Rumors had a strange way of spreading—quietly at first, then violently, like fire crawling through dry leaves.

By morning, the entire corporate district was buzzing with one headline:

ETHAN GROUP CONSIDERS SELLING MAJOR DIVISIONS TO RECOVER FROM SCANDAL.

Ethan slammed the newspaper onto his desk. The headline stared back at him like a personal insult—like someone had carved the letters with a blade dipped in betrayal.

“This isn’t true,” Ethan muttered, pacing the length of his office, breath shaking. “I never approved any sale.”

Noah looked grim. “Someone wants the board to panic. If the directors believe the rumors, they might force you to liquidate assets to stabilize the stock...