A stack of files slammed onto the desk.

Then came a voice cold enough to freeze the room.

“Nathan, for two consecutive quarters, the annualized return rate of the fund you’re managing has barely reached three percent. I've been getting complaints from key clients, and if this continues, they'll completely lose confidence in us at Summit Finance!”

“Can you explain what’s going on here?”

She asked for an explanation, but it sounded more like an interrogation. Emily Shannon didn’t care about Nathan Carter’s excuses; she wanted a solution.

Emily Shannon, standing there with an icy demeanor, was the executive director of China’s Summit Finance Ltd. At twenty-five years old, she had a prestigious international education, an impeccable resume, and the aura of a returning overseas elite. Since coming back to China, she'd taken up her position at one of the most respected securities and fund management firms in the industry, leading as its executive director.

Rumors about her were endless, but the most talked-about was her background. How could someone so young, not even 30 yet, step into such a powerful role? People couldn’t help but wonder what kind of connections she must have behind her success.Rumors had always swirled around the company as to how Emily Shannon managed to land the position of Executive President. Some speculated that she used her looks to gain favor with the higher-ups, suggesting some hidden, scandalous relationships. But of course, these were nothing more than baseless gossip without a shred of evidence.

Another theory was that Emily had a special connection with the parent company, Shannon Group, and it was through those ties she secured her position.

Regardless of what people speculated, one thing was crystal clear—Emily Shannon was undeniably stunning. Her beauty was a showstopper; her face possessed an almost sculpted perfection, her skin smooth and radiant like polished porcelain, and her eyes, deep pools of autumn water, left a lasting impression on anyone who met her gaze.

Today, Emily was dressed in a sleek black business suit paired with a crisp white blouse, which only accentuated her impressive figure. Below, she wore a knee-length pencil skirt that showed off her flawless, long legs clad in sheer black stockings. The final touches were her crimson heels and her neatly tied back jet-black hair, a look that combined professionalism with an undeniable allure.

Standing confidently, head held high, she exuded an air of superiority, her expression cold and unapproachable—a woman who never lowered her gaze to the man standing before her.

That man was Nathan Carter, the fund manager at Shannon Capital, and for the fifth time this month, he had been summoned alone to Emily’s office for “a talk” related to work issues.“The current economic downturn nationwide, coupled with the volatile stock market and the global financial crisis, makes achieving a three percent return the absolute limit,” Nathan Carter explained earnestly.

“For other companies, sure, a three percent return might be considered sufficient. But we’re Summit Capital. Do you even understand what that name represents? It stands for being the elite, the pinnacle of the industry!” Emily Shannon’s face was as cold as ice, her tone cutting. “Three percent? That’s not the standard Summit Capital operates on.”

“Our stable fund must achieve an annualized return of at least seven percent this year,” she demanded, her voice sharp and uncompromising.

Nathan’s expression tightened, shaking his head. “In today’s environment? Hitting seven percent—honestly, it’s not realistic.”

“Then make it happen,” Emily said firmly, the words curt and loaded with authority. “And if you can’t, I’ll find someone who will.” Her implication was crystal clear—fail, and you’re out.

Nathan paused for a beat before replying, his voice firm. “I don’t need anyone else. I can manage it.”

For a brief moment, Emily’s cold demeanor lit a fire in Nathan. He’d had enough of her arrogance, enough of being underestimated. He was determined to prove her wrong, to shut her down with results no one could argue against.For the first time, Nathan Carter dared to stand up to Emily Shannon and voice his thoughts. Since Emily had taken over as the executive president, no day had ever made him feel half as gutsy as today.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out now.”

“Wait a moment.”

Emily called out and gestured toward a large bouquet of blue roses on her desk. Sitting atop the flowers was an envelope that hadn’t even been opened.

“Take this with you and toss it in the nearest trash can.”

“Uh... okay.”

The brief spark of bravado Nathan showed earlier vanished without a trace. He nodded obediently, picked up the blue roses with practiced ease—clearly, this wasn’t his first time handling chores like this.

As a renowned beauty in the industry, Emily Shannon certainly had no shortage of admirers. Senior executives, heirs to powerful families, politicians—many of them were her loyal suitors who sent flowers constantly to her office.

But Emily’s attitude toward the countless bouquets was unchanging—straight to the garbage.

“Also, there’s an international exchange conference in Los Angeles on the first of next month. I’ve already arranged for you to attend. Make sure you adjust your schedule accordingly.”

“The first of next month? Isn’t that this weekend?” Nathan was visibly startled. The news was way too sudden. “I haven’t had any time to prepare!” Emily Shannon demanded assertively, "This is your responsibility. The conference is crucial, and I'll be attending as well."

Nathan Carter cast a helpless glance at her, gritting his teeth as he replied, "I'll start preparing right away."

...

Up in the skies, the steady flight was making passengers drowsy.

Nathan leaned back in his seat, pulling up the window shade for a glimpse outside. All he could see was an endless expanse of clouds and the deep, blue horizon.

The plane had been cruising for five hours, with only half the trans-oceanic journey completed. To his right sat a man who weighed over two hundred pounds, already fast asleep, his loud snores echoing uncomfortably through the quiet cabin—part of the reason Nathan couldn't get any rest.

Initially, Nathan thought Emily Shannon would be seated next to him, but clearly, he had been overthinking. She was up in the first-class cabin, where the space was airy and luxurious—especially for flights this long, first-class was worlds better than economy.

Suddenly—bam!—the plane jerked violently. Many of the sleeping passengers woke up, startled.

Moments later, the speaker came on: "Ladies and gentlemen, we're encountering turbulence ahead. Please expect some shaking. The restrooms are now closed—return to your seats and fasten your seatbelt. Meal services will be paused for the time being. Thank you for your understanding." “Hey, what’s going on? Why is the plane going down?”

The man sitting next to Nathan suddenly woke up, wiping drool from the corner of his mouth as he shouted in panic.

Nathan was just about to mock him for overreacting—it was just normal turbulence, after all—when an abrupt feeling of weightlessness nearly hurled him out of his seat.

Chaos erupted in the cabin. People were being thrown out of their seats as desperate screams filled the air. The scene had turned into pure madness, a living nightmare that could only be described as hell on earth.

Nathan’s heart sank; the unmistakable sensation of the plane plunging was all he could focus on.

“This is it... We’re going to crash...”