Chapter 222 Chapter 222: Let’s Get Down To Business
The supplier, known as Twinkle Star Group, specializes primarily in the trade of gems and precious metals. Rumor had it that the company’s boss possessed an aura of mystery and wielded considerable influence and power.
Estelle had just read some information about the company and had had a basic understanding of it.
Generally speaking, no matter how big a company was, it was inevitable for it to encounter the problem of bad debts from business failures.
But Twinkle Star Group was an exception. In other words, no one dared to owe Twinkle Star Group money.
After learning about this, Estelle realized that the problem was more tricky than she had thought.
When Estelle and York arrived at the largest meeting room, the representatives from Twinkle Star Group had been there waiting for them.
York greeted the young man in the middle with a flattering smile, “Mr. Field, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?”
The man called Mr. Field said bluntly in a cold voice, “No, thanks. I’m not in the mood to drink coffee now. Let’s go straight to the point. Mr. Grantham, I’m here to ask when you will pay the balance.”
With an embarrassed look, York pointed at Estelle and said, “Well... She will talk to you about it.”
After saying that, he quickly took a few steps back and hid behind Estelle. His arrogance just now was nowhere to be seen.
Seeing his behavior, Estelle despised him more and thought, ‘York is the same as before.’
In the past, York faced hardships and struggled due to limited education, making it challenging for him to secure a good job. However, his inflated ego prevented him from starting at the bottom and working his way up.
To assist him, Aurora and George extended a helping hand by offering him a managerial position at the Hudson Group.
As a manager, York received a generous salary without having to perform any actual work. Yet, he remained dissatisfied.
He became involved in numerous projects within the company and mismanaged them all. This led to significant losses for the company and strained relationships with partners.
Each time York made a mistake, George would have to step in and clean up the mess, while York distanced himself from any responsibility as if he were not involved.
Subsequently, once George resolved all the issues, York shamelessly claimed credit for the success and reverted to his arrogant demeanor.
Estelle, being well acquainted with York’s behavior, was not surprised by his current actions.
Confused by the situation, Mr. Field looked at Estelle and asked, “Hello, Miss. May I inquire about your identity?”
Estelle friendly raised her hand and said, “Hi, Mr. Field. My name is Estelle. Nice to meet you.”
“You are Estelle?” Mr. Field was shocked.
“Yes, Mr. Field. You know me?” Estelle asked.
“Of course, I know you. Because of you, Cristofer almost...”
“Ahem!” The lawyer behind him cleared his throat loudly to interrupt Mr. Field.
Mr. Field caught on to the unspoken message and chose not to pursue the subject further. He extended his hand and warmly shook hands with Estelle before speaking with a significant tone, “Miss Hudson, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Somehow, Estelle sensed an unusual attitude from Mr. Field towards her. She spoke up, “Has Cristofer ever mentioned me to you? I am divorced from him now and have no connection with him anymore.”
“You two are divorced?” Mr. Field raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification.
“Yes, we have completed the divorce procedures. I have severed all ties with him,” Estelle explained.
“Was it Cristofer who initiated the breakup?” Mr. Field inquired.
“Yes, that’s correct. He will be getting remarried soon. Mr. Field, it seems that you are acquainted with him. In that case, I believe you will receive his wedding invitation in due course,” Estelle remarked.
“Miss Hudson, I hope you can maintain your distance from him in the future. It would be beneficial for both of you, and many things would become simpler,” Mr. Field advised.
Estelle, curious about the connection to their current negotiation, questioned, “Does this have any relevance to our ongoing discussion today?”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Field chuckled and responded, “It’s difficult to say. You’ve posed an intriguing question. Miss Hudson, I must admit, I find myself more intrigued by you than by the negotiation itself. From my perspective, aside from your remarkable beauty and talent in jewelry design, it appears you have no other noteworthy qualities.”
“I apologize, Mr. Field, but I don’t quite understand your intention. Are you suggesting that refraining from further contact with Cristofer would benefit our collaboration?” Estelle inquired.
Mr. Field smiled meaningfully and said, “Miss Hudson, I mean, working as a jewelry designer is a good choice for you. You did a good job in Only Love Jewelry, and your boss Tim seems to have a crush on you, right? For a woman like you, marrying into the Roberts family and enjoying a rich life is much better than struggling in the business world alone.”
When Estelle heard his words, the smile on her face disappeared, and she said coldly, “Mr. Field, I think our negotiation should be based on mutual respect.”
“Yes. I mean no disrespect to you. I was just giving you a suggestion and helping you choose an easier path of living. Miss Hudson, you may not understand what I said today. But it doesn’t matter. It will be best if you will never understand that.”
Hearing this, Estelle frowned tightly and asked, “May I ask who your boss is?”
“It’s not convenient to tell you who he is. But I can tell you that we all call him Mr. Lopez,” Mr. Field said with a smile.
“Mr. Lopez?” Estelle was confused.
“Well, let’s get down to business,” Mr. Field said, winking at the female assistant behind him.
The female assistant nodded slightly and handed him the laptop.
After momentarily studying statistics on the screen, Mr. Field rotated the laptop towards Estelle and stated, “Miss Hudson, please take a look at this. These are the late payment penalties calculated by our company’s accountant. Based on the contract, your company has delayed the payment by a month, resulting in a substantial penalty fee. If the outstanding balance is not settled promptly, we will be left with no choice but to pursue legal action.”
Upon hearing the mention of the word “court,” York’s anxiety became evident, and he quickly interjected, “Mr. Field, we genuinely lack the funds at the moment. Could you please grant us a few more days to gather the necessary amount?”
Wearing a stern expression, Mr. Field ignored York completely and responded, “We already granted you one month previously. However, we no longer deem providing further extensions necessary.”
“Then... What would be the outcome if you take us to court and sue us?” York inquired.
Mr. Field turned his head and signaled the lawyer standing behind him to clarify the matter to York.