For a while, the internet was filled with resistance and dissatisfaction towards the Jones family and the Howard family.
As a result, the stocks of both companies experienced a decline.
The Howard family was relatively better off, as they had been prepared for the exposure of the incident. They issued a statement immediately after the event.
The gist of it was that they did not deny Emily's actions and would actively compensate the victims, hoping for public forgiveness.
Additionally, they highlighted the Howard family's donations to disaster relief projects over the years, totaling several hundred million dollars, which barely appeased the netizens.
In contrast, the Jones Group was in a much worse situation.
The Jones Group had already been struggling with financial shortages and stagnant stock performance. With this incident, their stock plummeted.
Moreover, existing projects were halted by partners.
In half a day, Garrett seemed to age ten years.
He realized that without the Mercer Group's push, the situation wouldn't have worsened so quickly.
He hated himself for not strangling Deanna at birth, blaming her for all his troubles.
Despite his hatred, Garrett knew that Deanna was the only one who could save the Jones Group now.
With this in mind, he reluctantly took Olivia's share agreement and headed to Vortex Technology.
In the office, Deanna listened to Sabrina's report with surprise.
"Did you just say Garrett wants to see me and return my mother's belongings?"
"That's what he said."
Sabrina, aware of the enmity between Deanna and Garrett, did not use any honorifics.
Deanna narrowed her eyes and instructed, "Let him come up."
Although Lance had used her mother's shares to reclaim Vortex Technology, she still wanted to retrieve all her mother's belongings if possible.
If her mother were alive, she would probably prefer her belongings to be destroyed or given to beggars rather than left with Garrett.
A few minutes later, Garrett entered the office with a briefcase, following Sabrina.
Upon entering, he saw Deanna sitting at her desk, barely able to suppress his hatred.
Despite his quick restraint, Leighton sensed his malice.
"Stop!"
Leighton suddenly stepped forward, blocking Garrett's path. "You need to be checked!"
Garrett's face darkened instantly at these words, which were undoubtedly an insult.
But remembering his purpose, he suppressed his anger and gripped his briefcase tightly. "What do you mean by this? Do you suspect I have a weapon?"
Deanna trusted Leighton more after seeing his serious expression.
"Whether you do or not will be clear after my bodyguard checks you."
Before Garrett could get angry, she added coldly, "Of course, if you don't want to be checked, you can leave!"
Would Garrett dare to leave?
Of course not.
So he handed his briefcase to Leighton for inspection with suppressed rage.
Fortunately, there was nothing dangerous in his briefcase.
"Can I go now?"
Though he seemed to be speaking to Leighton, his gaze was fixed on Deanna.
Leighton ignored him but stepped aside.
Garrett walked up to Deanna. Seeing her face so similar to Olivia's filled him with complex emotions, but mostly hatred.
Without waiting for Deanna to speak, he stated his purpose bluntly. "I'll give you all of Olivia's shares. In return, you must stop Lance from suppressing the Jones Group and release Emily."
He spoke plainly because he feared that prolonged interaction with Deanna would unleash his anger and end in another argument.
The Jones Group couldn't afford any more turmoil.
Deanna was surprised by his words. She knew how much he valued her mother's shares and suspected a trap.
"Are you really going to return all the shares to me?"
"Of course."
Garrett felt heartache but had no choice but to sacrifice for the company, for Emily, and for their alliance with the Howard family.
Deanna noticed his reluctance but pretended not to see it. She extended her hand. "Since you're willing, I assume the share transfer agreement is ready. Let me see if it's genuine. If it is, we can continue our discussion."
Seeing Deanna's aloof demeanor only fueled Garrett's anger further. But he suppressed it again, took a deep breath, and pulled out the prepared share transfer agreement from his briefcase.