The moment Erik heard those words, his pupils contracted violently. For the first time, genuine fear appeared across his face. Still, years of pretending to be composed in business circles forced him to keep bluffing.
"So pull the investment then!" Erik shouted, deliberately raising his voice as though trying to reassure himself as much as the crowd around him. "Who said I needed your money? Yates Group got where it is today because of my own talent and hard work. Even without your investment, I can still make the company thrive. Hell, I'll make it even bigger than before."
His expression turned defiant. "Don't think a little money gives you the right to control me. I built this company from nothing. I've survived worse than this before."
Then he glanced around at the surrounding crowd,
