Hiding Behind Her Superficiality novel Chapter 361
“What happened?”
Harper bit his lip. There was a hint of bewilderment behind his dark gaze. “I think they’ve joined forces to suppress us because they believe you’re dead. They’re trying to gobble up our assets or force us to go bankrupt.”
Elspeth’s gaze turned cold. Do they think we’re pushovers or something?
“What about Gilbert? Did you look for—” She caught herself, for she realized she had said something silly.
Gilbert hadn’t settled his own issues yet, so why would he even have time to help the Azure Corporation?
Elspeth let out a sigh. “Let’s go back to the company first. I’ll see how to deal with this issue.”
Harper nodded and drove the car to the Azure Corporation.
The moment Elspeth decided to return to Damoria, she knew that she would have no choice but to reveal that she was still alive. The news wouldn’t spread to Blaydal so quickly, so the Jonesons wouldn’t make a move just yet. As such, she directly attended the urgent meeting.
Apart from Harper, everyone in the meeting room was shocked.
The ladies, who were on good terms with Elspeth, were dumbfounded. “Are you not dead, Miss Lynwood?”
Everyone in Damoria knew that she was dead at that time, so many people felt sorry for her.
“What are you talking about? If I’m dead, who is it in front of you now? A ghost?” Elspeth looked at them with a smile.
“You’re finally back, Miss Lynwood! Do you know that many companies have been oppressing us? Our finances are in bad shape!” the man at the front cried. He was the finance manager, so he was fully aware of the company’s finances.
“It’s no big deal. How much longer can our finances last?”
After giving it some thought, the man came up with an accurate number. “It’ll be another 20 days before we’ll go bankrupt.”
“Alright. During this period, all of you just come to work as usual.”
All of them were stunned. “How are we supposed to deal with the crisis?”
Elspeth replied reassuringly, “Just leave it to me. Don’t worry. I’ll save the company from the crisis.”
That’s right. She’s Elspeth, one of the most famous presidents in Damoria! She founded the company before she was even 20. In just two years, she propelled the company to be one of the largest in Damoria. As long as she’s around, we won’t be defeated!
After they were gone, Harper said worriedly, “Miss Lynwood, you understand that it’s a serious issue.”
“I know it’s serious. That’s why I told them to calm down and come to work as usual.”
Elspeth knew that it was pointless to discuss with them.
Their opponents were targeting her.
They had the audacity to do such a thing because they believed she was dead, so no one in the company could turn things around.
Elspeth decided to hold this urgent meeting because she wanted to reassure them and make sure they would go on working as usual.
Harper could barely conceal his worry. “What should we do, then?”
Other than the Winthrop Group, all other companies in Damoria were suppressing them.
It could be said that they had been besieged.
Elspeth hung her head low and fell into her thoughts.
A moment later, Harper continued, “By the way, Miss Lynwood, I remember that you’re on good terms with Callum Winthrop. Do you think we should ask for his help?”
Harper had no idea what had happened between them.
“I’m sure he’ll help you out given your relationship with him. After all, he isn’t part of those people who have been suppressing us.”
Harper is pretty naive. Elspeth felt bitter in her heart. She reckoned that Callum simply didn’t want to have anything to do with her anymore, which was why he didn’t bother suppressing the Azure Corporation.
After all, she had hurt Callum’s feelings with her words and actions. If Callum was still willing to help her out, he wasn’t the man she knew.
“We can’t seek his help.”
“Why not?” When Harper caught sight of her determined gaze, he let out a sigh. “Alright. I got it.”
Elspeth gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll solve this issue.”
Since she couldn’t seek Callum’s help, she had no choice but to look for someone else.
However, Gilbert was in a foreign country dealing with his own issues, and he wasn’t reachable via phone calls.
On the other hand, Yelena and Max still hadn’t returned.
Elspeth didn’t have any other friends in the country.
More importantly, she was thought to be dead. If the news of her return reached Blaydal, the Jonesons would also try to destroy her.
Elspeth felt that she might not weather the storm this time.
Several days later, things seemed to be getting worse at the company. Many people started quitting their jobs. Everywhere in the company, Elspeth could hear people talking behind her back.
“Didn’t Miss Lynwood say she’d solve the issue? Four to five days have passed, but things are not getting better.”
“Stop saying nonsense. She’s been working hard.”
