Both Played By Her 

The Mercianna Cathedral was massive, and it was built in the 5th century. Over the years, it has undergone countless renovations and reconstructions. Still, the one thing that remained unchanged was the faith within its walls. 

Will and Jaime strolled through the cathedral. 

It was May, and the weather had warmed up. The garden burst with vibrant blooms under the bright sun. 

Jaime was well into his old age, while Wiliam was still ill. In contrast to the weather, they seemed to lack vitality. 

Jaime and Wam knew each other. Although they rarely kept in touch, they shared a bond that transcended age. 

Jaime glanced at William beside him. Over the years, William had become increasingly distant 

“You’ve changed. You were much happier the last time we met three years ago. It looks like you’ve been through a lot since then. But you still like wearing all black, just like back then,” Jaime said. 

William replied indifferently, “Well, people change.” 

“Did you tly from Cedonia because I refused to sell SAM to you? Coming all the way to confront me? You’ve become quite petty,” Jaime said. 

Willam didn’t confirm or deny it. Instead, he asked, “Didn’t you swear you would never sell SAM? What made you change your mind and willingly join the Filo Group?” 

“At first, I didn’t want to sell. I was prepared to go down with all of you,” jaime said, 

William smirked, and jaime hutted indignantly. 

“Hey! I’m being serious. Over the weekend, I went to Nivendale to visit my parents‘ graves, I was going to ask for their forgiveness for my actions. I didn’t expect that girl from the Filo family to tag along,” Jaime said 

As Jaime mentioned the girl, he couldn’t help grumbling. “You won’t believe it. Thut that Cedonian girl was so rude! I could practically be her grandfather. Yet when w 

we first met, she called me foolish and dumb. I almost lest my temper!” 

William lowered his gaze. He didn’t ask about the woman, he only simply listened to Jaime speak. 

“I’ve never met such a rude girl. But she told me she understood why I didn’t want to sell SAM.” Jaime paused. 

He softened his tone as he repeated Emelie’s words that day in the cemetery. “Capital doesn’t care about your old–school brands that take pride in craftsmanship and heritage. You’re just pieces on a chessboard, pawns making profits. When capital parchases something, it’s all about squeezing out its value. 

“Marketing and promotion will make it widely known. But once it gets overexposed, and no one wants to pay for the product anymore, it will be tossed aside by the market. It doesn’t matter if the brand has been around for a hundred or two hundred years. Capital will treat it the trash. 

“What’s worse is that people will forget what it once was. They won’t care when it disappears because it’s become worthless. After all, who mourns a cotten apple? 

“You didn’t want to sell SAM because you’re afraid that one day it could end up like that. You’d rather let it fade away now and become a part of history. That way, at least people will remember it. They might even say something like, “What a

shame. It was such a great brand.“” 

It was better to be a small gem than a big rock. Stubborn craftsmen often behave that way, and Jaime was no exception. 

William halted in his tracks and turned to Jaime, his expression unreadable: © - All rights reserved.

He said, “So, just because she hit the mall on the head, you agreed to sell SAM?” 

“She said she understood me, and that she would help protect SAM. She’ll make sure it won’t become a castaway,” Jaime replied. 

William lifted his brow and said, “Aren’t you worried that she’s giving you an empty promise? That she was just sweet–talking you into selling?” 

Jaime shook his head, struggling to find the right words to express his feelings. “She’s different. I believe that she’ll keep her word.” 

William’s hands were behind his back, and he was absent–mindedly fiddling with his ring 

“Apart from what she said, I was also thinking about something when I was standing there in the cemetery, I realized that if recklessly destroy SAM, I might regret not giving my future descendants achance to know it. My parents passed SAM to me, and I haven’t passed it on,” Jaime added. 

Helted his gaze and glanced at William before continuing, “Also, you’ve been putting pressure on me. If I refuse the FB Group, SAM will end up getting acquired out by you.” William replied coolly, “Was it better being taken over by the File Group than by me?” 

“You run a cedonian company. There are too many risks if SAM joins you For example, will my employees be able to adapt to your Cedonian way of doing things? And can you manage the Valantis market effectively? Jaime said. 

He continued walking as he said, “If I want SAM to survive, I have to choose the side with the better odds. So, of course, I’m going with the Filo Group,” Jaime added. 

William silently walked a few steps before suddenly chuckling A lingering question had finally clicked into place 

Jaime was confused. “What are you laughing at?” 

“Tin Laughing because we’ve linth been played,” William said..