Chapter 167: Investigating Corruption
Helena's POV
I've been feeling uneasy these past couple of days. When John and his group showed up at my office, I finally understood why I'd been feeling this way.
I get it now - nothing good ever comes from running into these people.
But this time was beyond my expectations. Natasha actually came to apologize.
However, just because she apologized doesn't mean I'll forgive her.
I coldly rejected Natasha's apology and kicked them all out. Finally, I warned Knox to pay back the money as soon as possible - if he didn't, he could expect to be sued.
Knox didn't make excuses, but I knew getting him to willingly pay back the money was practically impossible.
I also knew that economic lawsuits take forever, and enforcement is incredibly difficult.
What's more, Xavier had been doing business in Starwave City for so many years and had extensive connections. If he was determined to drag things out, getting the money back would be a distant dream.
What would be the perfect solution?
Seeing my furrowed brow, Atlas spoke up directly, "Don't worry too much. Let's have the legal department start the litigation process and see how the Pemberton family handles it."
That was all we could do. Fortunately, with Joseph's order, the company had temporarily escaped its financial difficulties.
But to completely shake off this sluggish state, we needed more business.
After thinking it over, I turned my attention to Atlas standing before me. "Atlas, can I ask you a favor?"
Seeing my mischievous smile, Atlas lightly tapped my nose. "Troublemaker. Go ahead, what is it?"
"In the future, if you meet any clients suitable for the Lockwood Group, could you help introduce them?"
"Of course!"
Atlas agreed without hesitation. "Helping you is what I should be doing."
Hearing him say this, my smile instantly brightened.
"Great, then it's settled."
Atlas nodded. "Alright, it's a deal."
At dinner that evening, Henry finally learned about John's visit to the company. When he found out it was to have Natasha apologize, he looked quite satisfied.
Henry said, "John just cares about his pride - he's not a bad person. Look, he even had Natasha apologize to you. Helena, you've vented your anger, so how about forgiving them?"
"How can we forgive them? What about Helena being slandered by those unscrupulous reporters?"
Maria glared at him indignantly. "Fortunately Helena was clever enough to turn the situation around. Otherwise, who knows how badly she would have been bullied!"
Seeing Maria's righteous anger, Henry didn't dare say more. He just said earnestly, "We're family after all. If things get too tense, it's not good for any of us."
I put down my bowl and nodded. "Dad, I understand what you mean. All my actions are directed at Natasha. From the moment she started messing around with Knox, there was no possibility of reconciliation between us."
"I've held back from really going after her out of consideration for you and Uncle John, but I won't anymore."
Henry wanted to speak up for Natasha again, but I cut him off.
"I won't deliberately provoke her, but if she refuses to learn her lesson, then I won't hold back anymore. But don't worry, Dad - I'm only targeting Natasha, not anyone else."
Hearing this, Henry sighed with an unpleasant expression. "But John is Natasha's father. If you do this, how can he stay out of it?"
"Speaking of which, I'd like to ask something."
I snorted coldly. "Natasha has offended me repeatedly. I don't believe Uncle John's family doesn't know about it. If they know about Natasha's behavior but don't stop her, Dad, what do you think their intentions are?"
I couldn't tell Henry and Maria what Natasha said after the press conference ended. All I could do now was remind them again and again that John's family had wolfish ambitions, and if we weren't careful, they would devour us completely.
Hearing my words, Henry thought for a moment. "I watched Natasha grow up. She was the Lockwood family's first child, and she's certainly been spoiled. I know all that. But dragging John into this is going a bit far."
"Whether what I'm saying is true will eventually become clear!"
After saying this, I stood up. "You two keep eating. I'm going upstairs."
After I walked away, I could still hear Maria complaining to Henry.
Maria had always been dissatisfied with John's family, so I wasn't worried at all that she would defend them. But Henry was another story.
Fortunately, after these incidents, Henry's view of John's family had changed quite a bit. And then there was Rosalind.
Thinking of this, I remembered Finnley, who was investigated last time. I called Mira directly.
"Mira, did Finnley admit to what happened last time?"
"No."
Mira on the other end said directly, "But we found evidence of his embezzlement and bribery and formally filed charges. If he doesn't have solid evidence, after this lawsuit, he'll be sentenced to at least seven years in prison."
"Well done!"
I praised her directly. "Let me know when the verdict comes out."
Mira responded on the other end, "Yes."
After hanging up, I became even more determined to clean house among the company's old-timers.
Some of these people, relying on being veterans who helped my grandfather build the Lockwood Group, constantly engaged in passive resistance.
This was the perfect opportunity to investigate them all.
With this in mind, I started writing a proposal that very night.
When I arrived at the company the next morning, I went straight to Henry's office. I placed the proposal I'd stayed up all night preparing on his desk. "Take a look. I stayed up all night working on this."
Henry took it and looked through it. The more he read, the more his brow furrowed.
Finally, he put it down and smiled bitterly. "If this proposal is implemented, the company will have a major purge."
I asked back, "Do you think it's inappropriate or difficult to implement?"
Henry shook his head. "It's inappropriate. Doing this will ultimately cause widespread complaints and even make the remaining employees feel disheartened."
I knew it was a bit too aggressive, but thinking about these parasites taking high salaries at the company while not doing any real work made me instantly furious.
We might as well give their money to the employees who actually deserved it.
"So what's your idea, Dad?"
Seeing me ask, Henry pointed to the first item. "Investigating corruption is fine, but we shouldn't just investigate one person - we should investigate everyone in the company."
After Henry finished speaking, he looked at me. I immediately understood his meaning. This way we could avoid alerting them while thoroughly understanding the company's situation.
I nodded in agreement. "Alright, then let's start with the company's top management. I'll personally lead the team to investigate them one by one!"