“Really? I feel that she’s been doing nothing at all. Don’t you see she doesn’t look worried one bit?”
“We have no idea what she’s been doing to save the company. Stop talking about it, will you?”
“I’ve landed a new job, so I’m going to hand in my resignation letter tomorrow. This place is beyond horrible.”
“Shush! Miss Lynwood is coming!”
Elspeth felt sorrowful when she heard their conversation. She returned to her office, only to see that Harper had prepared a cup of coffee for her.
“Why don’t you get some rest, Miss Lynwood? I know you’ve been working hard for the past few days. You’ve even developed some dark circles.”
Only Harper knew that she had been working round the clock.
Elspeth rubbed her sore neck and smiled helplessly. “I’m fine. There’s something I have to deal with.”
Before Harper left the office, he hesitated for a moment and said with difficulty, “Miss Lynwood, are you sure we can’t seek Callum’s help? Trust me, he’s our only best bet now.”
Elspeth felt heartbroken when she heard that.
“Harper, it’s not that I’m too embarrassed to seek his help, but he won’t consider giving us a hand.”
Harper was astounded. “Why?”
“Because I said something to hurt him when we were abroad. He’ll never forgive me.”
Elspeth put on a helpless smile.
“However, I don’t think he’s such an indifferent person. Although he usually keeps a distance from everyone else, I can tell that he’s fond of you.”
Half a month ago, Elspeth would’ve thought the same. However, only she knew how severe the matter was.
Nevertheless, when she saw how worn-out Harper looked, she balled up her fists and muttered, “Alright. I’ll look for him.”
“Miss Lynwood, I know you’re a proud person. Don’t go looking for him if you’re not willing to do so.” Harper suddenly felt guilty.
A bitter smile appeared on Elspeth’s face.
“We have no other choice now, Harper.”
The call was soon connected.
“Hello. What’s the matter?”
A cold and distant voice was heard from the other end of the line.
“I need you to help me with something—”
Before Elspeth could finish her words, the man cut her off dispassionately. “No.”
She knew that would be the kind of reply she’d get, but she still couldn’t help feeling hurt.
“I—”
“Callum, guess what I’ve bought you for lunch. That’s right! It’s your favorite braised beef ribs. Give it a taste.”
The woman’s voice over the phone was piercing.
Without making a guess, Elspeth knew that the woman must be Callum’s fiancée, Jasmine McGrath.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”
Before Elspeth could say more, the call ended. The disconnected tone reminded her that she was no longer in any place to contact him.
Her employees were suddenly heard arguing outside the room, so she kept her phone. She knew that she couldn’t sit back and wait for the company’s demise.
Even if the chance was slim, she had to give it a try.
Since Callum wasn’t willing to talk to her over the phone, she decided to head to his company.
When she arrived at the Winthrop Group, she politely said to the receptionist, “I’d like to see your president.”
She was wearing sunglasses. Apart from her friends and relatives, others wouldn’t recognize her at first glance.
The receptionist had seen Elspeth before. When she realized it was indeed Elspeth, she was surprised, but she was a professional receptionist, after all. As such, she asked with a smile, “Do you have an appointment with the president?”
There was a conflicted expression on Elspeth’s face. After a pause, she took out her phone and showed the receptionist the call log, which proved that she had contacted Callum one hour ago. “The thing is, he told me to come looking for him. We only talked about it over the phone, so there’s no record.”
She had no qualms about lying to the receptionist, who readily believed her, for that was indeed Callum’s personal number. Someone who had the president’s personal number must be a big shot.
For this reason, the receptionist became more polite.
Elspeth summoned her courage and asked, “Can I go looking for him now?”
The receptionist didn’t stop her as she pointed in a particular direction. “That way, miss. The president’s office is on the 18th floor.”
Elspeth adjusted her sunglasses and replied with a smile, “Thanks.”
After walking away from the reception counter, she entered the elevator and pressed the button.
The elevator stopped at the tenth floor, after which a six-foot-tall man entered.
This tall and thin man was pretty good-looking. When Elspeth met his eyes, she could tell that he was awed by her beauty.
However, she didn’t react in any way. Although the man before her eyes was handsome, she was used to being surrounded by gorgeous men. Callum, Gilbert, and Frank were all charming men, after all.
As such, she was immune to the man in front of her.
