"Making peace with the Mercer family is impossible," Jeffery said resolutely.
His eyes were bloodshot as he looked at the board members who suggested reconciliation. "If you don't want to join me in fighting the Mercer Group, you can transfer your shares to me. I won't stop you from making money."
The others didn't look pleased. However, they were reluctant to give up on the Cody Group. In their view, as long as the Cody Group didn't oppose the Mercer Group, it was more profitable than any other investment.
Seeing no one speak, Jeffery sneered. He could guess what they were thinking. "Since no one is speaking, I'll assume you don't want to leave the Cody Group. From now on, whatever I do, just take your dividends and don't interfere."
With that, he got up and left the meeting room. The others exchanged worried glances.
Someone finally spoke up, "We can't let Jeffery continue being so reckless; otherwise, the Cody Group will be ruined."
"Exactly, it's almost year-end. If this continues, our earnings will shrink significantly!"
"Let's contact the former chairman. Only he can stop Jeffery now."
They decided to send a representative to the nursing home to find the old chairman of the Cody family.
Meanwhile, Deanna was fully immersed in her rare medicinal herb planting experiments. After about half a month of research, she finally developed a new planting method that prevented nutrient overload and doubled the herbs' potency.
As a result, she had been in an exceptionally good mood these past few days, always smiling.
Lance noticed her happiness and had an idea. He wanted to take advantage of Deanna's good mood to invite her and the children for an outing to improve their relationship.
That evening, as usual, he visited the children and played with them in the living room. Casually, he said, "A few days ago, a partner of mine opened a horse ranch and gave me some tickets. How about we go horseback riding this weekend?"
"Riding horses? I want to go," the children exclaimed excitedly. They had never ridden horses before.
Seeing their happy faces, Lance turned to Deanna and asked gently, "Dr. Deanna? Would you like to join us?"
Deanna looked up and met his dark eyes. She hesitated for a moment but then shook her head. "You all go ahead; I'll stay."
She had decided to keep her distance from Lance and wanted to avoid family outings like this.
Lance wasn't surprised by her refusal. He turned and winked at the children. They immediately understood and each grabbed one of Deanna's arms, pleading.
"Mommy, why won't you come?"
"Because Mommy has things to do. You go have fun," Deanna said with a kind lie.
But the children weren't satisfied with this answer and kept asking, "What things, Mommy?"
"Just things," Deanna replied vaguely.
The children pouted and started begging more insistently.
"Mommy, please come."
"If you don't come, I won't dare ride a horse."
"I want to ride with Mommy."
"Mommy."
Deanna couldn't resist their pleading and finally agreed.
Lance's smile widened as he said happily, "Then it's settled. I'll pick you up this weekend."
For the next two days, Lance worked overtime so he could take Deanna and the kids out over the weekend.
One evening while working late at the office, he received a call from his father abroad.
Since Lance returned to the company, his parents had gone on a trip overseas.
"Dad, what's up?" Lance answered.
Logan said, "Your grandfather called me earlier asking about you pressuring the Cody family. What's going on between you and them?"
A cold light flashed in Lance's eyes. "Nothing much; they're digging their own graves."
Clearly, he didn't want to elaborate.
Logan felt something was off but before he could ask more questions, Lance continued, "Just enjoy your trip with Mom; I have everything under control here."
With that, Lance hung up.
Logan put down his phone with a furrowed brow.
Samantha noticed and asked with concern, "What did Lance say?"
"Lance told me not to worry about it. But I feel something's not right if even your father is concerned. I think we should go back."
Samantha supported his decision completely.