Chapter 302

Chapter 302

Lisbeth picked up the file.

The contents were blunt: [The first shipment of Velora brand goods has been randomly inspected. Multiple environmental and safety indicators fail to meet the newly enacted domestic mandatory standards. All goods have been seized and will not be released.]

Below was a detailed list of penalties and recommendations for potential return or destruction. The preliminary estimated fine was enough to drain the branch office's cash flow instantly.

The office fell into a deathly silence.

Briar spoke rapidly. "Ms. Whitaker, we just got a call from the bank's credit department... Also, three suppliers called simultaneously, demanding we settle last quarter's outstanding payments. Otherwise, future cooperation may be terminated."

Flynn gritted his teeth. "Are they serious? This isn't our first time working with them! Demanding we clear quarterly payments at a time like this—they're obviously kicking us when we're down!"

Briar sighed. "Actually, it's understandable. They're worried we won't be able to pay them later."

"Whose side are you on? Why are you defending them?"

"Isn't that obvious? Of course I'm on our company's side! But what's the point of getting angry now? The most important thing is finding a solution! We need to settle those payments fast!"

The two grew more heated, on the verge of a full argument.

Flynn snapped, "You think I don't want to settle? Three suppliers demanding payment at once—that's a huge sum. You know what our accounts look like right now. Where am I supposed to pull that money from?"

"Stop fighting. Is arguing going to solve anything?"

Lisbeth slammed the file onto the desk. The sharp sound silenced them both instantly.

She stood and walked to the window, watching the endless stream of traffic below. The sunlight was harsh. She closed her eyes. There were things she couldn't tell them.

Sophia had completely disappeared.

After that phone call, her phone never connected again.

Only the cold, automated voice remained.

Sophia had been the one liaising with the brand all along. Lisbeth tried reaching Velora's European office through various channels, but the responses were always vague.

"The person in charge is unavailable."

"We have no comment on this matter."

Those two lines were all she ever heard.

Overnight, every promise and support had vanished like bubbles in sunlight.

Lisbeth returned to her desk and began scrolling through her contacts. Her movements were mechanical, her eyes scanning name after name. Finally, her finger hovered over one.

Sebastian.

He'd sent a text an hour ago.

[How's it going? Let me know if you need help.]

She hadn't replied.

She didn't know how to. Tell him her company was falling apart? Tell him how foolish her pride had been when she refused his help?

Or tell him she was completely helpless?

She couldn't say any of it. She didn't even know what she was holding onto. She just didn't want to ask him for help. Not now.

Just then, her assistant Quinn's internal line rang. "Ms. Whitaker, the front desk says Mr. Hearst is downstairs. He has urgent legal documents to deliver to you personally—something about emergency procedures for seized goods in international trade disputes and relevant legal excerpts."

Lisbeth fell silent for a few seconds.

Briar and Flynn had both heard.

"Let him come up."

"Anyone willing to help us right now is a godsend."

Lisbeth finally said, "Let him come up."

Five minutes later, Leopold appeared in the doorway.

He didn't step inside. He stopped at the threshold and held out a manila envelope.

"I had someone at the firm pull this together—strategies for dealing with customs seizures, appeal procedures, and relevant legal provisions."

He looked at Lisbeth, then quickly lowered his gaze. "I don't know if it'll help..."

"It will, absolutely!"

Briar immediately took the envelope and glanced inside. Pages of dense text. All useful information.

"Thank you, Mr. Hearst. This is exactly what we needed." Flynn exhaled. "The moment trouble hit, everyone we thought were allies ran. Now if they're not kicking us while we're down, that's already good. People like Mr. Hearst, willing to help in a crisis—they're rare."

Leopold shook his head. "It's nothing. I hope the materials are useful."

He looked at Lisbeth.

Despite how badly they needed the documents, Lisbeth refused. "Thank you for your kindness, but we don't need them right now."

Briar and Flynn were stunned.

This was exactly what they needed. Why would Ms. Whitaker say no?

Leopold had prepared himself for rejection before coming. He wasn't surprised or hurt. "You can contact me if you change your mind."

"Thank you."

Lisbeth didn't say yes. She didn't say no.

Leopold didn't push. He turned and left.

But Briar couldn't understand. She hurried after him and caught him at the company entrance.

"Mr. Hearst..."

Leopold understood immediately. He handed her the materials.

Briar exhaled in relief. "Thank you so much, Mr. Hearst. Once this is over, I'll take you to dinner."

"You're too kind. It's nothing. I'll be going now."

Briar watched Leopold get into his car, then rushed back inside clutching the documents. The moment she entered the office, she saw Lisbeth staring directly at her...

At the materials in her hand.

"I said we don't need them," Lisbeth said.

Briar spoke earnestly. "Ms. Whitaker, I don't know what's between you and Mr. Hearst, but right now—for you, for me, for the company—these documents are critical. Can we set personal issues aside? Everyone here is counting on us to make decisions. They depend on us for their livelihoods. We have to get through this."

The atmosphere grew tense. Flynn jumped in. "I think Briar has a point. Usually I think everything she says is nonsense, but this time I'm with her. Ms. Whitaker, the priority is solving the company's problems."

Lisbeth rubbed her temples. "Fine. I don't want to discuss this anymore."

They knew she'd given in.

But as soon as they turned away, Lisbeth sent Leopold a message.

[Thank you so much for the materials. They've provided invaluable guidance.]

Leopold's reply came quickly.

[You're welcome.]

[How much did these materials cost? I'll transfer the money to you.]

Leopold stared at the message for a moment, then gave a self-deprecating smile.

[No need. Consider it compensation for all the wrong I've done in the past.]

Lisbeth didn't reply again. Leopold read the exchange over and over. In truth, it had been a long time since they'd spoken this calmly.

His assistant drove, glancing at Leopold's dark expression in the rearview mirror. He had no idea why the boss was upset again.

Wasn't he in a good mood when he dropped off those documents?

The boss's moods were like needles at the bottom of the ocean. Impossible to read.