The man flashed a smile at her and said softly, “I find you familiar, love.”
Did he just call me love when it’s his first time seeing me? Doesn’t he find it tacky?
Elspeth frowned as a hint of displeasure flashed across her face.
“Stop calling me that. I don’t know you.”
When the man heard her voice, he could finally confirm her identity.
“Should I call you Miss Lynwood, then?”
Elspeth was startled when she heard the man calling out to her by her last name without hesitation.
“You know me?”
The man rubbed his chin and said meditatively, “Why wouldn’t I know you? I’ve listened to every song you’ve released and watched every drama you’ve starred in. I’m your biggest fan.”
Did he just say he’s my biggest fan?
Elspeth felt the corner of her mouth twitching, thinking that the man was slightly strange.
“However, I saw from the news that you were dead some time ago. I thought it was real, so I was sorrowful.”
Elspeth’s expression darkened. “Well, you can still regard me as dead.”
The man guffawed. “You’re so hilarious. I guess I’ll continue to be your fan.”
Elspeth didn’t want to stay in the same space with this man any longer.
Finally, the elevator stopped on the 18th floor.
“Oh, I forgot to press the button because my attention was all on you.”
When the man realized it was the 18th floor, he was doubtful. “Are you looking for Mr. Winthrop?”
“Alright. It has nothing to do with you. Bye.”
Elspeth then sprinted out of the elevator.
When the man saw her running away, his lips curved into a smile.
…
The moment Elspeth arrived at the president’s office, she realized Callum wasn’t around.
She had been to his office before. The decorations remained unchanged, but the photo of them on the table had been taken away.
Then, she sat down on the couch and got some rest. As far as she was concerned, Callum was supposed to be having lunch at this hour.
The man was a fast eater, so he would probably return in ten minutes.
Just as she expected, Callum stepped into the office at 12.30PM. However, he wasn’t alone. Jasmine also shuffled into the place as she hooked her arm around the man’s.
Just like her name, Jasmine was beautiful and gentle-looking.
Nevertheless, the instant she registered Elspeth’s presence, her face contorted.
“Why are you here?”
Elspeth politely nodded at her and tried to keep a straight face. “I’m here to talk to Mr. Winthrop.”
She tried to keep a distance from Callum by calling him by his last name. Otherwise, Callum would’ve told her to get lost.
An unfazed Callum replied impassively, “I told you I wouldn’t lend you a hand.”
Jasmine forced a smile just then. The way Callum treated Elspeth coldly made her feel slightly relieved.
“Elspeth, I’m glad that you’re still alive.”
In truth, she already knew that Elspeth was still alive. After all, she wouldn’t have gotten together with Callum if not for Elspeth.
“Thanks for your concern, Miss McGrath. There are some issues I’d like to discuss with Mr. Winthrop.”
Jasmine walked over with a smile and took Elspeth’s hands before whispering, “Why don’t you tell me about it?”
In the past, Elspeth wouldn’t have exposed her weaknesses to a woman who tried to mock her. However, she didn’t have a choice now, so she could only hold her fury in.
“My company is facing a problem, so I’d like to seek Mr. Winthrop’s help.”
Callum arched his brow. There was a tinge of displeasure in his voice as he uttered, “I’m not going to repeat the same thing for the third time.”
Jasmine said coquettishly, “Callum, she’s the woman you used to love before, so you shouldn’t be so indifferent. Can you treat her a little nicer?”
All the women in Damoria were envious of how Callum used to treat Elspeth well.
Although it remained a thorn in Jasmine’s heart, she wouldn’t mind plucking it and hurting someone else with it.
“There’s no need for that, for I don’t want to see her anymore.” Fury appeared on Callum’s face as his gaze darkened. The temperature around him seemed to have dropped by a few degrees.
Elspeth felt her heart twisting, as though someone was grabbing it.
Despite that, she still lifted her chin defiantly and solemnly said, “I don’t care what you think of me, but I hope you’ll consider saving my company. If my company fails, yours will be next. I’m sure you understand that, Mr. Winthrop.”
She was right. The Winthrop Group and the Azure Corporation were the most powerful companies in Damoria. It could even be said that the Azure Corporation had greater potential than the others.
Once the Azure Corporation was gone for good, the other one would be targeted by their opponents as well.
