**Chapter 27** “It’s easy for you to speak of impulses when it’s not your baby being aborted!” Avery Tate's voice was a sharp dart, laced with emotion, as she glared at the doctor. Her heart raced, each beat thrumming with a cocktail of anger and despair. The doctor, visibly taken aback by her intensity, quickly adjusted his demeanor. “Miss Tate, I deeply apologize. I misspoke. Please, take a seat and drink some water. Let me step out for a moment and gather my thoughts.” Understanding the gravity of the situation, he poured a glass of water and exited, leaving her to wrap her mind around the turmoil swirling within her. When he returned, half an hour later, his expression was serious. “Miss Tate, are you familiar with Chelsea Tierney? She’s reviewing your file.” Avery’s heart sank. Chelsea Tierney, the woman who had always regarded her as an unwelcome presence, a pest. Anger bubbled inside her; she would not let this aggression go unpunished. No, she vowed, Chelsea would pay dearly for attempting to trample on her life. The atmosphere at Tate Industries felt different as Avery strode into her father's presidential office. The vice president, Shaun Locklyn, had been waiting for her, an air of concern etched on his brow. “Tate, I called you in today for two important matters,” he began, pouring her a cup of warm water to soothe her tense spirit. “Jun Hertz’s position has shifted. Initially, he was interested in investing in us, but now he’s offering to acquire the company outright for one billion.” Avery’s instinct kicked in as she read his expression. “Is this price too low?” The vice president rubbed his temples. “When the company was thriving, a billion would barely cover a quarter of our worth. But look at us now—things have changed drastically. Jun's offer, while slightly above market value, is still a lowball for what we represent.” She could see the weight of the situation bearing down on him. “The real challenge isn’t just the price tag. If Hertz takes over, the core of our business model will shift completely. He doesn’t see the potential in driverless cars; hence, he will completely dismantle that part of our operations.” Perplexed, she pressed, “But why the acquisition, then?” “He’s interested in our research on artificial intelligence,” Shaun explained, leaning forward. “This technology transcends just automotive applications. It can integrate into various sectors—robots, drones, you name it.” “Is our system truly that valuable?” Avery could hardly fathom the enormity of her father's legacy. A bitter laugh escaped Shaun’s lips. “Your father poured over a billion into developing this intelligent system, Avery. He would never have left you this company to inherit its debts. His hope was that you could revive it, ushering Tate Industries into a new era of glory.” Avery felt the weight of expectation settle heavy on her shoulders. Doubt crept in—could she really rise to meet her father’s vision? “The last thing I need to tell you,” Shaun added, his expression grave, “is that the development of this new system was paused when your father fell ill. The core components are locked away, and he took the secrets to his grave.” He walked to a wall lined with shelves, pressing a hidden button. The shelves shifted, revealing a concealed entrance bathed in mystery. “We’ve engaged locksmiths—masters even—but none have succeeded in unlocking your father's safe. Do you, by any chance, know the password? He must have confided in you at some point, right?” Avery’s heart raced, a mixture of agitation and hope. She stepped through the concealed door, inside was a massive safe, stark and foreboding. Adorning the walls was a family portrait, capturing a moment of happiness—a fleeting glimpse of her, her mother, and her father together. Instantly, her eyes welled with tears; she longed for those moments when simplicity defined their lives. Just the three of them, a complete family. “That’s what I’m saying, Tate. If we can't keep Tate Industries afloat, then let it go bankrupt! We could sell our technology in the shadows, pocket the spoils, and all come out rich,” Shaun proposed, an avaricious gleam in his eyes. “If the company clings to life, the profits from Jun's transaction will slip away from us. Why not seize the opportunity?” Avery’s gut twisted at the greed radiating from him. Alarm bells rang in her mind. This wasn't about the company anymore; it was about something more sinister. With the weight of her family’s legacy pressing down on her, she had to make a choice. Would she fight for the right of her father’s company, or fall prey to the ambitions of others? As uncertainty loomed, one thing became crystal clear—Avery would not surrender without a fight.