Chapter 223 Chapter 223: How Much Money Does She Owe You?
The lawyer stepped forward and spoke in a professional manner, “Based on the total amount of outstanding debt and the current state of your company, if the company declares bankruptcy and undergoes an auction, the proceeds from the sale could partially offset the debt. However, the individual deemed responsible would still face a prison sentence ranging from a minimum of three years to a maximum of seven years.”
York was stunned. “Seven years?”
“Yes. All in all, if you don’t pay the balance as soon as possible, the company will go bankrupt, and the legal person of the company will have to go to jail. Mr. Grantham, please consider it and let us know your decision.”
Hearing this, York suddenly smiled and asked, “The legal person of the company will go to jail?”
“Yes,” the lawyer said with a nod.
Feeling much relieved, York came up with an idea in a blink.
Observing the shifting expressions on York’s face, Estelle quickly assumed that he was contemplating finding a scapegoat to avoid imprisonment.
“Miss Hudson, Mr. Grantham designated you to handle the outstanding balance payment for this project, correct? I would like to inquire when the Hudson Group intends to make the payment,” Mr. Field asked.
In response, York gently tugged at Estelle’s arm and whispered, “Estelle, you must have a solution, don’t you?”
“I...”
Before Estelle could say anything, her phone beeped.
‘Without destroying the old, one cannot build the new.’ A message from Mr. Mysterious came at the right time.
After reading the message, Estelle chuckled and put away her phone.
‘Mr. Mysterious is thinking about the same way as I do. It seems that we have a tacit mutual understanding,’ she thought.
“What are you laughing at? Say something!” York asked impatiently, “What’s your solution?”
“I have no solution to this problem,” Estelle said calmly.
Hearing this, York became more anxious. “How could you not have a solution? You and Tim... Tim! Call Tim and let him help us! Can you bear to see me be put in jail? I’m your mother’s only brother! Didn’t you say that we are family?”
Shrugging helplessly, Estelle sighed and said, “Uncle York, I really have nothing to do with Tim. He won’t be willing to give me so much money.”
“Weren’t you very confident just now? You were just pretending, weren’t you?” York asked.
“No. I came up with an idea just now,” Estelle said. “I had planned to negotiate with the supplier and get the gems first and then sell them so that we can have money to pay the balance. But I didn’t know that we had to pay the penalty for late payment! Selling the gems takes time. Even if we get the gems, by the time they are sold out, the penalty that we have to pay will have been astronomical. That is to say, the sales of the gems are not even enough to pay the penalty!”
Then she said in a complaining tone, “Uncle York, why didn’t you tell me before that we have to pay a penalty?”
York was rendered speechless and flushed with embarrassment. After a few seconds, he stammered, “I... I’ve given you all the documents about this project, but you didn’t read the contract carefully. How could you blame me for this?”
“I had only two hours to read those documents. Uncle York, can you finish reading that great pile of documents in such a short time?”
“I...” York was silenced.
Taking a deep breath, Estelle pretended to be hopeless and depressed. “I was too naive. I thought I could help the company go through the crisis and share your burdens. Sorry, Uncle York. I’m afraid I can’t help you. But don’t worry. Mom and I will go to prison to visit you in the future. As for Auntie Melody... Will she still be with you if you go to jail?”
If this had been in the past, York would have confidently assured Estelle that he had a solution. However, the present circumstances had completely altered his response.
It became evident to him that Melody’s decision to marry him was primarily driven by his acquisition of the properties belonging to the Hudson and Hans families, which elevated him to become the wealthiest and most influential person in Hadale. In the unfortunate event that he was incarcerated, he knew that Melody would swiftly abandon him and sever all ties.
As these thoughts consumed him, York clenched his teeth and firmly stated, “Don’t mention her!”
“Okay, okay. I won’t bring her up. No need to be angry,” Estelle nodded in understanding and responded with a reassuring smile.
“In that case, what is our next course of action?” York looked up and asked. “Is Tim truly unwilling to assist us? Doesn’t he care about you? How can he refuse to pay such a small sum of money for your sake? Hmph! What a stingy man! I won’t allow someone like him to marry you!”
Just as the tension filled the room, the door to the meeting room unexpectedly swung open, and a familiar voice interjected, saying, “So, you’re implying that Estelle would agree to marry me if I pay the money on her behalf?”
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Estelle turned her head and locked eyes with Tim. She found herself momentarily stunned by his presence.
Tim, dressed in a leather jacket wrapped with numerous rivets and donning ripped jeans, stood before them. In his hand, he gripped a sizable and stylish motorcycle helmet. It was evident he had rushed there in haste, as indicated by his slightly heavy breathing and sweat-dampened hair.
“Mr. Roberts, why... why are you here?” Estelle inquired, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity.
Tim raised his eyebrows and said with a charming smile, “I want to see you, so I came here.”
“I’m working now...”
Tim nodded and took a seat next to Estelle, a warm smile on his face. “I overheard the conversation earlier,” he replied. “Your uncle mentioned that I was stingy, but that’s untrue. Estelle, if you’re willing to marry me, I’ll take care of the payment.”
Estelle frowned and asked, “Do you even know the amount of money we need to pay?”
Tim snorted and retorted, “No matter the amount, I can afford it. Your boyfriend doesn’t want to help you? Hmph. He has shown his true colors when it comes to money. Now you see what kind of person he truly is.”
Concerned about the presence of others and wanting to avoid discussing Mr. Mysterious, Estelle swiftly changed the subject, stating, “Let’s discuss this later. I need to finish my work first.”
Tim reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry. Since I’m here, I’ll take care of everything for you.”
He then turned his attention to Mr. Field, who sat across from him, nodding as a polite greeting.
“How much money does she owe you?” Tim inquired, addressing Mr. Field directly.
Mr. Field raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile, “You are Mr. Roberts from the Roberts family?”
“Yes. What’s wrong?”
“Are you sure you want to get involved in this matter?” Mr. Field asked.
“Cut the crap. I hate people who gabble nonsense the most,” Tim snorted, raising his eyebrow.
Mr. Field pointed towards the computer on the desk and spoke in a gentle tone, “Mr. Roberts, please take a look at this. It displays the total outstanding debt amount.”