Everyone got into the cars separately, and Sally Dalton helped him into the back seat. She got in after him, and as the car started, she held his hand reassuringly.

"I believe victory is definitely ours!"

Ashton and Barker are collaborating, combining their strengths. Naturally, this combined power is enough to compete with all potential bidders.

"Even if we really fail, it’s okay." Sally Dalton smiled, "At least this has paved the way for Ashton and Barker to work together. It’s already a good start."

Of course, she wasn’t just referring to the two companies, but also to the relationships between Nathan Leafcastle, Vera Wave, and Kris Cooper.

Nathan Leafcastle understood her meaning, smiled, but his mood grew even heavier.

This matter must succeed, it cannot fail, or everything he has will be lost.

...

...

In the following three days, both sides were busily preparing. Such news, of course, couldn’t be hidden from everyone.

So, after discussions, they decided to announce the news to the public to create momentum first.

Thus, the next afternoon, at the Empire Hotel, the two companies held a press conference to spread the news.

When the two previously opposing men appeared together, all the journalists present were stirred.

After experiencing previous lawsuits and various scandalous disputes, these two men appear together. Could the rumors really be true?

As the press conference began, Kris Cooper opened with a simple introduction, announcing the collaboration between the two companies.

"This is the first collaboration between Ashton and Barker. I also hope this is a good beginning."

As soon as he finished speaking, the journalists immediately raised their hands, eager to ask questions.

Kris Cooper casually pointed at one of them, and a journalist in a white T-shirt stood up.

"As everyone knows, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Leafcastle had a past grudge. I want to know how the two of you chose to collaborate again?"

Kris Cooper calmly replied, "British Prime Minister Palmerston once said, ’A country does not have permanent friends, only permanent interests.’ In business terms, I believe this decision is of vital significance for both Ashton and Barker."

"Mr. Cooper means that the two of you are only in a temporary collaboration? So, does that mean you might oppose each other again in the future?" The journalist sharply and harshly pursued.

With a smile, Kris Cooper quoted the opening lines of ’Romance of the Three Kingdoms’: "The general trend is to unite after long separation and to separate after long union... I’m no God; I can’t foresee the future, nor can I tell you what will happen. Moreover, I think a polite person wouldn’t ask a newlywed couple at their wedding if they’ll divorce in the future."

This statement left the journalist speechless, causing him to sit down with a flushed face.

"Mr. Leafcastle, I have a question." A female journalist stood straight, "Do you truly not mind collaborating with the killer of your mother?"

Mr. Leafcastle narrowed his eyes slightly, "First of all, I need to point out the mistake in your wording. Vera Wave is not a killer. The court has clearly stated that it was just an accident, and she has already been punished. No matter when, Vera is someone I deeply care about as both a friend and family member!"

Beside him, Sally Dalton reached out a hand and comfortingly placed it over his.