NovelXXXChapter 368 Citrine ignored him. After straightening her clothes, she left the room without another word.
This time, Sebastian didn't try to stop her.
She had barely made it downstairs when Carlotta appeared, carrying a fresh change of clothes.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe moment Carlotta caught sight of Citrine's disheveled appearance, her face fell. Clearly worried, she rushed over. "Citrine, what happened to you?" "It's nothing. I just need to change." Citrine took the clothes from her, not waiting for further questions, and slipped into the restroom.
Once she'd tidied up and changed, she emerged to find Carlotta waiting anxiously.
As soon as Citrine stepped out, Carlotta pressed her again. "Citrine, did someone hurt you?" Citrine's gaze darkened. "No, just ran into a lunatic. But don't worry-I got out unscathed." In fact, compared to Sebastian, she'd cout ahead. After all, he was the one left with several nasty bite marks.
Realizing Citrine wasn't in the mood to talk, Carlotta let the matter drop.
Together, they returned to the main hall, just as the representative from Stellaris Group took the stage.
It wasn't Sebastian-this tit was a man in his thirties, sharply dressed and businesslike.
He wasted no twith pleasantries. His eyes swept the room, landing on Citrine and Carlotta with a smirk that was almost a sneer. "I assby now you all know our chairman is the head of the Shadow Syndicate, so I'll skip the introductions." Citrine blinked, surprised. So Sebastian had already shared their earlier exchange with this man.
Before she could dwell on it, the representative continued, "Our chairman has been watching CICI Group's progress and is impressed. He'd like to formally invite CICI Group to join the Shadow Syndicate." Though he called it an invitation, his tone was anything but courteous. It was laced with arrogance, as if he was certain no sane person would refuse.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCitrine gave a cold laugh and replied without hesitation, "Sorry, but CICI Group isn't interested." The words had barely left her lips before murmurs erupted all around the hall.
"Is she insane? This is the Shadow Syndicate-people would kill for a chance like this." "I've never seen anyone refuse them before." "She must be out of her mind." The man's smile faltered, but he forced it back as he addressed her, "If I'm not mistaken, Ms. Carmichael, you're not the chairman of CICI Group. Who are you to decide?" Citrine remained unfazed. "My answer is the chairman's answer." The man's expression froze, pride stinging. He tried to recover, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. "Ms. Carmichael, I suggest you reconsider. The Shadow Syndicate is powerful. We could offer CICI Group tremendous benefits. Making an enemy of us isn't wise." Citrine rose from her seat, meeting his gaze head-on. "CICI Group has gotten this far on its own. We don't need to ride anyone's coattails-least of all yours." She continued, her tone unwavering, "More importantly, CICI Group only plays to win. We're not interested in being someone else's lackey. If the day ever comes when the entire Shadow Syndicate is ready to follow CICI Group's lead, maybe I'll consider your offer." From the very start, Citrine had never intended to play second fiddle. She wanted the top spot-Sebastian's spot.
Her words were so brazen the entire room stared at her as if she'd lost her mind.
"Does she hear herself? She's got to be crazy." "She must think she's invincible. No one's ever talked to them like that. Clearly, she's never been put in her place."
The man's composure crumbled, anger flashing across his face, "You want the Shadow Syndicate to answer to CICI Group? Keep dreaming." He let out a cold snort. "I hope you don't live to regret this."
With a dismissive wave, he gestured toward the exit. "Since you're noth interested, there's no reason for you to stay. Please see yourselves out."
Once outside, Carlotta grabbed Citrine's hand, her voice trembling. with worry 'Citrine, did we just bite off more than we can chew?" Citrine patted her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. It's nothing we can't handle."
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