Chapter 129 Visiting
"You have no idea how that bitch Serenity is constantly making things difficult for me."
Natasha grumbled indignantly, "And Dad always takes her side."
Speaking of this, she brought up Willow again, "You know, after what happened with my mom last time, although Dad didn't kick her out, they've basically grown cold and distant."
"Now it's even worse. Serenity doesn't respect my mom at all and constantly goes against her, making my mom so angry she almost ended up in the hospital."
Seeing her bring up her family scandals again, I really didn't want to keep listening.
This whole family had already become a laughingstock in Starwave City.
If it weren't for the company, I would have dumped Natasha long ago.
For money, for the company, I've really sacrificed too much.
Helena forced me into all this. Thinking of this, my hatred for Helena deepened.
This time I must seize the opportunity and bring down the Lockwood Group!
Natasha was still going on and on about Willow's hardships. I said impatiently, "I'll help you."
Hearing me say this, Natasha finally stopped talking and took my arm, "Knox, you're so good to me. I'm so lucky to have you. Don't worry, your problems are my problems. I'll definitely help you."
I nodded and pretended to be grateful, "Thank you. At yesterday's meeting, those shareholders nearly drove me crazy. Natasha, from now on I can only count on you."
Sure enough, as soon as I said this, she immediately looked smug.
"We're family, aren't we? If I don't help you, who will? But later when Dad asks about our marriage, you'd better answer properly."
So this was a dinner invitation with ulterior motives. Natasha's family would definitely pressure me about marriage.
It seemed that without my commitment today, this matter couldn't move forward.
Thinking of this, I had to temporarily set aside my male pride and said, "As long as you can help my company get out of trouble, I'll definitely marry you."
"Knox, you said it yourself."
Natasha clutched my arm, looking pleased, "You can't go back on your word."
"How could I?"
I took her hand and kissed it, "I only love you. I'll treat you well for the rest of my life."
Natasha kissed me deeply on the cheek, "I love you too."
Soon we arrived at Natasha's house. When the car stopped, I saw all of Natasha's family waiting at the front door.
Seeing me, John was the first to extend his hand with a hearty laugh, "Welcome, welcome!"
"Mr. Lockwood, hello."
I reached out and shook his hand lightly.
Beside me, Natasha loudly directed the servants to unload the items.
"Be careful, everyone. Don't damage anything."
Then she took a box of cigars and handed it to John, "Dad, look, Knox specially brought these for you. These are top-quality cigars."
John took them and laughed heartily, "Good, good, Mr. Pemberton is so thoughtful."
I bowed slightly, "Please, Mr. Lockwood, just call me Knox."
"Good!"
John handed the cigars to a nearby servant and patted my shoulder firmly, "Knox, don't be shy now that you're here. Make yourself at home."
"Yes."
After that, I distributed the remaining gifts to Willow and Serenity.
Serenity's eyes lit up instantly when she received the fluffy stuffed toy. She said with delight, "Thank you, Knox."
Although I don't have romantic feelings for her right now, being appreciated by a beautiful woman felt really good.
"You're welcome."
"Serenity, this toy is a limited edition. It cost Knox quite a bit of money. Take good care of it."
"I will."
Serenity responded timidly, her eyes unconsciously falling on me.
When she saw me looking at her, her cheeks immediately flushed red, "Knox, you spent too much."
I loosened my tie somewhat irritably. Natasha couldn't talk about anything without mentioning money - her mercenary attitude really annoyed me.
"It's not worth much. As long as you like it."
Hearing me say this, Serenity bit her lip lightly and nodded obediently, "I really like it."
"You like everything, honestly!"
Natasha pushed her way over, forcefully shoving Serenity aside, and took my arm, "Knox, let's go inside."
Before I could say anything, she pulled me toward the house.
I looked back to see Serenity following behind with a dejected expression, as if she didn't belong in this family at all.
"Sit down."
In the living room, Natasha pressed me onto the sofa and cheerfully placed a plate of washed fruit in front of me, "Knox, did you hear? My dad just said to make yourself at home."
My smile was rather forced. Looking up, I saw John coming in and quickly stood up, "Mr. Lockwood, I have some business matters I'd like to ask your advice about."
Natasha must have briefed John beforehand, because as soon as I finished speaking, he nodded directly, "Let's go to the study."
The study was decorated simply and elegantly, which didn't quite match John's character.
Seeing me sit down, he personally brewed coffee, poured it into a cup and handed it to me, "Try my top-quality Blue Mountain coffee."
I took a small sip. The coffee had a slight bitterness at first, but after swallowing, upon careful tasting, there seemed to be a sweet aftertaste.
"Forgive my ignorance, Mr. Lockwood. This coffee has both bitter and sweet flavors - I've never had anything like it."
My words made John laugh heartily, "Not bad, you have good taste!"
After taking a sip himself, he slowly began, "I heard from Natasha about the Pemberton Group's situation. These past few days, quite a bit of gossip has reached my ears. There are all kinds of stories."
"Today I'd like to hear the truth from you - can the Pemberton Group still be saved?"
As his words fell, I immediately became cautious.
Although John hadn't shown much business acumen over the years, he was no fool like Natasha. Dealing with him required my full attention.
Thinking of this, I sighed and adopted a very humble posture.
"I'm afraid I've made you laugh, Mr. Lockwood. The company has indeed encountered difficulties."
I explained the stock market situation and Helena's demand for debt repayment clearly and thoroughly.
Even if I didn't mention these things, they could be investigated anyway. Better to be upfront and earn some goodwill.
Sure enough, after I finished, John looked satisfied.
"Just as I heard. I just wonder what you plan to do about it?"
I smiled bitterly, "Mr. Lockwood, my father and I are at our wit's end. Just the debt to Helena's family is already crushing us. If we really can't raise enough money by the deadline, we might have to use our shares as payment."
John said, "Are you two just willing to hand over the company like that?"
I pretended to look sad, "We're not willing, but that was what we agreed to."
After listening, John crossed his hands and leaned back on the sofa, "This is indeed difficult. After all, this is no small sum of money."