Chapter 44: Won't Take A Penny

"Are you Mr. Naoki?" Mike's voice trembled as he spoke, barely able to process what was happening. "Yes, I'm Naoki Yoxy," Mr. Naoki confirmed, nodding as he stood respectfully behind Tacito. At that moment, everyone in the room realized the truth—this was indeed the legendary Naoki standing before them. Mike turned to Bella, his disbelief clear on his face. "Ms. White, what is going on? How is Mr. Naoki here?" Bella smiled, taking a moment to glance at everyone before speaking slowly, "From today onward, Mr. Naoki is the chief costume designer for White Enterprises Group." The entire conference room erupted in disbelief. It was hard for anyone to wrap their heads around it. Naoki was practically a deity in the fashion world, and the cost of hiring him was astronomical. Rumor had it that Harper Enterprises Group spent fifty million dollars just to secure his services. Mike, still unwilling to accept what was happening, pressed on, "Ms. White, you didn't report this to the directors! How are you going to pay Mr. Naoki's exorbitant fee? If the board finds out, can you take responsibility?" Before Bella could respond, Mr. Naoki stepped forward and declared, "It's an honor for me to be chosen by Mr. Temple! Naturally, I won't take a penny!" What? Not take a penny? This couldn't be real. Everyone had heard that Harper Enterprises paid fifty million dollars to hire Mr. Naoki, and now he was saying he wouldn't take a penny, all because of Tacito? It was beyond belief, like something out of a fantasy. Mike's complexion changed drastically. He could no longer find any reason to challenge Tacito's appointment as chief technical advisor. Resigned, Mike turned to Tacito and stammered, "Mr. Tacito, you win. I apologize." With that, Mike collapsed to the ground, his dreams of becoming the chief technical advisor completely shattered. The senior executives in the Garment Department looked at Tacito with newfound respect and awe. It was clear that securing Mr. Naoki's services for free was no small feat, only someone with extraordinary influence could manage that. "Alright, that's all," Bella said with a slight smile, her admiration for Tacito evident. She looked around the room. "From today onward, let's all work together. I hope everyone will cooperate to make White Enterprises Group stronger." As soon as Bella finished speaking, the room erupted in applause. With Mr. Naoki leading the way, the Garment Department of White Enterprises Group was set to become the most powerful in Jackville City. Everyone was excited, everyone except Mike, who remained dejected. But then, the conference room door was violently kicked open. Three policemen stormed in, their sudden entrance shocking everyone. "Who is Tacito Temple?" the leader, a bald policeman with a fierce look, demanded. The room fell into stunned silence. It was clear from their expressions that these policemen were serious. Tacito frowned, stepping forward. "I am." "Cuff him!" the bald policeman barked, and two officers moved toward Tacito. Bella quickly stepped in front of Tacito, her voice sharp with anger. "Stop! Why are you arresting him? What has he done?" The bald policeman sneered, his eyes lingering on Bella with a lecherous gleam. "He knows what he did. Someone called in and reported that Tacito had injured someone. We've been ordered to arrest him. If you're not involved, step aside." As he spoke, the bald policeman reached out, his hand aimed at Bella's chest, his intentions clear from the lewd smile on his face.