Chapter 243

Chapter 243

James knew this kind of thing best. When he first took over the Smith Group, he was constantly given a hard time by those old board members at the company.

Now Sophia felt like she had James backing her up, and it seemed like nothing bothered her anymore.

"Alright, rest well at home today, and go to the Brown Group tomorrow."

"Okay."

Early the next morning, James pushed aside all his company work and accompanied Sophia directly to the Brown Group.

As soon as Sophia walked into the Brown Group, she definitely felt something was different from when she used to come to work, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

Previously when Sophia came to the Brown Group, no one would greet her and everyone just went about their business. But this time, as soon as she walked in, some employees actively greeted her.

"Sophia, you're here."

Sophia was slightly stunned, not expecting these people at the company to suddenly be so friendly toward her.

"Yes, I'm here for work."

Sophia responded softly.

The colleague came forward.

"I just bought two cups of coffee from the café downstairs. Here's one for you."

Sophia took the coffee, feeling somewhat flattered. Previously at the Brown Group, no matter how hard she worked, she was just an insignificant person.

She had even worked at the Brown Group for so long, yet many people didn't know she was Hayden's daughter.

Just as Sophia was about to thank her, James took the coffee and returned it to the colleague.

"No need to buy her coffee in the future. It's work hours now, so get back to work."

Hearing this, the colleague immediately looked embarrassed. Before she could say anything, James pulled Sophia and headed straight upstairs.

When they got in the elevator, Sophia looked up at James with some confusion.

"Why did you treat that colleague that way?"

James's expression didn't change as he spoke coldly, "Sophia, you need to know that starting today, you're the CEO of the Brown Group. That employee being suddenly so nice to you must mean she's heard some news recently."

"From now on, you need to act like a CEO. Don't be like a little girl who accepts everyone who flatters and pleases you. These people who try to please you definitely want to get something from you. Once you owe them a favor, you'll have to repay it through work later, which will be very troublesome."

Hearing this, Sophia looked at James with admiration.

He really was Emerald City's biggest CEO—his thinking was so clear. It was just a cup of coffee, yet he could explain so many important principles to her.

James raised an eyebrow, looking at Sophia with some curiosity.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Sophia couldn't help but smile.

"I'm admiring you, of course. I didn't expect your thinking to be so detailed. You're really thoughtful. If I had accepted that colleague's coffee today, when I'm managing the company later and she asks me for help, I really wouldn't feel comfortable refusing."

Rather than being manipulated by others with such small favors later, it was better not to accept them in the first place.

After all, her current position wasn't suitable for getting emotionally involved or building personal relationships with anyone at the company. So thinking about it, Sophia felt James was right—she definitely needed to correct her mindset.

"Good that you understand."

As they were talking, they had already arrived at Hayden's office.

At that moment, Hayden was in his office completely overwhelmed. When Sophia walked in, she was shocked.

She hadn't expected that in just half a month, Hayden's hair had turned so much whiter. He now really looked like an old man.

That disheveled appearance made even Sophia feel pity for him. But to James, Hayden's state seemed perfectly normal.

Hearing the door open, Hayden didn't look up and spoke irritably, "Who is it? Don't you know to knock before entering? Do you really think the Brown Group is changing hands?"

Hayden was furious. The company was in chaos now, and these employees weren't taking him seriously anymore, were they?

After saying this, Hayden looked up and was immediately stunned. He hadn't expected Sophia and James to come.

Although the Brown family had reached this point because of Sophia and the Smith family, Hayden's current position meant he didn't dare confront James.

Even though he was now disgraced, he still had great reservations. He worried that if he offended James, he might not even be able to live in Emerald City in the future.

Seeing the two of them, Hayden quickly forced a smile and came forward insincerely.

"Mr. Smith, Sophia, you're here? Please sit, please sit. I'll have someone make coffee right away."

Hayden quickly left his desk and started busily attending to them.

Sophia seemed somewhat uncomfortable, but James sat directly on the sofa and spoke calmly, "No need, Mr. Brown, don't bother with tea. I'm sure you know why we're here today?"

Hayden felt guilty. Although he knew the company was changing hands, after all, he had managed the Brown Group for so long and had gotten used to being called Mr. Brown.

After all, when out and about, men care about face. Suddenly going from CEO to employee, the psychological gap was huge.

Hayden really couldn't accept this.

"Mr. Smith, I don't know."

Hayden still held onto a thread of hope. After all, the daughter he never thought much of was now going to be his boss—he simply couldn't accept it.

James raised an eyebrow, immediately looking angry.

"Hayden, what did you say? You don't know what Sophia and I are here to do today?"

Hayden's face turned pale. After Veda was beaten up by Aiden, Hayden had witnessed the Smith family's power, so being scolded by James like this immediately made him panic.

"Mr. Smith, Ava's inheritance has been mostly settled. All the assets have been transferred to Sophia's name."

James snorted coldly.

"Hayden, since you want to play dumb in front of me, let me remind you—Sophia is now the largest shareholder of the Brown Group. When do you plan to step down?"

Hayden looked at Sophia awkwardly, and Sophia raised an eyebrow at him.

"Hayden, my husband is asking you a question."

When Sophia said "husband," James beside her clearly tensed up, then his face showed a hint of pride.

Ever since they came back from Emberlyn, Sophia's attitude toward him had completely changed.

Especially these repeated calls of "husband"—they filled James's heart with joy he couldn't contain.