charlotte froze. Then she looked at the three with a strange expression. "I don't know the details, but I just did a quick search. He holds multiple assets and investment portfolios. How could someone like that be bankrupt?"
Alice quickly pulled out her phone and handed over a report. "See for yourself. Don't say we didn't warn you. There's no need to introduce us to him—but we can still be friends."
Charlotte scanned the report briefly. Her expression shifted—subtly, but unmistakably. She didn't understand all the financial details, but one thing became very clear. These three… didn't even have the basic judgment to assess information. Believing a sensational report like this without verification meant only one thing. They weren't qualified.
If she tried to approach Jason through them, not only would it fail—it would lower her own standing. Her earlier enthusiasm vanished instantly. She smiled politely and said, "Let's talk about collaboration another time." Then she turned and left without another glance.
Her departing figure made Alice and Angela feel as if they had been silently labeled as liabilities. The three stood there, stunned. Moments later, they began muttering bitter complaints under their breath, criticizing Charlotte for being arrogant and calculating.
Just then, a man approached. When they saw him, their eyes immediately lit up. His name was Patrick. One of Infinity Media's more popular male streamers, known for strong sales performance and consistent rankings. Compared to Jason—who now felt impossibly distant—Patrick suddenly seemed like a reachable lifeline. And for the first time that night, hope flickered again in their eyes.
To their shock, Patrick also asked about Jason—and not casually. His tone was respectful, even cautious, as if he were inquiring about someone far above his own level. "Do you know Mr. Jason well? If possible, could you introduce me?"
This time, Alice and Angela didn't immediately refuse. They hesitated. But Patrick noticed the hesitation instantly. He gave them a brief, polite nod—and left without waiting for an answer.
The three women stood frozen. Why was everyone trying to get close to Jason? Didn't they all see the report saying he was about to go bankrupt?
Before they could sort out their thoughts, the banquet gradually entered its final stage. A senior manager stepped onto the stage to deliver the closing speech. Finally, his voice rose, confident and resonant.
"Taking advantage of this annual meeting, we are pleased to announce an important development. After many years of challenges, Infinity Media has finally encountered a historic opportunity. It has been recognized by major capital and has officially completed a full acquisition. This strategic restructuring is not an ending, but a new beginning—bringing not only capital, but also broader resources and higher ceilings for quality content."
Then he paused, letting the atmosphere build. "Now, let us solemnly invite our new owner—the sole shareholder holding 100% of Infinity Media's equity—Mr. Jason, to come on stage and speak."
The entire hall exploded. Gasps, whispers, shock spreading like a wave.
Meanwhile, Alice and Angela felt as if a thunderbolt had struck their heads. Their minds went completely blank. Mr. Jason? No… it couldn't be… They stared at one another in disbelief.
Then Jason stood up. In an instant, all executives, guests, advertisers, and senior figures in the front rows stood as well, applauding respectfully as they watched him walk toward the stage. The manager personally stepped aside and even adjusted the microphone height for him.
There was no longer any doubt. The man who had acquired 100% of Infinity Media was the same Jason they had mocked, doubted, and distanced themselves from.
So he wasn't a guest. He was the owner.
That explained everything. Why he sat in the center. Why Mia and Grace beside him looked untouchable. Why everyone treated him with such reverence.
The so-called "bankruptcy report" was pure nonsense. Not only was Jason not bankrupt—he had become even more terrifying. Infinity Media's valuation exceeded three billion dollars, and he had swallowed it whole.
The three women's hearts began pounding wildly. Jason suddenly looked tall again. Handsome again. The image of the noble young master returned—no, it surpassed what it had ever been.
But just as those emotions surged, reality crushed down on them. They had attended another company's annual meeting before their contracts were even terminated—and that company belonged to their original boss.
Worse, they had acted smug in front of him. And Charlotte had openly told Jason to his face that she was "moving on to greener pastures."
Now, in hindsight, it felt absurd. Clownish. Humiliating.
Angela wondered whether she could even keep her job. Charlotte felt something far worse—all the resentment she had harbored was shoved straight back down her throat, suffocating her.
As for Alice, her thoughts spiraled in regret. Her illness was nearly cured. She had planned to use the fake bankruptcy news to show loyalty, to be gentle and supportive, hoping Jason would be moved. She had imagined herself standing beside him one day—wearing million-dollar dresses like Mia and Grace. Enjoying the combined top resources of New Vision Media and Infinity Media.
But when the opportunity appeared, she had chosen the opposite path. Again. Why did she always choose wrong?
There are 200 chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
patreon.com/B_A_3439