Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1381

"Given the Mercer Group's current financial disaster, no one with real power would partner with them anyway. If they had options, they wouldn't be clinging to life. They're one step away from total bankruptcy."

Sabrina gasped, her heart pounding. "Is the Mercer Group really in that much trouble?"

"Maybe not completely ruined yet," Bella explained coolly. "But if Lillian doesn't come back with a miracle announcement in the next quarter, the bank loans will crush them. They'll have no choice but to declare bankruptcy."

Sabrina scowled. "This is all Lillian's fault! I humiliated myself. I got down on my knees and apologized. I let that madwoman beat me every single day. When is she going to forgive us and come back? I'm suffocating. If the Mercer Group goes under, everything I've suffered will be for nothing!"

Bella patted her mother's arm, unbothered. "Mom, relax. They are far more terrified than you are. You aren't the only one taking the hits. So just play your part. Dodge the crazy woman when she swings at you. Hide behind Martin. Let her hit him instead. He owes us, right? If he gets angry with you... well, you know exactly how to handle him in the bedroom."

Sabrina's eyes lit up. "You're right. You are so smart, my darling. I didn't even think of that."

The mother and daughter shared a triumphant laugh.

"Martin, you have absolutely zero experience running a modern facility like this. This is not a simple undertaking. Beyond the complex logistics, the financial investment is astronomical. Buying the machinery is one thing, but finding the elite talent to run it is nearly impossible. We can help you source the equipment, but we are powerless when it comes to personnel. We spent a fortune poaching our top two experts, and we aren't even sure we can keep them. A new factory carries catastrophic risks. We only took this gamble because we had no other choice. But you have Lillian. Why risk it? There are countless ways to collaborate. You could simply partner with her on her algorithm."

Beatrice was telling the truth. If manufacturing was easy, everyone would be drowning in profits.

Brandon Mercer smiled, radiating absolute confidence. "Beatrice, the Mercer family built its empire on manufacturing. The old ways are dying, so we have to evolve. Don't worry. With your support on the equipment, I will personally handle Lillian and secure her cooperation."