Chapter 86
Because of a contract, Charles had completely lost his right to speak.
But it was also because of this loan contract that the other shareholders were about to explode.
"Mr. Brown, even though you're the chairman, how could you make such a big decision on your own? Who's going to cover all these debts?"
"Hasn't the company been doing well? Sure, things have declined over the past few years, but there shouldn't be such a large funding gap. How exactly have you been managing this company?"
"Are you and your family deliberately running this company into the ground? Charles, we've been with you for decades. We're counting on these shares for our retirement, and now what? You want to send us all to prison for our golden years?"
"You're out of your mind. How could you sign a joint liability loan? You've not only screwed us over, but also the Brown Group. Even if you resign in disgrace, we can't just let this slide."
They weren’t holding back—every move was ruthless, and I could see it in their eyes. When the stakes are high, friendship doesn’t mean a damn thing. For years, Charles had sat high in the saddle, lording over these shareholders. But now, the very same people he looked down on were ready to tear him apart.
I tapped lightly on the table twice to stop their pointless arguing: "So, regarding my proposal to remove Charles and Jasper from their positions, does anyone have any objections?"
Charles's hand on the table had clenched into a fist, veins bulging on the back of his hand. He stared at me intensely, but his words had lost all power: "Emily, you're ruthless, truly calculating. I'll admit defeat this time, but don't think controlling the Brown Group makes you so great. A company this big—I don't believe you can actually run it. Without our suppliers and with the sales channels cut off, what good is an empty shell of a company to you?"
I tilted my head slightly toward him, making sure he could clearly see the triumph in my eyes: "Whether I can run it or not, as long as I do better than you, that's success. Mr. Brown, oh—once you walk out of here, you'll just be an ordinary director. Please do keep an eye on me so I don't slack off."
Then I brought up the second matter: "Secondly, after I take over the Brown Group, there will be major adjustments to the company's personnel. Ability will be the only standard. I hope everyone understands."
I paused, becoming more serious: "Of course, if anyone thinks this is unreasonable, or thinks I'm not capable, I can buy out your shares at market price. I'm not a dictator, but I hate people gossiping about me behind my back, so I'm making this clear to everyone upfront."
"Finally, the third matter. Everyone can see the current office conditions at the Brown Group. Being stuck in that factory area is embarrassing. SoftGlow Biotech's current office space has some room to spare. Just pack up the essentials—I'll have them clear out two large offices. Everyone can move back to the original office area, though we won't be able to put up the Brown Group sign for now. I assume no one has any objections?"
Charles couldn't help but speak up: "What do you mean by this? Calling everyone back to work, but without the Brown Group sign? Isn't this basically announcing to everyone that the Brown Group no longer exists?"
I didn't bother giving him much attention, just glanced at him from the corner of my eye: "So you think working out of temporary employee dorms is more dignified?"
He fell silent, because our current makeshift meeting room was a shabby employee dormitory. There was even a single bed in the corner of the room, and the conference table had an obvious dent in one corner from being moved several times. Under such embarrassing circumstances, not having a sign didn't seem like such a big deal.
The other directors quickly came around: "Charles, actually, Ms. Wilson has a point. As long as the company can operate normally, everything else is secondary. With the company in this state, we're lucky anyone's willing to take it over. You shouldn't have hidden all this debt from us in the first place. This money is enough to buy back the company."
Charles's face flushed red again: "Wasn't I trying everything to keep the company running? Where do you think your annual dividends came from? Weren't they all maintained through loans? When you were taking the money, I didn't hear any of you saying we shouldn't borrow it. When the loan contracts were signed, didn't you all sign your names too?"
"That's not how it works. What did you promise us when we signed? You said once this money hit the account, the company's crisis would be solved. And the result? The debts piled up, and now the company's just an empty shell. Charles, we trusted you and put everything into this company, but we're not idiots. You can't treat us like fools."
Watching Charles's embarrassed expression under their interrogation, I felt incredibly pleased: "My time is valuable. The main reason I called everyone here today was for these three matters. My assistant will create a group chat for everyone shortly. Mr. Brown, you'd better join too. HR will notify everyone about various company matters and personnel changes. Please pay attention."
After saying this, I didn't linger. I had my assistant and Bianca come in, then quickly drove off. Rather than waste time talking to them, I'd rather hurry back to the hospital to see if Oscar was feeling any better.
As soon as I entered the hospital room, I saw Robert sitting by the bed, talking to Oscar about something.
Seeing me arrive, Oscar smiled at me: "Emily, you're finally here. Are you done with everything?"
I nodded at him with a smile: "It was just a shareholders' meeting. I just needed to go make things clear. How are you feeling today? Where's the caregiver?"
"Come sit down. The caregiver just left. I'm doing fine. The doctor came by and changed my dressing. Have you eaten yet? Good thing I saved you half."
Oscar reached for the thermos container on the table.
Robert stood up and quickly grabbed the container: "The doctor said you can't move around. Just rest. Emily, these are all your favorites. I had the chef make extra. Eat while it's hot."
I smiled at Robert: "Thank you, Mr. Lopez. Actually, there's nothing special going on with Oscar. You don't need to come every day. You could just have the butler or driver bring the food. Or the hospital cafeteria works too. You can't keep wearing yourself out like this."
Robert's smile was kind, looking at me like his own child: "Doing these things makes me feel useful. Even when I'm gone, I'll have some peace of mind. Did you go to the Brown Group? What are you planning to do next? If you need my help, just say the word."
Drinking the steaming-hot seafood porridge, I felt warmth spread through my empty stomach. I smiled easily and answered: "No need, it's not a big deal. I can handle it myself."
It was game over for the Brown family.