Whitney shot back, "You were all against a newcomer meddling in Sheldon Group's operations back in the day. Why the change of tune now? Is it just because he brought in $500 billion?"
"That $500 billion is a testament to Mr. Lutz's commitment," came the retort. "Being able to put up such an amount right off the bat speaks volumes about the potential of the Lutz Group as an emerging powerhouse.
Whitney, times have changed. Although you and Ludwik later clarified things, Sheldon Group's reputation has taken a hit because of you. Our stocks are in the gutter. At this juncture, Mr. Lutz's investment is nothing but beneficial for the long-term growth of Sheldon Group."
Whitney paled, "Don't you realize, Sheldon Group might end up changing its name altogether!
My dad was so good to all of you, and you're willing to betray him?"
Mr. Liam paused, then chuckled, "Let's not put it so harshly. Mr. Lutz joining Sheldon Group was approved by your dad, wasn't it? Besides, at the end of the day, shareholders are only concerned about who can bring the most profit to Sheldon Group.
Without Mr. Lutz's $500 billion, the Sky-Surprise Inn project wouldn't even get off the ground.
Lately, it's all been about the scandals you're involved in..."
Bryce smirked, fixing his gaze on Whitney, "Whitney, I know you resent me stepping into Sheldon Group as a decision-maker. You challenged me to invest, and I did. Can we drop this now, please?
I genuinely want to help Sheldon Group.
At this crucial time, you're still hung up on the position of vice president. It's a bit petty, don't you think?"
"So, handing Sheldon Group over to you on a silver platter is being magnanimous?" Whitney retorted with a cold sneer.
"Whitney, please stop this," Florence interjected wearily, though her lips curled in disdain. "Haven't you understood yet? Mr. Liam and Mr. Evans want to kickstart the Sky-Surprise Inn project right away. Once the project gets going, we can draw in major investments, doubling our market value!
Now that Mr. Lutz has brought in $500 billion, what do you have?
Decisions in the company have always been made by those who are capable. Mr. Lutz has brought in the funds, and the shareholders are in his favor. Maybe it's time you step aside as vice president."
"Florence, you're nothing but a traitor," Tiana couldn't help but burst out.
"Tiana, what right do you have to make a scene?" Florence shot up, slamming her hand on the table. "Whitney, if you're going to disrupt the meeting with your posse, don't blame me for being rude. Security, remove these interlopers!"
"Hold on." Whitney gave Tiana a signal, ready to burn all bridges, "Bryce, I've told you, as long as I'm part of Sheldon Group, forget about starting the hotel project. You think you can pocket the investment money? Dream on."
Bryce narrowed his eyes coldly, having banked on the project's high-profile launch to attract significant investments from major companies.
With his $500 billion invested, he expected returns to triple or more.
Too bad Whitney was onto him.
But what did it matter? She had already missed her chance.
Her opposition only indirectly proved that the Sky-Surprise Inn project was indeed a money-maker.
Bryce straightened his suit, standing up abruptly with a chilling tone, "Whitney, if you keep up this senseless interference, don't expect me to hold onto past affections. Security—"
"Tiana!" Whitney called.
With a click on the computer, the next second, every screen in the conference room, including the laptops everyone held, went black, taken over by a Trojan program.
Bryce's meticulously planned groundbreaking ceremony presentation was ruined in an instant.
His face turned ashen as he lunged at Whitney, grabbing her collar and lowering his voice, "You think these petty disruptions will stop me from starting the project? Is this all you're capable of now?
Fine, I'll make sure the construction site begins operations today!"
Whitney's mind was racing with joy, but she kept a look of feigned panic, "Yes, I've run out of options. But I'll keep causing you trouble, ensuring Sheldon Group never falls into your hands."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love Beyond the Mask