Chapter 209 The Mastermind
"How did you find out so fast?" I was a bit surprised.
"I've been monitoring things there,” Atlas said in a low voice. “If there’s a funding problem, I can transfer money to support you. We can't let the company be affected."
Hearing this, warmth spread through my heart, and my tense nerves relaxed a little.
I rubbed my temples and said softly, "Not necessary for now. The accounts haven't been fully investigated yet. Bringing in your funds rashly would just give people something to criticize. Help me watch the stock market, and if anyone tries to short us maliciously, help me block it."
"Alright, I'll handle it." Atlas didn't push further, only reminding me, "Don't try to handle everything alone. If anything comes up, reach out anytime. I've got you."
After hanging up, I forced myself to calm down.
For Patrick to dare run away so brazenly, this definitely wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Someone must be backing him.
Who could it be—John or Knox?
Just then, Giselle rushed in frantically, holding a tablet.
"Ms. Lockwood, this is bad! Financial media suddenly broke the news about Patrick's disappearance, and they're hinting that the group falsified its accounts. The stock price is already dropping!"
I took the tablet and looked at the rapidly falling curve on the screen, a cold glint flashing in my eyes. These people were moving so fast—they wanted to destroy me completely.
"Notify the PR department to issue a statement immediately. Say the group is conducting an internal financial audit, Patrick's disappearance is due to personal reasons, all business operations are running normally, and warn against spreading rumors or we'll pursue legal action."
I gave instructions rapidly. "Also contact all our major partners to reassure them. I'll handle the meetings myself."
"Yes!" Giselle immediately turned to go. As soon as the office door closed, I called Henry, keeping my voice as steady as possible. "Dad, is everything okay at home?"
Henry's voice carried a trace of fatigue. "Your mom and I are fine. I just saw the news. Don't panic. This isn't a disaster. The Lockwood Group has built up its foundation over so many years—it won't collapse that easily."
"I know." My eyes grew slightly moist, and I held back the sting. "Don't worry, I'll definitely stabilize the situation."
After hanging up, I took a deep breath, stood up, and straightened my suit jacket. There was no point running. I had to face this head-on.
As soon as I walked out of my office, I saw the lobby filled with employees, whispering to each other with panic written all over their faces. When they saw me come out, everyone instantly fell silent, all eyes turning to me.
I stood on the steps, my gaze calmly sweeping over everyone, my voice clear and strong. "I know everyone's worried about the company's situation. I'm telling you all clearly right now—the Lockwood Group is operating normally. The financial audit is standard procedure. Patrick's disappearance is a personal matter. The company won't delay salaries, won't interrupt partnerships, and definitely won't collapse."
I paused, then spoke firmly. “Since I’ve taken over the Lockwood Group, I won’t let anyone bring it down. Those who choose to stay and face this with the company—I won’t forget it, and you'll be rewarded in the future. If anyone wants to leave, I won't stand in your way. We’ll settle your pay through today, and we'll part on good terms."
After this speech, the originally restless crowd gradually quieted down. Many veteran employees looked at me with renewed determination in their eyes.
"Ms. Lockwood, we're not leaving!"
"Right! We'll stick with Ms. Lockwood!"
Voices began to rise around me, one after another. A quiet warmth settled in my chest, and I gave a small nod. “Thank you, everyone. Please get back to work. As long as I’m here, you don’t need to worry."
After stabilizing the employees, I immediately headed to the conference room. As soon as I entered, I saw a dozen partner representatives sitting there with grim faces, the atmosphere tense.
"Ms. Lockwood, you're finally here."
Atticus, who was leading them, snorted coldly. "Your CFO ran away. Is the Lockwood Group trying to default on its debts? When will our payments be settled?"
"Exactly! We need an explanation today!"
Everyone chimed in, and the scene briefly spiraled out of control. I raised my hand to signal for quiet and spoke calmly. "Everyone, please calm down. The Lockwood Group has operated for many years and has never had a precedent of delaying payments. This financial irregularity is purely accidental. The police are already investigating, and there will be results soon."
I took out documents I'd prepared earlier and laid them out in front of everyone. "This is proof of the company's current liquid assets and outstanding receivables, enough to cover all partnership payments. I personally guarantee that within three days, all outstanding payments will be settled in full."
Looking at the solid data in the documents, everyone's expressions softened slightly.
Atticus pondered for a moment. "Ms. Lockwood, it's not that we don't trust you, but this happened too suddenly. We'll trust you this once. If there are no results in three days, don't blame us for not being polite."
"Thank you all for your trust." I bowed slightly, observing proper courtesy.
After the partners finally left, I sank back into my chair, exhausted. My phone rang almost immediately—it was Atlas.
"The stock price has stabilized. I had people buy up the selling pressure. It won't keep falling for now."
Atlas's voice carried a trace of fatigue—clearly he'd been busy for a while too. "Also, I found out Patrick met with John before fleeing."
My eyes sharpened. "Evidence?"
"Hotel surveillance and transfer records. I've already had someone send them to you." Atlas said in a low voice, "John's trying to pull the rug out from under you and force you to step down."
"Got it." I tightened my hold on the phone, a cold edge settling in my gaze. “If he wants to play games, I’ll play along."
After hanging up, I looked at the evidence Atlas had sent to my inbox, a cold smile curving my lips.
John, if you think digging away Patrick and creating a financial crisis can destroy me, you're being too naive!
I immediately had Giselle print out the evidence and contacted the police to supplement the case materials.
In the evening, Lanny rushed over with financial reports, looking grave. "Ms. Lockwood, we've got it figured out. Patrick used his position to work with outside parties and embezzled nearly three hundred million dollars, all transferred to shell companies, but we couldn't trace where the money ultimately went."
Though they hadn't traced it, I already had a pretty good idea where the money went.
Looking at the clear fund flows on the report, the last shred of hope in my heart vanished.
John's scheme was finally about to be exposed. It was time to settle accounts from both this life and the last.
"Organize all the evidence, make three copies—one for the police, one for the files, and one for my use."
I quickly put away the documents. It was time to let Henry see John's true face.
As night deepened, the company building remained brightly lit. Everyone was working hard for the company's tomorrow. I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the brilliant city nightscape below, my mind completely clear.
Just then my phone chimed. I looked down to see a message from Atlas.
"Don't work too hard. I'm downstairs at your company. I brought you a late-night snack."