And with that, the meeting fell to a stalemate just as Charlie had predicted.

Nate didn't respond despite Jimmy's rousing speech, just as the partners who were supposed to have Jimmy's back fell silent, afraid to step up and leave the scene in awkward silence.

Charlie was basically invisible to them, affording him a clear view of their expression.

As the awkward silence continued, the partners looked even more nervous while Nate and the board appeared even more relaxed.

That was because Nate knew very well that Julien had the influence to compel them into cooperating without a chance of fighting back.

Most of all, Julien wasn't taking sides, which meant he clearly wasn't planning to, and that was a good situation for him.

Meanwhile, the partners behind Jimmy got restless, with one even leaning toward Jimmy and whispering urgently into his ear, "Come on, Jimmy, you're friends with Julien Rothschild! Ask him to help us out here! Our future lies in his hands…"

However, Jimmy knew w