Pedro's irritated voice crackled through Jane's earpiece. "What are you waiting for? Start apologizing!"

Jane drew a deep breath before speaking into the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, good evening. I am here tonight to address the recent events surrounding the bidding process for the Mosaic Date Mall.

"First, I want to extend my sincerest apologies to Prospectus Technology's CEO, Mr. Damon Sumner.

"For the sake of my company's interests, I sabotaged Prospectus Technology, preventing their team from competing. Their months of hard work were wasted because of my actions.

"I take full responsibility and am willing to compensate Prospectus Technology for all their losses. I sincerely hope Mr. Sumner can forgive me. "Second, I must clarify that my actions during the bidding process were entirely my own and had no connection to the Wilkie Group. "Finally, after this press conference, I will resign from my position as the Wilkie Group's general manager and will no longer participate in the company's affairs."

Jane bowed deeply to the audience as murmurs rippled through the room.

The press conference dissolved into chaos, reporters shouting over one another with more questions.

Jane remained silent.

The company's lawyer stepped forward and took control of the microphone. "Good evening. I'm the Wilkie Group's lawyer, Matthew Coburn, and I will address your inquiries."

Jane sat off to the side, now little more than a prop. Her hands, hidden beneath the table, were clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. When the conference concluded, she rose stiffly to leave, but Matthew intercepted her.

"Ms. Wilkie, Mr. Wilkie has asked that you stay behind after the conference," he said.

"For what?" Jane asked, her tone flat.

Matthew hesitated. "I don't know."

Jane inhaled deeply and nodded. "Understood."

A server soon escorted her to a private suite.

To her shock, Damon Sumner and Nyla were seated inside.

Pedro stood nearby, his expression uncharacteristically deferential.

The sight cut through Jane. Her proud, unyielding grandfather, was now bowing and scraping-all because of her.

"Grandpa..." she whispered, guilt flooding her.

Pedro cast her a cold glance. "Get over here and apologize to Mr. Sumner!"

Turning to Damon, Pedro forced a strained smile. "Mr. Sumner, my granddaughter has been spoiled, which led to her recklessness.

"I've brought her here to formally

apologize. I hope you'll let this

matter slide just this once. I promise she will no longer be involved in the Wilkie Group's affairs or appear in front of you again."

Damon's gaze was cool, his tone cutting. "It seems Ms. Wilkie doesn't truly wish to apologize. But that's fineel don't need to hear an apology from her."

As if words could repair the damage Prospectus Technology had endured.

Pedro's face darkened.

"How could that be?" He turned sharply toward Jane. "Get over here now! Or do you want me to drag you?"

Swallowing her humiliation, Jane stepped forward, lowered her head, and forced out the words. "Mr.

Sumner, I'm sorry. I sincerelynoveldrama

apologize for my actions and

u can forgive me this

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