Chapter 21 Rejection 13 min left " You know what you're doing , " William shot back . " You want both the game and to humiliate Caroline - you're just trying to manipulate her . Well , listen , you can't have it both ways . You will never get Supreme Sword ! " " Three hundred million dollars . " Anthony raised three fingers . " After our technical team verifies everything and clears your name , I'll cover the expenses personally , and we'll also handle the initial marketing campaign properly . " Caleb smirked . " Trying to play hero with a mere 300 million dollars ? That's pocket change to the Martin Group . I'll double it . " A collective gasp swept through the venue . Most attendees were indie developers hoping for small investments . These numbers blew their minds . Anthony remained composed and continued raising his offer . Caleb matched him with ease . The bidding soared to 1.5 billion dollars . William , a lifelong techie, had never heard such huge sums tossed around so casually . Despite his hatred for Caleb , he had to consider his team's 1/6 09:42 M Chapter 21 Rejection future . " Who is this Mr. Garcia ? " William whispered to Caroline . " Won't his public support cause problems for you ? " 13 min left After a pause , he added warily , " Is he another admirer ? Let me be clear - if you're planning to ditch us for another marriage , I won't let you go ! " " It's complicated , " Caroline whispered back , " but don't worry . I'm clear - headed now . Men's competition is just another stepping stone on my path to success . " William didn't buy it , his eyes flickering with lingering resentment . " I remember how you abandoned us before ! " Just then , both Caleb and Anthony fixed their gazes on Caroline . " Have you made your decision ? " Anthony's offer was 1.5 billion dollars , plus marketing and expenses . The development team could focus on the game , free from corporate drama . Most importantly , he could clear their current crisis and avoid fraud charges . And Caleb ? His offer was simple - pure cash with full freedom . 2/6 09:42 Chapter 21 Rejection 13 min left But the Martin Group offered a prestigious platform with more potential . Other teams watched , barely hiding their envy . All eyes were on Caroline , the tension thick as if she were choosing a husband , not an investor . Just as she was about to speak , Anthony softly said , " Don't feel pressured . Even if you choose Mr. Martin , I'll still protect you . I get it - it's just business . " " If you're so good at reading people , maybe try fortune - telling , " Caleb snapped . " Caroline , I'm offering the best deal . What's stopping you ? " Caroline scanned the room and said , " Supreme Sword needs investment , like all teams here . But two billion is too much - we can't justify it . It wouldn't be fair to others . " Besides , I know you drove the price up out of rivalry . No need to ruin your relationship over my game . So , I'm declining both offers . " Surprise flickered across both men's faces . Caroline continued , " Mr. Garcia , your offer to clear our name with a tech team is enough . Thank you . " 3/6 09:42 Chapter 21 Rejection Her thanks to Anthony , ignoring Caleb , sparked whispers . Caleb frowned as Caroline avoided him . Anger flared as he stormed out . 13 min left Soon after , Anthony's tech team confirmed a virus had been planted maliciously . The expo had 33 teams . The 34th team , missing by a few points , chose revenge . Though it seemed clear , Caroline still had doubts . If they barely missed qualifying , why target the top game instead of the 33rd ? But as bugs were fixed and funds returned , Caroline kept her doubts quiet , not wanting to spoil the celebration . Amid relief , Caroline had William pack up , ready to leave . As they walked , Caroline explained , " I know my choice seems odd , but accepting either offer would put us under their thumb . Plus , with so many teams , if any had bad intentions , our partnership could fall apart . " " I understand , " William replied . " We're used to struggling . Having you back is what matters . So what if we can't get investment now ? With you , things will improve , right, everyone ? " 4/6 09:42 Chapter 21 Rejection Caroline turned to see a dozen faces , excited and hopeful . 13 min left She recognized them all - her collaborators from high school and university days . William smiled , " After graduation , everyone scattered . I used this project to reunite us . I thought if you came back , seeing the original team would make you feel at home . " Seeing those familiar faces and William's sincerity , Caroline felt tears well up . She thought she'd lost five years , only to find they'd been waiting for her . Just then , someone handed her a bouquet of lilies . Though the flowers were fresh , the arrangement screamed last - minute . William handed Caroline the dewy blooms . " Your favorite flowers . Welcome back , Caroline . " Caroline accepted them , playfully punching his shoulder . " Why so emotional ? You're really pulling out all the stops to keep me here . Don't worry , everyone . Refusing their investment won't ruin us . Our future's bright - better opportunities await ! " 5/6 09:42 Chapter 21 Rejection 13 min left Someone of their team teased , " After all these years , you still love lilies ? When William mentioned it earlier , we thought he was just talking nonsense ! " " She doesn't like lilies . " Caleb's cold voice shattered the warm moment . " Cheap - ass flowers . And that arrangement ? Amateur hour . You really think this would move her ? " 6/6 Write your comment ir Gifts 09:42 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!