“I know.” Callum stared fixedly at Elspeth, his emotions undulating in his heart. She knows she can’t persuade me to save her company by using our relationship, and now she starts talking business. That’s typical of her.
“Since you’ve said so, I’ll stop bothering you.” A hint of disappointment flashed across Elspeth’s eyes.
She didn’t have a way to persuade Callum, for the man was obstinate. Regardless of what she said, he just wouldn’t give her a hand.
It seemed that he was determined to let the Azure Corporation fail.
Having nothing else to say, Elspeth turned around and left, looking desolate.
Unbeknownst to her, Callum was watching her leave with a gaze that was as dark as ink.
…
Now that Callum had turned her down, Elspeth decided to return to her company. Harper had been waiting for her. When he saw her dejected expression, he knew what happened.
“He’s not willing to help me, Harper.”
Elspeth seemed to have used up all her energy to utter those words, as though she would pass away the next moment.
Harper was heartbroken to see her like this, but he had no idea what he could say to console her.
“It’s fine. We’ll get through this.”
He emphasized the word we.
Elspeth knew he was only trying to console her, so she forced a smile. “I’m alright. Don’t worry. I’ll try to come up with a solution.”
Since then, Elspeth spent most of the time at the company, but the situation was only getting worse by the day. Around 30 percent of the employees had quit their jobs, and 30 percent of the remaining ones were still complaining.
Most of them were no longer in the mood to work. The company’s prospects were bleak.
A managers’ meeting was held on this day. Elspeth was seated at the front, looking exhausted.
When the others saw her like this, they didn’t dare say anything.
Only one man named Denton Page, who was one of the managers, stared at Elspeth and barked, “Miss Lynwood, you told us you had a way to save the company the other day. How’s the progress so far?”
Elspeth wanted to explain something, but she realized she couldn’t come up with an excuse at all.
Given her situation, it was practically impossible for her to save the company.
“I’m sorry. The solution I’d mentioned didn’t work.”
When they heard that, those who had remained silent earlier started complaining.
“Huh? Didn’t you say you could solve the crisis?”
“Yeah. Why did you keep hiding it from us? You should’ve told us earlier!”
“If Mr. Page never asked you, we wouldn’t have found out that the company is going bankrupt soon.”
“Miss Lynwood, please tell us the truth. Are we going out of business? If that’s the case, we have to get prepared sooner.”
Their words hurt Elspeth deeply.
She secretly balled up her fists, but she still pretended to be calm and collected.
“We’re not running out of business. I’ll come up with another solution.”
“Tell us about your plan, then!”
Elspeth lowered her gaze. “I don’t have a good plan for now.”
An enraged Denton landed his palm on the table and stood up straight.
“What the f*ck are you talking about if you don’t have a plan?”
It was inappropriate that he used foul language during such a meeting.
Harper glowered at him. “Mind your language, Denton.”
“I can say whatever I like. What the f*ck does it have anything to do with you?” Denton sneered.
“What are you trying to do, Denton?”
When Harper saw how provocative the man was, he felt uneasy.
“That has nothing to do with you either. I just want to know if this company is going to survive. If not, I’ll pack up and leave this sh*thole.”
Harper snapped, “Don’t forget we’re at work now. Will you please show some respect?”
“Let him speak, Harper.”
Elspeth stopped Harper from blowing his top.
“I have nothing else to say. I just want to know if the company is closing down soon.”
Denton wanted nothing but the truth, for he could no longer stand the fear of losing his job at any moment.
Elspeth didn’t want to hide it from him, so she nodded gently. “Yes, the company is closing down soon. If there’s nothing else, you can leave now.”
Although her voice was soft, she sounded composed and authoritative.
Some of them intended to leave, but when they saw Elspeth’s reaction, they had no idea what to do.
Denton was the first to resign. “Alright. Thank you for being straightforward, Miss Lynwood. All of us have mouths to feed, so we can’t waste any more time here. Since you’ve said so, I’ll take my leave. Farewell.”
With that, he turned around and left.
Elspeth swept a glance over the rest. “If any one of you wants to leave, you can do so now.”
A person asked hesitantly, “What about this month’s salary?”
They were still trying to get the last bit out of the company.
They had been working for over 20 days this month. If they left without getting their salaries, they would suffer a loss.
“Go to the finance department and get your salaries,” Elspeth replied frankly. She wouldn’t allow herself to owe anyone.
