Chapter 240 Negotiating Terms

Chapter 240 Negotiating Terms

They turned even paler, voices trembling as they begged: “Miss Ross, please have mercy. We know we were wrong. We’ll recover the company’s money and get the projects back, but do we really have to leave the Group? We've been here for so many years. Even without merit, there's our hard work."

"Years of hard work?" Olivia sneered. "Where was that hard work when you were bleeding the Group dry while Luca was in a coma? When you treated the Group like your personal ATM, why didn't you think about Luca's efforts? Now you want pity? Too late. Either do what I say, or go to jail. You pick."

They looked at the evidence on the table and knew Olivia wasn't kidding. They could only nod helplessly and agree to her terms. Watching their embarrassed backs as they left, Olivia felt no pity. This was all their own fault.

After the meeting, the special assistant smiled and said, "Madam, you were incredible. Finally cleared out those parasites. The Group can finally breathe again."

Olivia smiled, but she felt no relief inside. She actually felt more tired: "This is just the start. The Group has lots of problems to fix. We can't let our guard down. Oh, and about Grandpa—help me set up a visit. Tomorrow I'll take Leo to see him."

"Okay, Madam. I'll arrange it right away."

That evening, Olivia went back to the hospital. Leo was awake, leaning by the bed, holding Luca's hand and whispering to him. Emma sat nearby. When she saw Olivia come in, she stood up quickly: "You're back. You must be beat. I heated some chicken soup for you. Have some."

Olivia accepted the soup, warmth blooming in her chest. “Thank you, Emma. It’s been a tough few days for you."

"No thanks needed,” Emma replied, patting her shoulder. "You're the one who's exhausted, going non-stop for three days. Sit down and rest. Leo's been asking for you. He misses you."

Leo turned at the sound of Olivia’s voice, his eyes lighting up as he ran to hug her leg: "Mommy, you're finally back. I missed you so much. When will Daddy wake up? I miss him."

Olivia squatted down, hugged Leo, and said gently: "Baby, be good. Daddy will wake up soon. When he does, we’ll go visit Grandpa together, alright?"

"Okay!” Leo nodded earnestly. “Mommy, you look tired? You have dark circles. Go rest a bit."

His thoughtfulness made Olivia’s chest tighten. She stroked his hair. “Mommy’s not tired. I want to stay with you and Daddy."

Olivia carried Leo to the bedside and looked at Luca's unconscious face. She said softly: "Luca, look, we did it. Those parasites are gone. The group is safe. Please wake up soon, okay? Leo and I are waiting."

That night, Olivia didn't go back to the office. Olivia slept lightly on the hospital sofa, but found comfort in being close to Luca and Leo.

The next morning, Olivia took Leo to the nursing home. Linus’s face brightened at the sight of them. He looked much better and could even sit up. Leo ran to Grandpa's bed and hugged his arm: "Grandpa, I'm here to see you. Are you feeling better?"

"A bit better, yeah." Linus smiled and patted Leo's head. "Seeing you makes me feel great. How's Luca? Any signs of waking?"

"Not yet." Olivia sat by Grandpa and said softly. "But the doctors say he's recovering well. He'll wake up soon, I believe. Grandpa, the Group's stable now. I cleaned out those old veteran shareholders. No need to worry."

Linus nodded, his eyes full of pride: "Good, good. Just like the granddaughter-in-law I picked. So capable. But don't push too hard. Take care of yourself. Luca needs you, and so does Leo. What happens if you break down?"

"I know, Grandpa." Olivia nodded. "I'll watch my health. Once the Group's fully stable, I'll spend more time with them."

Linus paused, then said: "Olivia, one thing I want to tell you. With Luca in a coma, the Group can't go without a leader. I want you to be the acting president, in full charge of everything until he wakes up. What do you say?"

Olivia was shocked and shook her head fast: "Grandpa, no. I can't be acting president. I've been away from the Group for five years. I'm not up to speed on things, and I don't have the standing for it."

"How not?" Linus said firmly. "You're Luca's wife, the Group's young madam. Everyone saw how capable you were back then—better than those old guys. The Group's just stabilized. Only you can keep things in line. Only you I trust."

"But the shareholders and staff—they won't accept me." Olivia said worriedly. "I've been gone so long, and I'm a woman. They'll complain for sure."

"If they don't accept, make them!" Linus said sharply. "With me behind you, no one dares push back. Everyone saw what you did these days. prove yourself, and they'll come around. It's settled. I'll call a shareholders' meeting and announce it."

Seeing Linus's determination, Olivia knew he wouldn't budge. She nodded: "Okay, Grandpa. I'll do it your way. I'll do my best, hold the Group together, and hand the president spot back to Luca when he wakes."

"That's the spirit." Linus smiled. "Don't worry,I’ll support you. Leo, do you want Mommy to be acting president?"

Leo nodded hard: "Yes! Mommy's the best. She'll do great!"

With Grandpa and Leo’s encouragement, Olivia felt a surge of resolve. she promised to be a worthy acting president, to live up to their faith, and to safeguard Luca’s legacy.

That afternoon, Linus called the shareholders' meeting and announced Olivia as acting president of Vettel Group, in full charge of all affairs. As Olivia expected, plenty of shareholders objected. They said a woman who'd been away five years had no right, and they should pick someone from the family instead.

One shareholder from a collateral branch stood up, voice dripping with disdain:

"Linus, how can you appoint an outsider in as acting president? And a woman? If this gets out, Vettel Group will lose all face. With Luca in a coma, we should pick someone capable from the family to run things—like Liam. He's been working at the Group and has experience. Way better than this outsider."