13. The Rise and Fall

Alan stood in the driveway, his face ashen.

He was still reeling from Lando Yale’s words when his phone buzzed again.

His father, Kelvin Shaw, was shouting, his voice filled with panic and fury.

"Alan! The Fire Dragon Group is collapsing!" Kelvin barked.

"Our stock is plummeting. The Emperor Group has cut all ties, and our partners are withdrawing left and right. If this continues, we’ll be bankrupt by the end of the day!"

Alan’s knees buckled.

"What?" he gasped.

"No, this can’t be happening! Father, there must be something we can do!"

"Fix this mess, Alan!" Kelvin shouted.

"Beg if you have to! Just don’t come back until it’s done!"

The call disconnected, leaving Alan in stunned silence.

His face turned pale as he realized the severity of the situation.

The mighty Shaw family was on the brink of collapse, and it was all because of him.

He stumbled forward, his legs weak.

"Sophia, please," he cried, dropping to his knees.

"I beg you! Ask Mr. Yale to spare the Shaw family. We’ll do anyth