Chapter 78 Seminar
"Jones Corp changed leadership ages ago!" Chris said loudly. "Joanna brought in a manager with lots of experience in project operations, and Henry left the company. Plus, it looks like Joanna and Henry had a pretty ugly falling out!"
Chris only found out about this after wiring the ten million dollar investment.
Someone named Lyle took over at the Jones company. After joining, he cut many projects to recover previous losses.
Joanna had been making so many changes lately that Chris barely recognized her anymore.
Cynthia's voice trembled a bit: "Chris, but you could steal their company's projects! Mrs. Cooper represents you after all - she's from Cooper Corporation. You can't lose face!"
Stealing business was something Chris looked down on.
He looked at Nicole with mixed feelings. "The Jones projects don't overlap with Cooper Corporation's projects. I can only hold up some project progress as an investor - I won't touch Jones Corp's foundation. Mom, business partnerships are complicated. If you don't understand, don't make trouble for me. Since you don't want to apologize in person, I'll have Cooper Corporation's PR department issue a statement. And stop going after Joanna from now on."
With that, he rubbed his temples and left.
Nicole slumped onto the sofa, tears streaming down her face: "Why won't Chris even care about me anymore? What kind of spell has Joanna cast to turn Chris into this!"
Cynthia was pleased that Chris and Nicole were at odds because of Joanna - this was exactly what she wanted.
She peeled an apple for Nicole: "Mrs. Cooper, Chris has been busy with company matters lately. The new business and pressure from shareholders have been really getting to him. He doesn't want you to suffer either. As for Joanna, Chris actually doesn't like her anymore. He just feels like he's losing face as a man, so he wants Joanna to apologize first before dumping her."
"Really?" Nicole found a glimmer of hope and grabbed Cynthia's hand. "Chris thinks that way?"
Cynthia nodded.
This outcome made Nicole feel a bit better. She was so upset that she felt unwell and rested at home for several days.
By the time she went out with friends again, Chris had already handled things.
Cooper Corporation's PR issued an apology statement, but it wasn't really admitting fault - it was more like... defending.
Chris clarified that the previous incident was a rumor and warned those who slandered Joanna that if it happened again, he'd send them to jail.
But the statement made no mention of the mastermind Nicole or the two people involved.
When Joanna saw it, she was so angry she laughed.
She called Peter: "Peter, they're exploiting legal loopholes. Nicole hasn't come forward to clarify or apologize at all!"
Peter sounded regretful: "But Cooper Corporation did clarify the rumors for you and defended your reputation. They also doubled the compensation. The court might rule that they've met the requirements."
Joanna bit her lip, very unwilling to accept this: "But my mom was so upset she became critically ill. She still hasn't woken up since the surgery!"
Why should throwing some money at it solve everything?
Peter said: "I actually understand how you feel, but I'm sorry - I did my best."
Joanna hung up disappointed. She didn't blame Peter, but she felt the punishment was too light for Nicole.
She wanted to get something more back for Sandra, but the Valeria Institute conference was about to start. Dr. Lawson had given her these few days off to prepare for the two-week exchange trip.
Tomorrow was departure day - she'd have to deal with this when she got back!
Early the next morning, Angelo came to pick her up and helped load her luggage into the car.
Joanna joked in surprise: "Does our hospital have such good benefits? The boss personally drives employees to business trips?"
Angelo smiled: "I'm going to this conference too. The hospital needs to discuss a partnership."
Joanna already knew about this. She said honestly: "Angelo, Luke and I are on pretty good terms. If you need it, I can help the hospital secure this partnership. You've helped me so much before - I want to do something for you too."
Angelo focused on driving. Hearing this, he turned his head and patted her on the head.
"Relax. I'm sending you to this conference so you can get out and clear your head, not spend all your time dealing with awful people. Joanna, I'm confident about the partnership. You don't need to trade on any past relationships for benefits."
Negotiating partnerships was about both sides showing sincerity and terms.
If an acquaintance got involved, it would cost some goodwill.
Angelo didn't want Joanna to sacrifice anything, and he didn't need her to repay him.
Realizing this, Joanna felt a bit ashamed: "But there's even less I can help Angelo with in other ways."
"It's fine - just think of it as keeping me company on a business trip!" Angelo smiled and focused on driving.
Joanna didn't bother him further.
Their trip wasn't boring at all. Joanna even shared funny videos and gossip with Angelo.
Angelo didn't spoil the mood - he seriously discussed them with her.
After arriving in Valeria, he didn't let Joanna worry about the hotel or transportation.
If not for the conference, Joanna would have thought this was a relaxing vacation.
The institute's chosen location wasn't far from their hotel - just a few steps away.
They arrived early. Angelo met with several company executives he was somewhat familiar with, all there for the partnership.
Among them, Joanna also spotted Cynthia and Chris.
She felt it was bad luck, so she went to pour herself some water. When she turned around, Chris was already standing in the doorway of the break room.
"You came after all. Looks like the invitation I gave you came in handy. Just forget about what my mom did to you, Joanna. She's an elder - let's give her some slack and not cause family conflicts."
Joanna just found it funny: "I'm an outsider - what family conflict would I cause? Between you and Cynthia's family?"
"Joanna!" Chris said angrily. "You're only able to come learn at this conference because of me! Instead of being grateful, why do you insist on making me angry?"
"I don't need to rely on your invitation. Sorry, but I'm here representing Grace General Hospital. Your invitation was probably carried off by the neighbor's dog. Mr. Cooper, the conference is about to start - please move aside!"
Joanna didn't want to argue with him. She just took her water and left.
When she sat down, Angelo seemed to sense something and asked: "Everything okay?"
Joanna shook her head. Before she could say anything, she saw Luke enter through the door.
Chris had just collected himself when he saw Luke and immediately went up to him.
He knew this person was Dr. J's former assistant. Last time when arranging surgery for his grandfather, he had invited Dr. J through this person!