Chapter 14: Rectify the Anderson Family
As soon as he said this, the people in the hall exchanged glances with each other, feeling temporarily relieved.
Most of them were just following Trevor to make a living. Now that James was clearly offering them a way out, why wouldn't they take it?
In no time, several people hunched over and crowded forward with fawning smiles plastered on their faces.
"Mr. Anderson is so wise! We've long been fed up with Trevor and his crew. We've done so many bad things following him, and we've been wanting to pledge our loyalty to Mr. Anderson! From now on, Mr. Anderson's orders are our only principle. We'll have no second thoughts!"
As soon as these words came out, the others immediately chimed in, pushing forward one by one, bowing and scraping, full of flattery.
"That's right, Mr. Anderson! You're the true head of the Anderson family. We respect you from the bottom of our hearts! Before, we were all forced by Trevor, we had no choice. From now on, we'll follow all your instructions!"
"Rest assured, Mr. Anderson, we'll definitely do our jobs well and won't cause you any trouble! We just ask that Mr. Anderson give us a chance to work properly for you!"
"Mr. Anderson, you're so generous, not holding it against us. We'll remember this kindness and will dedicate ourselves completely to you from now on!"
One by one, they bowed their heads, their backs bent almost to the ground, their attitudes respectful and fawning, afraid that being a step too slow would displease James.
James leaned back in the main seat's chair, his fingertips casually tapping the armrest, his gaze sweeping over the flattery on these people's faces, clearly aware of the hypocrisy in their words.
James raised his hand in a calming gesture and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, quiet down."
The hall instantly fell silent, everyone hanging their heads, not daring to breathe loudly.
"The positions vacated by clearing out Trevor and his remaining followers will temporarily be filled according to everyone's seniority. Kevin will send you the specific arrangements later. Do your jobs properly and don't make any mistakes."
His gaze swept over everyone, his tone completely flat.
"The Anderson family has just stabilized. If anyone dares to slack off in their duties, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Everyone quickly responded, saying repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes, we'll follow Mr. Anderson's instructions!"
James waved his hand and said lightly, "If there's nothing else, everyone can leave now and go back to handle your own affairs."
As his words fell, everyone felt like they'd been granted amnesty. After bowing respectfully, they tiptoed out of the main hall.
Soon, only he and Kevin remained in the conference room.
He motioned for Kevin to come closer, then whispered a few words in his ear.
Hearing James's instructions, Kevin gave a thumbs up and praised, "Mr. Anderson is truly wise."
With no outsiders present, James dropped his imposing manner and lightly kicked him.
"Cut the flattery and go handle it quickly."
Kevin nodded and immediately went to make arrangements.
Soon, the entire situation at the Anderson family gradually stabilized, and James reconvened a meeting.
He even personally went to invite Garth over.
After James's example of making an example of someone last time, no one in the Anderson family dared to complain about James anymore.
But they all felt somewhat uneasy about him gathering everyone so early in the morning.
At this moment in the room, Caroline was sitting at her vanity, her fingers holding an eyebrow pencil, but she hadn't made a single stroke for a long time.
She was wearing a newly made beige dress, the fabric soft and form-fitting, with a few light pink tulips embroidered at the neckline, making her features look gentle.
But looking at herself in the mirror, she felt somewhat nervous.
When James pushed the door open, he saw her looking restless and smiled helplessly.
Then he walked behind Caroline, leaned down with his hands on either side of the vanity, and asked in a low voice,
"Why haven't you put on your makeup yet?"
Caroline looked up and met his gaze, her cheeks slightly flushed, her tone a bit shy.
"James, are you really going to formally introduce me to everyone in the Anderson family now? I... I'm a bit nervous."
When she was little, she always followed James around, and her footprints were everywhere in the Anderson Manor's courtyard.
But that was all childhood memories. Now ten years had passed, and everything had changed.
Now, standing in front of everyone as James's girlfriend, she felt somewhat nervous.
James looked at the anxiety in her eyes, reached out to take the eyebrow pencil from her hand, and gently drew her eyebrows for her.
"What's there to be nervous about? I should have introduced you to everyone long ago. You're the person I've chosen, for this lifetime. They have to accept it whether they like it or not."
"But I'm still scared."
Caroline bit her lip, still feeling very uneasy.
"What if someone says I'm not good enough for you?"
"Who would dare say that?"
James's eyebrow pencil paused, his eyes cold for a moment, then softened again as he pinched her cheek.
"To me, you're the best. Besides, I was able to successfully take over the Anderson family largely thanks to you."
His words gave her confidence and made her less nervous.
She placed her hand over James's hand that was drawing her eyebrows, the corners of her mouth curving up slightly.
"Then I'll listen to you."
James smiled, finished the last stroke for her, put down the eyebrow pencil, reached out to tuck the stray hair at her temples, and squeezed her hand.
"Let's go. Grandpa is still waiting in the conference hall. Let's not keep everyone waiting."
Caroline nodded and let him hold her hand as she followed him out of the room.
The two walked side by side to the conference hall entrance, where the security guards bowed respectfully.
James pushed open the door, and the moment he walked in holding Caroline's hand, the low murmuring in the hall instantly stopped.
Everyone's eyes fell on their clasped hands, on Caroline.
Caroline lowered her eyes slightly, her fingers gently gripping James's palm, her heart becoming nervous again.
Garth sat in the chair next to the main seat. Seeing the two enter, his originally serious face instantly broke into a smile.
His eyes fell on Caroline, full of warmth, and he beckoned to them both.
"James, Caroline, come here."
James led Caroline to stand before Garth and spoke solemnly to him.
"Grandpa, gathering everyone here today is not just about Anderson family matters, but also to tell everyone something else."
Everyone in the hall perked up their ears, not daring to breathe loudly, their eyes all focused on the two of them.
James tightened his grip on Caroline's hand, looked up and swept his gaze over everyone, then finally settled back on Garth, saying word by word.
"Caroline is the only person I want to marry in this lifetime. From now on, she will be my future wife. I'd like you to be a witness."
Caroline looked up and met James's determined gaze, her heart sweet, her cheeks flushing involuntarily.
Garth looked at their clasped hands, smiling so much that the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes bunched up, nodding repeatedly.
"Good! Wonderful! I've been waiting for this day!"
Then he looked at Caroline kindly and said with a smile.
"Caroline, ten years ago you followed behind James, clinging to him. Even then I thought you and James were a good match."
"All these years you've waited for James for ten years, and you've kept watch over his parents' grave for him. This devotion, this heart, is rare indeed. Now seeing you two together, I'm very comforted!"
Garth's words gave Caroline the most legitimate status, and naturally, no one in the hall dared to object.
As he spoke, he raised his hand to signal the butler behind him.
The butler immediately came forward carrying a box and presented it to Garth.