The atmosphere suddenly turned tense.

Yvonne smiled. "Mark, think about it. If I really wanted to go up against you, I could just join forces with Claude and Leonard. I could gain their trust and, at the same time, take you down.

"Besides, Claude and Leonard are old. How many years do you think they have left? I just need to wait a few more years before the entire Emerald Group becomes mine.

"Why should I risk offending both parties? Why should I play tricks to get you three to fight against each other to profit from it?

"If this trick backfires on me, I'll die a terrible death. Don't you think so?"

Yvonne raised an eyebrow. Her eyes gleamed slyly. "I'm not an idiot. I don't want to get involved in any of your power plays. From beginning to end, I only want to protect myself."

Mark was quiet after listening to what Yvonne said. He looked at her for a long time in silence.

Yvonne had come up with such a solid excuse within such a short time. There wasn't an ounce of sheepishne