When some of them heard that, they set their minds at ease and apologized.
“Miss Lynwood, we really want to stay, but you understand that we have bills to pay. If we stay here any longer, we might—”
The person didn’t finish his words, for he realized that Harper seemed tempted to flare up.
“It’s fine. I respect your decision.”
Just then, a person in the corner stood up.
“I’m not leaving, Elspeth.”
Elspeth remembered her. Whenever she arrived at the company in the past, this woman named Angela Erickson would have some small talk with her.
She hadn’t seen Angela for quite a while, so she didn’t know the latter had become a manager.
“I’ll never leave the company. I’ve been working here for three years. If I leave now, I’ll be no different from a jerk,” Angela said determinedly.
Although she was showing her loyalty to the company, she was also implying that the others were terrible people.
Those who wanted to leave turned gloomy in an instant.
Nevertheless, since they were indeed deserting the company when it was in a crisis, they were not in any place to refute her.
“It’s fine.” When Elspeth saw that Angela was red with rage, she felt a sense of warmth rising within her. She was relieved to know someone was on her side.
After a pause, she uttered coldly, “However, we won’t welcome those people back to the company ever again!”
Elspeth smiled but didn’t utter a word.
“Alright. We won’t say more. It’s not like we’re heartless people.” The woman snorted. “By the way, those from the Alphascape Group said that as long as you’re willing to sell your shares, Miss Lynwood, they’ll go easy on the Azure Corporation.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t sell even a single share. I’d rather let the company go bankrupt than merge with the Alphascape Group.”
Elspeth squinted and smiled.
It’s no wonder the people in my company are acting rebellious. Those from the Alphascape Group are behind all this!
The woman shot her a look and barked, “Good luck, then.”
With that, she turned around and left with the people who intended to jump ship to another company.
When those who stayed saw that Elspeth was slightly pale, they were worried.
“Miss Lynwood, are you feeling unwell?”
A sensitive Angela realized that Elspeth wasn’t in the pink of health.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
The moment Elspeth finished speaking, she felt dizzy all of a sudden. Just as she was about to collapse, she steadied herself by clenching the armrests.
“Miss Lynwood!” Angela exclaimed in shock.
Elspeth felt a metallic tang in her throat. When she looked down, she realized there was a bit of blood on the table.
“Send me to the hospital, Harper.”
Elspeth’s voice was weak, and her face was as pale as a white sheet.
“Yes! Right away!”
Ignoring the fact that they were of different genders, Harper carried Elspeth and dashed out of the room.
He then sent her to the hospital in the shortest time possible. Subsequently, Elspeth was examined and sent to the ward.
When Harper saw how frail Elspeth was while the latter lay on the bed, he asked the doctor worriedly, “What happened to her, doctor?”
The doctor looked at the medical report with a solemn expression.
“She’s been struck with a strange illness. We can’t find any record of it in medical history. As such, I don’t know how to treat her.”
“A strange illness?”
The doctor nodded. “Yes. I’ve never encountered it before. I’ll go through the records later and see if there are similar cases.”
A helpless Harper replied, “I got it. Thanks, doctor.”
After the doctor was gone, Harper shifted his attention to Elspeth.
“Miss Lynwood, how many things are you hiding from me?”
He had never heard Elspeth mention that she was ill.
“I’m fine. It’s nothing serious. I’ll get well soon.”
Elspeth didn’t think it was necessary to tell him or anyone else about it, for she didn’t want the people around her to feel worried.
“It’s nothing serious? The doctor said that he’s never encountered such an illness before, and no record of it has been found in medical history.”
Harper sounded harsh, and there was a hint of displeasure behind his gaze. It was as though he was blaming Elspeth for not telling him about it.
“Harper, what gives you the audacity to speak to me like this?”
Elspeth smiled helplessly.
As though realizing he was too harsh on the woman, Harper was startled. Then, he said meekly, “I’m just worried about you. Moreover, you puked blood. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about such a serious matter.”
He thought that Elspeth was treating him like an outsider.
“Alright. Don’t worry about me. Regardless of what kind of illness it is, I’ll solve the crisis facing the company.”
Harper was so exasperated that he had the urge to laugh.
“Why are you still worried about the company when you’re sick? It’s fine even if the company is gone. We can still make a comeback in the future. However, if your illness isn’t treated, no one will manage the company even if the crisis is solved.”
