Peter was in shock, his hand instinctively covering his cheek. After a brief moment, he shouted at Charlie.

“You worthless piece of trash! How dare you hit me!”

Charlie smirked and replied, “Why? Why wouldn’t I hit you? If I want to, you’ll just have to accept it.”

Without hesitation, Charlie raised his hand and slapped Peter once more. By now, Peter’s cheek was already beginning to swell.

Though Claire found Peter equally repulsive, she felt a twinge of concern seeing that Charlie had struck him twice. She quickly interjected, “Charlie, what are you doing? I told you not to go around picking fights!”

Her worry stemmed not from herself but from the possibility that Peter might retaliate against Charlie. After all, Peter was the head of a respected company. Would he really stay calm after being struck by Charlie?

True to her fears, Peter was visibly furious. He pointed a finger at Claire and declared, “You, Wilson! If you don’t compensate me for what your husband has done today, I swear I’ll make sure he vanishes from Aurous Hill!”

Claire’s anger flared up at the mention of ‘compensate.’ “You’re utterly shameless!”

“Shameless?” Peter scoffed. “Don’t pretend you’re still a part of the Wilson family. They kicked you out ages ago! I am Peter Murray, a man of great standing in Aurous Hill. If you don’t want me to ruin your entire family, you’d better crawl into my bed tonight and please me. If I’m satisfied, I might consider forgiving you!”

Claire trembled with rage, retorting sharply, “Peter! You’re nothing but a despicable scoundrel!”

“I possess all the power and wealth in the world. So what’s wrong with being shameless?” Peter countered.

At that moment, Charlie stood up and declared, “Listen, Murray! You’re already bankrupt, so don’t boast about your power or wealth.”

“What did you just say?”

Peter was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.

Just as he was about to retaliate, his phone began ringing insistently.

Reluctantly, Peter answered, “Hello, what is it?”

“Mr. Murray, I have some bad news! The shareholders who were considering a partnership with us have suddenly changed their minds! They want to withdraw their offer.”

“What?” Peter’s expression shifted dramatically. “I’ll call them right away.”

“Hold on, Mr. Murray. They’re not the only ones pulling out. Emgrand Group, which has had a long-term partnership with us, has also decided to withdraw. Furthermore, all the other directors have called to cancel their contracts with us…”

Peter was left speechless, completely taken aback by the news.

The caller continued, “Additionally, four other companies have contacted Millennium Enterprise to demand substantial liquidated damages…”

“Mr. Zenith, the CEO of Prime Financial Group, is also on the line. He wants us to repay the two hundred eighty million dollars we owe them by tomorrow. If we don’t transfer the funds, he’ll initiate legal action, and all our ongoing construction projects will be seized.”

“Moreover, the City Union Bank, Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank, and Agricultural Bank are all demanding repayment. If we don’t settle our debts by noon tomorrow, they’ll auction off the company’s assets…”

Peter was drenched in sweat, his face turning pale as cold perspiration broke out on his forehead.

What on earth was happening?

Was this some sort of nightmare?

Why did it feel like calamity was raining down on him all at once?

It was as if all these companies had conspired against him!

What was truly unfolding?

What was happening to him?