Sure enough, before long, an uninvited guest arrived at Alto's office.
"Mr. Alto, the situation is roughly like this. You have no idea how much strain we're under. Moonstone workshops everywhere are struggling to keep up with demand. Production costs have skyrocketed dramatically. Out Trading Company is responsible for sales and transportation across the entire Moon Elf Territory. The pressure is absolutely enormous."
Batu's performance was slightly exaggerated and clearly rehearsed. Alto simply sat there quietly and watched him act out his little show.
"Finished? Then say what you really came for."
Batu cleared his throat and finally revealed his true intention.
"Lower your profit share."
"Oh?"
"That's right, Mr. Alto. Your work is currently caught up in a serious public controversy. Our Company is under tremendous pressure because of it."
He paused deliberately before continuing.
"But don't worry. As long as you agree to our reasonable request, we will fully support your work publicly."
"And if I refuse?"
Alto's gaze turned icy cold. His voice was completely devoid of any warmth.
"I'll speak plainly. Mr. Alto, our Company has the authority to determine how many copies of your work are released to the market. With the amount of public backlash surrounding it right now, we have serious concerns about whether it might negatively affect our reputation and business interests."
"And as far as I know, you already had a falling out with the Reggie Trading Company. In the entirety of Lunnaria, there are only two major distributors. Us and them."
The implication was crystal clear. His contract was with Saint Oros. If they stalled the distribution, not a single copy would hit the shelves, and other small trading companies simply didn't have the distribution channels to cover the entire Moon Elf Territory properly.
Alto suddenly laughed. What a perfect little scheme they had put together.
The moment he showed the slightest sign of weakness, they wanted to tear him apart.
"In that case, there's nothing more to discuss. Sophia, see the guest out."
"Mr. Alto... what do you mean by this?"
The meaning was perfectly obvious.
He was flipping the table. He was done playing their game.
Fortunately, Alto had been cautious when signing the original contract. An exclusive agreement would have left him completely helpless if the other side deliberately restricted him.
So at the time of signing, he had clearly written in a clause. If disputes arose due to profit conflicts, he had the right to unilaterally terminate the contract.
Because cooperation between Alto and Saint Oros had been smooth sailing, Ophelia had not objected to the clause.
After Batu left, looking stunned, Alto immediately picked up his communicator. He still had Ophelia's contact information saved.
It was time to find out what was really happening.
Meanwhile, in the president's office of Saint Oros, a thunderous roar erupted.
"You useless idiot! I told you to negotiate the profit share! Who the hell told you to threaten him directly on your own initiative?!"
"President, I... I didn't expect him to be this stubborn!"
Batu stammered while nearly on the verge of tears.
"I thought he would compromise under pressure. Who knew he'd just throw me out..."
Orig stood before him with veins bulging on his forehead. His eyes were filled with murderous fury.
"Idiot!"
"Idiot!"
"Complete idiot..."
Punch after punch slammed brutally into Batu's face.
"Get your ass over there and apologize immediately! No matter what it takes, get him back on board!"
Batu scrambled away in absolute panic.
After thinking it over carefully, Orig came to the conclusion that Batu is really unreliable. So he personally called Alto himself.
He had wanted to maintain his dignity earlier, which was why he sent his subordinate to test the waters first. He hadn't expected Batu to be such a complete fool.
The communicator rang several times.
Then, click.
It was hung up.
Orig's face instantly darkened.
The next morning, explosive news spread through Lunaria like wildfire.
Genius designer Alto had fallen out with the Saint Oros.
The moment the news broke, it caused a massive stir throughout the business community.
Countless people began discussing it frantically.
Some were confused. Others wondered if the once-glorious genius designer was about to fall from grace.
Still others openly rejoiced at his misfortune.
"Hahaha... Alto, you finally got what you deserve!"
At the Reggie Trading Company, Damian and Herman burst into mocking laughter.
"Hmph, after what you did to us, that just serves you right!"
Damian said cheerfully with obvious glee.
"Uncle, now that he's become the target of public criticism, this is our perfect chance to kick him while he's down! We can spread even more negative rumors about him, completely ruin his reputation, and make sure he never has a foothold in Lunaria ever again!"
Herman had been laughing moments ago, but upon hearing Damian's words, he neither praised nor agreed.
Instead, he slapped him hard across the face.
Smack!
"What the hell do you know?!"
Looking at his foolish nephew, Herman's face was filled with deep frustration. If he hadn't remained unmarried and childless his entire life, he would have kicked this idiot out long ago.
They were both young men, so why was the gap between them so vast?
"Remember this well. In business, there are no eternal enemies. Only eternal interests!"
"Prepare the carriage. We're going to meet this 'famous genius' personally."
Meanwhile, at the Experience Center, the news had already spread among the staff. Many employees were deeply worried about their boss.
In their hearts, they respected him deeply
Seeing Alto deep in thought at his desk, Helena felt a pang of heartache.
He must be under tremendous pressure after suffering so many blows in such a short time.
She quietly walked behind him. Her soft hands gently pressed against his temples and massaged them tenderly.
Lost in thought, Alto instinctively reached up and held her hand without even noticing who had approached.
"Alto, don't lose heart. We'll get through this together!"
Helena looked at him with sincere eyes full of determination and encouragement.
Alto smiled faintly at her concern.
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
Problems could be solved one by one. He just needed to think clearly.
In truth, he was already planning his next move carefully.
He did not consider terminating the contract with Saint Oros a bad thing at all.
He had long intended to expand beyond their partnership. His ambitions were not limited to the Moon Elf Territory alone. Now that he had accumulated some real capital, certain plans could finally be set in motion.
He dialed Ophelia's communicator again.
This time, it connected.
Not long after, inside a tastefully decorated tavern tucked away on a quiet street, Alto pushed open the wooden door.
Soft lighting bathed the intimate room. Gentle piano music flowed through the air and mixed with the faint aroma of expensive ale.
He spotted Ophelia drinking alone at a corner table.
Silently, he walked over and took the seat opposite her.
She slowly turned her head toward him.
"What's this? Did such a small setback knock you down already?"
"So you came to laugh at me, too?"
She lifted her glass and took a long sip. Her eyes filled with deep loneliness.