Harper had the urge to poke her forehead with his finger.
Alright. I might have crossed the line.
Elspeth coughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll get well.”
Just then, a series of knocks were heard at the door when they were having a chat.
They looked in the same direction, and when they registered the presence of the two people at the door, they were stunned.
“What’s wrong? Are you surprised to see me?”
Frank was the first to enter as he sat down on a chair and picked up an apple. After taking a bite, he pursed his lips. “How can you let her eat something so sour, Harper?”
Even more surprisingly, Jordan, who had disappeared for a long time, had come to visit as well.
“Don’t you welcome us?”
Jordan smirked and took a seat.
“Of course, I welcome you. But why are you here all of a sudden? And how do you…”
I didn’t tell them I’m still alive. How do they know I’m here?
Frank rolled his eyes and scoffed. “Do you think you can fool us with such a simple trick?”
Jordan chuckled and said, “That’s right. The show you’d put up was too dramatic. Certainly, no one believed that you were dead.”
Elspeth initially thought that the show she’d put up was impeccable. Furthermore, she had Edmund’s help at that time. As such, she supposed everyone believed that she was dead.
It never crossed her mind that these two people had seen through her act.
“Does Grandfather know I’m still alive?”
Elspeth looked doubtfully at them.
Frank nodded. “I think Grandpa is aware of it, but I believe he won’t cause you any trouble for now.”
Michael had realized that he was unable to restrain this granddaughter, so he had given up on it.
Elspeth was relieved when she heard that.
“So, what’s the purpose of you visiting me this time?”
At the mention of it, Frank couldn’t help but chastise her by saying, “Do you even remember that you’re my cousin? Your company is in trouble, but you’d rather seek Callum’s help than come looking for me.”
Elspeth felt a sense of warmth when she heard that.
In truth, she didn’t intend to go looking for Frank, nor was she ready to tell him she was still alive.
However, she soon realized something was off.
“Wait a minute. How do you know I went to ask for Callum’s help?”
Elspeth grew suspicious in an instant.
While Frank was startled, Jordan snorted. “It’s not like it’s hard to know what’s on your mind. Since the Azure Corporation is in trouble, you’d most likely go to Callum, for he’s the closest help you can get.”
Is that really the case?
Although his reason was valid, she felt that it wasn’t the truth for some reason.
“So, you…”
When Frank saw that Jordan had helped him out of trouble, he arched his brow and said confidently, “Don’t worry. Since we’re here, we won’t let your company fail.”
To the Azure Corporation, they were no different from knights in shining armor.
“Who said I’m crying? Something’s gotten into my eyes,” Elspeth sniffled and refuted with a smile.
“Alright. Since you’re denying it, there’s nothing else I can say.” Frank shrugged helplessly.
“So, what crisis is your company facing now?” Jordan cut to the chase.
At the mention of her company, Elspeth felt sorrowful.
“Several companies claimed that our products were not up to standard and ended their collaborations with us. As such, we owe them 50 million now. Moreover, all the companies in Damoria have stopped working with us. Now, our finances are in the red.”
An agitated Frank snapped, saying, “Those useless guys are probably the Alphascape Group’s lackeys!”
“Your company is in trouble, but Callum still isn’t willing to help you. It seems that your relationship with him has failed the test of time,” Jordan said all of a sudden.
Elspeth hung her head low and replied calmly, “There’s nothing between us anymore.”
Jordan thought that he might have saddened Elspeth, so he stopped talking about it. He then consoled her by saying, “Alright. Just get some rest here. If you trust me, you can let me handle your company’s affairs for now.”
“I can’t even save my company, and you’re here to help. Why would I not trust you?”
Elspeth then looked at Harper and ordered, “From now on, Jordan will be the acting president. He’ll handle all the affairs, so just obey his orders.”
“Yes.” Harper was aware of Jordan’s capabilities, so he immediately nodded in agreement.
However, Frank frowned with displeasure. “What about me? I’m here to help too. I can also do something for you!”
“Alright, alright. Both of you will handle the company’s affairs. Why don’t you be Jordan’s assistant, Frank?” Elspeth couldn’t help laughing, for she didn’t expect Frank to be as childish as ever.
Only then did Frank put on a milder expression.
