Chapter 36: Public shaming

The Smith family company was in chaos. Charles and Mr. Smith was frantically making phone calls, but the responses they received were all the same. It was a rejection. It was as though someone was blocking his path. "This is unacceptable!" Mr. Smith exclaimed, slamming his fist against his desk. "We've invested too much in these partnerships to be abandoned at a time like this." Charles's face was pale with worry as he scrolled through his phone, trying one contact after another. "I don't understand," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "We've been loyal to these partners for years, and now that we need their help, they turn their backs on us?" Mr. Smith shook his head in disbelief. "It's all because of that damn accusation of human trafficking," he muttered bitterly. "The government raided our remaining ships overnight, and now everyone thinks we're criminals." As they continued to make calls, the tension in the office grew thicker. The raid news spread quickly, and the