billion book
Chapter 280
Chapter 280
Steward paused for a moment, hastily asking, "Is there something else he needs? Or is he waiting for someone to come apologize?"
The butler replied, "No, it seems like he was engaged in a conversation with Hackett. They got quite into it, so he hasn't left yet. Hackett even said not to bother about them."
How could they not bother!
But there were tasks at hand that needed attending.
Bill and Hackett were two individuals they couldn't afford to offend. Steward decided to follow their advice and prioritize the pressing matters.
With several guests still around, the upstairs conference room was too cramped, so they settled in the downstairs lobby, gathering on the sofas in a circle.
Over the years, the Griffin Corporation had gathered a group of executives and shareholders, totaling over twenty people.
Holding onto hope, Steward finally asked, "Boss, are you sure you want to announce it?"
He didn't want to let Sanderson go.
Be it for his capabilities or the emotional bond, Sanderson was his first son. Who wouldn't love their own child?
But sometimes, in the face of interests, some things had to be sacrificed.
Steward's thoughts were too traditional, only wishing for Griffin Corporation to carry on the Griffin name, rather than following Cordelia into marriage... Sanderson, without waiting for a response, declared, "I've decided to step down as chairman, with Kermit taking over."
This announcement left the executives and board members in disbelief.
While the men were chatting, Lorna, accompanied by Cordelia, and Rachel, along with Juliana, were entertaining the remaining ladies.
The conversation from Steward's side was a bit loud, so it reached their ears.
The ladies, not fully grasping the situation, started congratulating Rachel, while some looked at Lorna with pity.
It was pitiful enough that her son-in-law wasn't as commendable as Rachel's, and now her husband was no longer chairman.
Juliana rolled her eyes and sighed, "Sis, look at the mess this has caused. Why don't you just have your boyfriend apologize to Bill, shake hands, and make peace? Now look, Dad has resigned over this!"
Her words cast Cordelia in an unfilial light and led everyone to believe that Sanderson's dismissal was due to this reason, silencing the room. Cordelia ignored her, turning to see Everard lounging nearby, engrossed in his phone.
On Everard's screen, a chat was open.
Bill: "Boss, can I come downstairs now?"
X: "Wait a bit longer."
Bill: "...Okay."
Seeing his carefree attitude, seemingly without a hint of remorse, Juliana scoffed, "Sis, look at him, so shameless, acting all carefree. People who don't know might think he's some street thug!"
Then she realized, "Oh right, he's the owner of Midnight Scent!"
The terms "owner of Midnight Scent" and "street thug" were derogatory towards Everard.
Madeline chimed in, "Cordelia, your
pretty boy might be easy on the eyes, but what's the use if he only brings trouble? Your taste is really off. You should've chosen someone like Hanley! What's the use of a
trophy boyfriend?"
Unfortunately, despite their remarks, Cordelia appeared unbothered, also reaching for her phone.
Seeing her attitude, Juliana pursed her lips.
Steward and Sanderson briefly explained the situation. Sanderson then addressed the room, "Given the circumstances, I've decided to leave the company and start anew. Those willing to join me, please stand up."
At this, about seven or eight of Sanderson's long-time colleagues stood up. These individuals held key positions within the company and were quite capable.
Steward frowned.
Kermit exclaimed, "Think carefully! His son-in-law has offended Bill. Do you have any idea how difficult starting over will be? Are you ready to face the consequences of following him?"
This statement made some of the standing elders hesitate.
Sanderson sighed, "I won't force anyone. Those who choose to stay, I believe my father and Mr. Delaney won't treat you poorly."
At this, half of them reconsidered their stance.
However, Dagmar stood firm, "Mr. Delaney, I'm with you."
Having betrayed Mr. Delaney without facing retribution, she felt indebted to him and couldn't leave at this juncture.
Dagmar's declaration prompted a few more to voice their allegiance to Sanderson.
He smiled at these loyal companions, "You've chosen to stand by me, and I won't let you down."
Kermit's sharp retort followed, "Not let them down? What can you offer? Offend Bill? His Fortuna Group spans the nation! Do you think starting up is that easy? You'll regret it!"
His outburst was met with a stern rebuke from Steward, but Kermit retorted with a harsh reality about facing dire consequences for not appeasing Bill. Just then, Hackett's voice echoed from upstairs, "Please, after you!"
As all eyes turned towards the staircase, Bill, dressed in a sharp suit, spoke in a heavy Northeastern accent, "That fruit was delicious, Mr. Griffin. Send me some!"
Hackett chuckled, "No problem at all!"
The duo conversed as they descended the stairs.
Steward hurried forward to greet them, calling out, "Mr. Hackett, Mr. Robinson..."
However, they ignored him, instead heading straight towards Everard, who was casually seated next to Cordelia.
Steward immediately felt a surge of panic, mirrored in the worried eyes of Sanderson when he glanced his way.
Only Kermit seemed to revel in the
chaos, cheekily telling Sanderson and the other shareholders, "See
that? They made a beeline for himet
the moment they hit the floor. There's a serious beef here! I'm
telling you, it's too late for regrets now! Let's get out of here! Follow the boss and hit the road!"
Yet, the elders did not hesitate.
Sanderson, however, took decisive steps toward Everard.
His daughter, his son-in-law, he was determined to protect them!
But just as he approached, about to say something, he saw Bill and Hackett suddenly stand up straight and bow to Everard, saying, "Boss."