Chapter 149 Authority: My Life, My Call
The moment the question slipped from Pearl's lips, she was immediately struck by its absurdity. How could anyone compare to Raymond? A forced smile stretched across her face as she hastened to retract her words. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."Paige regarded Pearl with an expression that suggested she was looking at a simpleton. "If you all were in a life or death situation, then I mustn't be faring too well either." Pearl mulled over Paige's words and found them to be true. Her line of work wasn't particularly perilous. Furthermore, were they, merely Paige's subordinates, worth capturing to use as leverage against her? What about them could possibly be worth capturing? It was a far cry from the situation with Raymond.With the activation of the X-Action Group, a wave of relief washed over Paige. Deep within, she held a steadfast trust in the group's capabilities. The knowledge that they would ensure Raymond's safety brought her a sense of ease.That afternoon, Paige found herself buried under a mountain of work. Amidst the towering stack of documents awaiting her signature, her eyes fell upon the new energy project from the Universe Group. As she sifted through the documents, she instructed Pearl, "Get me some more information on the company's new energy project."The Sackler family had been eyeing the Universe Group's new energy project for some time. Their discernment was evident in their choice of the cream of the crop. Pearl promptly made a call and assured Paige, "I've had someone send over the materials. I'll print them out and get them to you shortly." Paige nodded in agreement, "Sounds good."When Pearl returned with the materials, Paige scrutinized them meticulously. It was undeniable that the Universe Group's new energy project in the Northwind district was thriving. Their new energy vehicles were enjoying impressive sales figures, and their soon-to-be-launched solar-powered buildings were already attracting numerous investors. However, breaking into the Universe Group, a colossal enterprise, was nearly impossible for newcomers due to the clamoring of investors. It was no wonder the Sackler family was keen on latching onto this giant enterprise."Xanthe, regarding the new energy sector, I've had someone look into the Sackler Group. This isn't their strong suit," Paige explained. She was well aware that the Sackler family wasn't particularly strong in this sector. One of the Sackler family's key projects had recently been snatched up by Paige, leaving the Sackler family in a precarious position. While there was no immediate crisis, the long-term development of the Sackler family was on shaky ground. Even if Xena lacked such foresight, Margaret certainly did not. That's why they set their sights on the Universe Group."Even if we gave them a chance, they wouldn't be able to seize it. What can I say?" Paige said with a cold laugh. She had the Sackler Group in her crosshairs and was eager to crush them completely. By accepting their proposal and agreeing to partner with them, the Sackler family would be at her mercy. Paige could decide when to end them — it was entirely in her hands.Deciding their fate could be a matter of minutes, but unfortunately, the Sackler family's new energy project was performing too poorly. If Paige actually signed on the dotted line, it would be mixing business with personal grievances. There were plenty of ways for Paige to take down the Sackler Group without resorting to such measures. It was a waste of the Universe Group's resources, which essentially equated to wasting her own time and assets. Such a tactic didn't seem cost-effective."Some of the Sackler family's longstanding projects are actually doing well. It's just that nowadays, they're extremely cautious about collaborating on those projects," Pearl remarked. "These projects are their lifeline for the future. It's natural for them to be cautious." Paige had a pretty good understanding of The Sackler family. "If they're willing to exchange these projects, we could potentially collaborate. Do you want me to have someone draw up a partnership plan to see what we could work out? We should aim to maximize benefits for our Universe Group."Pearl was Paige's assistant, but she was also a businesswoman herself. She'd been raised with a business mindset. Otherwise, before Paige was released from prison, it wouldn't have been possible for their quartet to secure a position among the many directors and shareholders of the Universe Group. Their place was also due to a so-called will from Yue Lao's side.Still, having influence was one thing; maintaining it without ability was another matter.
Paige paused, her thoughts coalescing into words. "There's no rush," she finally voiced, her tone steady. "The Sackler family is more anxious than we are. Margaret is already in her seventies, her time to strategize for the Sackler Group is dwindling."Paige's current capacity to deal with them was stretched thin. Yet, she had already set a surprise in motion for them, a revelation that would unfurl in due time.Her primary concern at the moment was Raymond and the question of when Mrs. Sackler would begin her recovery.The antidote was not the issue. Mrs. Sackler's condition, however, was precarious. She could barely speak, was seldom conscious, and could only ingest liquid meals. More often than not, she would drift back into sleep after eating and taking her medication.After an afternoon of intense work, spanning three to four hours, a medical staffer sought Paige out."Miss," he informed her, "Mrs. Sackler is awake and asking for you."Paige immediately abandoned her task and made her way downstairs, Pearl trailing behind her.As they descended to the ground floor in the elevator, Paige turned abruptly to Pearl and declared, "I will."Pearl was taken aback. "Huh? What?"Paige's sudden, contextless statement left Pearl grappling for understanding. Paige cast a glance at Pearl, "Didn't you ask if I'd activate the X team to save you all? I said I would!"Pearl was left stunned as the elevator doors slid open and Paige stepped out. She remained rooted to the spot until the elevator doors threatened to close again, hastily extending a hand and narrowly avoiding being caught by the closing doors.Pearl quickened her pace to match Paige's, her mind teeming with questions."I can understand you saving Mr. Carnegie since you two are married. But us four..."Paige halted and swiveled to face Pearl. "Before I was released from prison, our master handed me photographs of you four and told me that from then on, you were my people.""If you're my people, our fates are intertwined. Isn't it only natural that I should save you?"Pearl was profoundly moved. The four of them had been forsaken by Mrs. Sackler in their youth, and despite their hard-earned success, it was rare for anyone to acknowledge their shared destinies.Pearl voiced her concern anxiously, "But the X team can only be deployed three times. Once you return to the Universe Group headquarters and reveal your identity to the world, you'll be exposed to innumerable threats. That's your lifeline."Paige responded with a faint smile, "My life, my rules!"
