Zach used the Young family's funds to buy businesses at a bargain. When the stock market struggled, even the richest in Ventropolis, including the Arnold family, felt the pinch. Smaller companies faced bankruptcy, and the Young family almost did too.
Two years ago, Zach visited Frida at the Young residence. Even before the Arnold family supported Azure Corporation, he had made a name for himself in Ventropolis, though he often stayed out of the spotlight. Many companies wanted him, but Zach remained loyal to his mentor, Hayson. No offer could tempt him away from his clear goal: to take over Azure Corporation. His ambition made people wary.
"You're asking for $1.5 billion just like that, Zach? Beyond being Hayson's adopted kid, | really admire you. Many at YTCorp started like you did, but what you've achieved is something else. The only reason we're talking today is because of Yvonne." Frida gestured to the door, "Now, get out of the Young residence." She shot Yvonne a stern look, saying, "Go to your room. We'll discuss this later." ‘Yvonne stepped forward to defend Zach, "Mom, can we give him a chance? | know it's a lot of money, but I think the Young family can handle it if we all chip in." Hearing Yvonne's words, Frida's patience snapped, and she slapped her. Throughout Yvonne's life, Frida had always been gentle, making this rare display of anger even more shocking. "Have you fallen for him so hard? Do you see the Young family's wealth as something to give away? After all your education, is this what you've taken away? Just handing over our legacy? You're not making any sense." ‘Yvonne, cradling her reddened cheek, whispered, "Mom..." "Stop calling me that!" Frida snapped back. "If you're taking his side today, you might as well leave with him. | don't want a daughter who acts this way." "If Zach's seen as an outsider," Yvonne began, tears shimmering, "what if he joins the Young family? Wouldn't that change things? Maybe then, could you consider helping him?" Stunned by Yvonne's plea, Frida felt a rush of confusion and anger. 'After everything | taught her, she still doesn’t understand!" In her frustration, her surroundings momentarily blurred.
"If you're uncertain, we can draw up an agreement," Zach offered. "The Young family will hold the controlling shares of any company we get. And about the $1.5 billion? I'll pay it all back within three years, with an extra 10% interest on top." Frida's eyebrows shot up in disbelief, ‘Pay all that back in just three years? Is he blindly confident or just plain nuts?' She retorted, "Zach, have you lost it? If you can't pay that back, there's no way you can make up for the loss." "My life might not be worth much, but this is priceless," Zach said, handing her a document pouch. "Check it out if you don't trust me." Feeling curious, Frida peeked inside. It was a deed to an oil field in the Middle East with Zach's name as the owner. Her eyes widened. "Hold on, isn't this the Burton family's property? How did you snag this?" She asked, giving him a skeptical look.