Chapter 387

The teacup slipped from Elder Li's grasp and shattered on the floor.

News of the Montreal Herbal Market's massive supply release tightened his chest.

His steward stumbled into the study, breathless. "Master, disaster strikes!"

Elder Li's brow furrowed.

The Li Corporation had weathered centuries of storms. What could mere price fluctuations do to them?

"Compose yourself!" he snapped.

The steward paled. "This is different! Our stock prices have plummeted. Montreal's herbs match our quality but cost only a third of ours!"

Elder Li shot to his feet.

"Our stockpiled herbs are now worthless!" The steward's voice trembled. "Suppliers are canceling orders and flocking to Montreal instead!"

Elder Li staggered backward.

Madam Li steadied him, lips quivering. "How did this happen?"

The steward wiped his brow. "Sterling Manor extended an olive branch first. After we refused, they turned to Montreal. Their bulk purchases created a surplus..."

"The perishable herbs have hit rock-bottom prices!"

Elder Li's legs gave out as he collapsed into his armchair.

Their warehouses overflowed with now-worthless inventory.

Plummeting stocks. Canceled contracts.

A century-old empire teetered on the brink.

"Father!" Madam Li stamped her foot in distress.

Elder Li recalled Nathan Aldridge's generous offer yesterday. Bitter regret twisted his gut.

Worse still, last night's public spectacle had broadcast their rift with Sterling Manor to the world.

"Master!" The steward gasped. "Notoginseng prices crashed from hundreds to mere dozens!"

Elder Li's face turned ashen.

Their stockpiled notoginseng had cost triple the current market rate.

"Ruined..." he whispered.

A legacy built over generations crumbled in a day.

The steward cried out again. "Sterling Manor purchased thirty thousand pounds in three hours! All shipped to Nine-City Alliance Pharmaceuticals!"

Darkness swallowed Elder Li's vision.