"Absolutely not!"
Alto shook his head gently, his tone sincere.
"I came here because I need to talk to you."
"I'm sorry, Alto. Right now, I'm like a stray dog with nowhere to go. I'm afraid I can't help you with anything."
"I'm not here to ask for your help."
He shook his head again.
"I'm here to discuss a partnership. One where we both win."
"A partnership?"
"I can't even protect myself right now. I have no authority, no influence, and not even my family's support anymore."
She lifted her glass and drained the remaining wine in one gulp.
All these years, she had devoted herself completely to the Company. Waking up early and working late into the night, traveling all around the nation, and expanding the company to its current scale through sheer determination and skill.
And in the end, she had built an empire for someone else to steal.
The sharp liquor made her cough lightly, yet the dullness in her eyes did not fade.
"I know what you're worried about," Alto said calmly.
"After Orig seized power, he must be brutally harassing your loyal subordinates. They'll need a new place to go to."
"And I need a partner who understands distribution, management, and who can be trusted. Someone to establish a brand-new trading company with."
"A new one?"
Ophelia suddenly raised her head with disbelief filling her eyes.
"Do you know how difficult it is to found a trading company? Capital, official qualifications, distribution channels, and the suppression of already established companies. It's nigh impossible."
"That's exactly why I came to you," Alto replied gently. "I believe in your ability, Ophelina. The Saint Oros Trading Company was never your Magnum Opus. Just a chapter of your life."
He slowed down and continued.
"What you lost was merely a hollow shell, drained by your family and stolen by Orig through underhanded means."
"But your true value is your business acumen. Your network, built over years in Lunaria. And your loyal subordinates, willing to follow you. All of that is still yours."
"As for capital, leave that to me. We're only at the starting stage. We'll go at it step by step."
In truth, this had been Alto's real goal all along. He had been planning to build his own distribution network anyway. And now a ready-made experienced CEO had practically delivered herself to his door, perhaps even bringing a large portion of her former team with her.
It was practically perfect timing.
Even he had to admit his ability to plan for the future was getting better over time.
Ophelia was clearly moved by his words.
She still had her years of experience and expertise, and employees who are willing to follow her. This was only a setback, not the end of everything.
On top of that, she had her own personal savings accumulated over the years. Everything was far from over.
She had only been shaken by the sudden blow and trapped in her own negative thoughts. Hearing Alto now, she felt as if she had awakened from a nightmare.
From this day on, she wouldn't be the former president anymore. Her days as Ophelia Saint Oros are counted.
Now she's simply Ophelia, reborn and free.
Even without her family name, she would walk her own path with her own abilities.
Without hesitation, she extended her hand and clasped Alto's firmly.
Her hand was still slightly cool, but her grip showed renewed strength.
That handshake signaled that a new storm was about to rise in Lunaria's business world.
After parting with Ophelia, Alto returned to his shop.
The moment he stepped inside, Sophia urgently hurried over to him.
"Boss, there's a visitor asking for you. He says he's from the Reggie Trading Company."
"The Reggie Company?"
As soon as Herman entered, he enthusiastically grabbed Alto's hand.
"Master Alto! Ah, what a pleasure to finally meet you in person!"
What was this man doing here?
Alto had never met the president of the Reggie Trading Company before, but their previous conflicts had not been small. They had certainly played their share of tricks behind the scenes.
Still, when someone comes with a smile, you don't turn them away immediately. Seeing Herman's overly friendly expression, Alto decided to hear what scheme he was about to propose.
"Master Alto, I've heard all about what happened between you and the Saint Oros Trading Company."
"Those backstabbers are truly despicable! Unlike me, I always conduct business openly and honestly. Integrity first!"
Damian listened to his uncle boasting shamelessly and silently complained.
'Your actions don't match your words at all.'
"Damian, come apologize to Master Alto!"
"Me?"
Damian was stunned speechless.
"Master Alto, I've been busy with family affairs and couldn't personally manage the Company. I've been raising this child as my successor."
"I never expected him to be so immature and cause unpleasantness with you. I brought him along specifically to apologize!"
Alto blinked in surprise. Did someone seize power in his family, too?
Damian was completely dumbfounded. When had he ever managed the Company independently?
'And weren't all those previous actions ordered directly by you? How did they suddenly become my fault?' Damian complained inwardly.
"I didn't..."
"Still talking back? Get over here and apologize!"
Seeing Damian about to argue, Herman shot him a sharp warning look.
Grinding his teeth in pure grievance, Damian lowered his head.
"S... sorry, Master Alto..."
Alto waved his hand dismissively. Strictly speaking, there hadn't been any deep animosity between them. Only a clash of monetary interest.
"If you have something to say, just say it. No need to put on a show."
"It's like this. Since you've terminated your contract with Saint Oros, I came to show you that the Reggie Trading Company is no worse!"
"Rest assured, regarding profit sharing, we can offer the same terms."
Herman finally stated his purpose.
Alto considered it carefully. He had just severed ties with the Saint Oros Trading Company, and his own new Company would take time to establish properly.
In the meantime, the distribution of Liberty City must not be interrupted. The Reggie Trading Company could conveniently fill that gap.
After thinking it over, he agreed to a temporary arrangement.
Soon, the core terms of this cooperation were settled.
A new contract was signed, and his ownchamber was in preparation. Ophelia needed time to recruit and organize as well.
Everyone became busy once more.
Yet on the Dream World Forum, arguments still raged fiercely.
Coupled with Alto's split from Saint Oros, Orig spared no effort in smearing him publicly.
If they couldn't control him, they would destroy him.
They publicly declared that Alto's works violated tradition and proper values. Therefore, they had decided to blacklist him completely.
For a time, it was as if they truly were incarnations of justice.
Within the Temple, Bayev continued condemning Alto's works relentlessly. He vowed to crush this upstart in the cradle.
Just as everyone was arguing endlessly online, something unprecedented occurred.
A massive transformation began in the Dream World's main realm.
"Quick, look! The main world is expanding!"