After calming the crowd outside, Shandar Solis couldn't read much from Lyra's expression, but he decided to proceed with his original plan anyway.
Turning slightly, he said in a low voice, "Lyra, can we talk privately?"
She didn't respond verbally but turned and walked toward the interior of the company building. Shandar sneered faintly and cast a glance at a middle-aged man nearby, who gave a subtle nod in return.
Following behind, Shandar entered the building. As soon as he stepped through the front doors, he spotted Lyra standing quietly by a large, lush money tree, idly scrolling through her phone, seemingly reading messages.
Earlier outside, he had been too preoccupied trying to read her expression to notice her attire. But now, his eyes were immediately drawn to her.
Today, Lyra wore a pale blue business suit. Her long hair was neatly pinned up into a minimalist chignon, exposing her slender neck like that of a poised, untouchable swan.
Her blazer was crisply tailored, worn over a white silk blouse that emphasized her porcelain skin. A matching pencil skirt draped just right over her figure, highlighting her elegant curves.
Standing there, she looked like a modern-day Venus—graceful and alluring, embodying both the sharpness of a professional and the gentle charm of a woman.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on her, making Shandar's gaze turn hazy with desire. Inwardly, he swore: I must have her, no matter what.
"Shandar," Lyra suddenly spoke, her voice cutting through the silence, "this mess today—was it your doing?"
Her tone was frosty as she lowered her phone and looked directly at him. Shandar was startled for a second, realizing she had seen through him. But instead of hiding it, he walked up close, his eyes raking over her as he swallowed hard.
The look in his eyes made Lyra frown deeply. If she weren't determined to find out what he was planning, she wouldn't even bother acknowledging him.
Noticing her distaste, Shandar remained unfazed. He chuckled and said, "Lyra, I'm doing this for your own good. Look, your grandfather left Templar Pharma as a huge legacy. It's too much for one woman to manage alone…"
He paused, watching for a reaction. But Lyra just stared at him coldly.
He clenched his jaw and went on, "Why not marry me? Hand over your 64% stake in the company, and you can enjoy life as a wealthy lady—shopping, spa days, whatever you want."
"Like those movies and romance novels: you stay beautiful, I'll make the money. Isn't that ideal?"
"Hmph!"
At that, Lyra's anger flared. So that's what this was about. After she rejected her father's arrangements, Shandar was using this chaos to push her into marriage. No wonder he had siphoned the company's funds—he had been scheming for this all along. Money and power, all in one stroke. What a devious little plan.
Her voice turned icy. "Mr. Solis, have you not woken up yet? If you haven't, go back to sleep and stop spouting nonsense here."
"You—"
Shandar's eyes narrowed. Her reaction wasn't unexpected, and he gave a cold chuckle. "Don't forget, this was your father's idea too. Besides, how are you going to handle the people outside? There's not a penny left in the company's accounts. I doubt they'll leave without their money."
"Save your concern."
Lyra shot back, "Thanks for the reminder. Since you mentioned it, I'll need you to return every pound you moved from the company accounts. I'm giving you until tomorrow. If not, I'll report you. That's embezzlement, Mr. Solis. Consider yourself warned."
She glanced toward the door where the crowd still waited and added with a curious smile, "As for them—if they want money, then we'll give them money."
With that, she turned gracefully and strode away, leaving Shandar staring after her in disbelief.
Money? Where did she get money? Did she take out a loan? No—that's unlikely. And she seems… different today, he thought, suspicion churning in his chest.
Still uncertain, he trailed behind her to see just how she planned to resolve the situation. He was convinced she didn't have cash on hand. Once his people escalated the chaos, she would be forced into an impossible situation.
Then, he could bring in his adoptive father, Gerald Solis, to put pressure on her again. Marriage would be inevitable. And once that happened, he would have both the woman and the company—life would be perfect.
Thinking of Lyra under him, resisting and yielding at once, made something stir beneath his belt.
…
Lyra had no idea what vile thoughts were running through Shandar's mind. She stepped outside, where the crowd still waited, hoping for news.
Seeing her and Shandar emerge together, the suppliers immediately gathered around. The middle-aged man from earlier caught Shandar's subtle signal and moved into action.
Feigning innocence, he stepped forward and asked loudly, "Mr. Solis, have you and Miss Solis reached a decision? Will we be paid today?"
Shandar pulled a troubled face and glanced at Lyra. "Ah, I was hoping to help Lyra pay everyone, but it seems she doesn't appreciate the gesture. I'm just a nominal vice chairman here—ultimately, it's up to her."
Lyra arched a brow. Typical. Shove the problem onto me and play the martyr.
The middle-aged man understood immediately. Sharing a glance with a few others, he turned to Lyra and said sharply, "Miss Solis, we need answers. If we don't get them today, don't blame us for what happens next."
"Yeah, we've waited long enough! If there's no money, we'll strip the place bare!"
"Enough talk—start packing!"
The mood shifted again. The calm was shattered as a few troublemakers stirred the pot. Some of the more anxious suppliers, fearing they'd never see their money, joined the clamor.
Ding!
At that moment, the elevator doors slid open with a chime. Two fully armed police officers stepped out and saw the crowd gathered in the hallway, peering toward the glass office doors.
The older officer pushed through the crowd, frowning at the noisy scene. "Who called this in? What's going on here?"
"I did, Officer."
Lyra raised her hand. The senior officer and his younger partner made their way over to her.
"What happened here?" the officer asked.
At the sight of the uniforms, the middle-aged man shrank back, suddenly quiet. The others who had been shouting also fell silent. All eyes now turned to the police.