Emma quickly learned about the Harrington Group's massive change in leadership.
"Because of me?" she asked, looking at Carter.
Carter shook his head, refusing to add to her mounting pressure.
"A mountain can't hold two tigers. The Harrington family can only have one person giving the orders."
He didn't mention a single word about his own feelings. Carter knew with absolute certainty that everything he sacrificed for Emma was his own willing choice.
He refused to use his sacrifice as emotional blackmail to saddle her with any guilt.
"I can help you."
Emma knew that with her massive connections, the Harrington family would never be foolish enough to completely abandon Carter as their leader.
Carter, however, declined.
"When I actually lose, it won't be too late to ask for your help. Right now, there's no rush."
Walking away from his title as heir wasn't just a declaration of his loyalty to Emma; it was a brutal reminder to everyone in the family that the Harrington Group could only truly function under his command, and he would not be manipulated by anyone's threats.
With the change in presidents, Raymond was forced to return to Capital City.
Before he left, he requested a private meeting with Emma.
"Carter threw away the entire Harrington empire just for you. Can you bear the crushing weight of that responsibility?"
Raymond finally revealed the truth, but Emma didn't buy it.
"Even if he walked away from his family for my sake, he simply stayed true to his own heart. Why try to burden me with moral guilt, Raymond?"
Emma raised an eyebrow, staring him down.
Raymond hadn't expected her to respond like that. A part of him found her dangerously cold, yet another part had to admit her fierce independence was truly unique.
He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the table. "Your presence will only destroy Carter. He sacrificed his boundless wealth and power for you. If you truly loved him, you'd know exactly what choice you need to make for his own good."
Raymond ruthlessly piled on the emotional pressure, but Emma simply offered a faint, unfazed smile.
"Destroy him? You should know better than anyone, Raymond. With Carter's unparalleled abilities, he could easily take over the domestic branch of CFT. I'd have less on my plate, and CFT would only grow more prosperous. Frankly, I'd be absolutely thrilled."
Emma radiated unshakeable confidence. Even without the Harrington name, she could effortlessly ensure Carter remained one of the most respected and powerful men in the country.

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