…
The fact that there was a new acting president at the Azure Corporation became trending news instantly. After some digging, people realized that the acting president was no ordinary person; he was from the Carr Family in Blaydal.
They speculated that he might be the Carr Group’s president, Jordan.
However, they soon discovered that Jordan wasn’t the only one helping the Azure Corporation out. There was also Frank, a young master from the Joneson Family.
Everyone was aware of how powerful the Jonesons and the Carrs were.
Furthermore, ever since Jordan took office, the Azure Corporation’s finances had improved significantly. Not only had the company returned to the peak of its power in a short time, but it was also showing signs of achieving even greater heights.
The Carrs had a large cash reserve. Meanwhile, the Jonesons were also one of the wealthiest families in the country.
The smaller companies that had been oppressing the Azure Corporation were flustered. Apart from offending the Azure Corporation, they were now enemies with the Carrs and the Jonesons. How were smaller companies like them supposed to survive?
As such, they promptly sought help from the Alphascape Group. Nevertheless, those from the Alphascape Group were in hot water as well.
After all, they never expected that Elspeth would get help from Blaydal.
They initially thought that without Callum, the Azure Corporation was doomed to fail. It never crossed their minds that Elspeth still had a few more trump cards.
Now, they just wanted to save themselves from trouble, so they didn’t have time to lend those smaller companies a helping hand.
When the presidents of those smaller companies begged for help, those from the Alphascape Group shut them out and pretended that they didn’t know what was going on.
Despite Jordan’s gentle demeanor, he was more ruthless than most people thought.
In just a few days, he managed to destroy several dozen companies.
As a result, no one had the guts to oppress the Azure Corporation again.
Frank related these stories to Elspeth as though they were jokes of some sort. Elspeth nodded gently and said, “Indeed, Jordan is very capable.”
“No doubt about it. If not for the fact that Jordan is in love with someone else, I would’ve hoped for the both of you to get together.” Frank clicked his tongue, expressing his regret.
The moment Elspeth registered Jordan’s presence, she motioned for Frank to stop. “Alright. Let’s stop talking about it.”
“Okay… Hey, why are you here, Jordan?”
Frank was wondering why Elspeth stopped him from talking about it when Jordan appeared in front of him all of a sudden.
Jordan took a seat and said, “You’re here all the time while I’m swamped with work. Since I have some free time today, I’ve decided to visit Elspeth.”
“How’s the company doing now, Jordan?”
Elspeth was most worried about her company.
Jordan replied confidently, “Don’t worry. Your company is thriving. The finances are in the black again.”
Elspeth felt relieved when she heard that from Jordan, whom she trusted wholeheartedly.
I managed to solve the crisis without Callum.
“I think I’ll be discharged today. Thanks for taking care of my company for the past few days. Why don’t I treat you to a meal?”
Elspeth couldn’t sit still, so she felt bored while staying in the hospital.
Since the two of them had helped her immensely, she decided to treat them to a meal to express her gratitude.
While Jordan was fine with that, Frank teased her by saying, “Sure. I’ll pick a place and you’ll pay the bill.”
Elspeth rolled her eyes. “You’re trying to take advantage of me again!”
“I’m just pulling your leg. Your company has just gotten out of the woods. There’s no way I’ll let you pay.”
Frank hurriedly waved his hand.
Elspeth smiled and remained silent. She knew that Frank was a generous guy, so she didn’t take it seriously.
Although her company had just gone through a crisis, it wasn’t like she didn’t even have enough money to pay for a meal.
Furthermore, the company wasn’t her only source of income.
After a discussion, they decided to have a meal at a restaurant near the hospital.
The restaurant was a subsidiary of the Azure Corporation, and it was a profitable entity.
Upon entering the place, Elspeth instantly saw two people in the distance.
Their seats were unique, for they were exclusive to couples. It was a new concept launched by the Azure Corporation, and many couples loved coming to the restaurant for their seats.
Presently, the two of them were seated across from each other while chatting cheerfully.
“I didn’t expect Callum to be here.”
When Frank stepped into the restaurant and saw them, he directly strode toward them. At the same time, he said scornfully, “He’s found a new partner so soon. I suppose he’s a charmer, eh?”
“Alright. It has nothing to do with us.”
Jordan was a sensible guy, so he wasn’t interested in what was going on over there.
He pulled Frank back and turned to look at Elspeth, who remained unmoving.
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