Chapter 211 Deal With John
As soon as I finished speaking, the conference room erupted witha wave of discussion.
I didn't say anything, allowing the chatter to settle continuing, "Such a large amount couldn't have been taken by Patrick alone. He doesn't have that kind of capacity. As for who's behind him, I've already identified some leads, and I'll get to the bottom ofthis matter."
"Ms. Lockwood, may I ask if this person is also from our company?"
The questionwas raised by Alfonso.
After he spoke, I shook my head. "The matter is still under active investigation. I'm sorry, but I can't discloseanything at this time."
"Understood, understood."
Alfonso nodded. "But Ms. Lockwood's discovery of this person has saved the company from quite a bit of loss."
Alfonso's words promptedseveralnods in agreement, but soon someone raised a concern. "The company has suffered quite a blow. Yesterday's stock market was very volatile. Does Ms. Lockwood have a solution?"
I smiled slightly. "That's the secondissue I would like to address."
"After yesterday's volatility, the stock market begun to stabilize. You don't need to worry about funding."
I said this not only because Atlas was backing me, but more importantly, because of Joseph's support.
This morning I'd received a call from Joseph saying he could help the Lockwood Group through this crisis if needed. With the two of them supporting me, what did I have to worry about?
"I also plan to settle this year's payments to our partners ahead of schedule, and on top of that, pay ten percent of next quarter's payment in advance."
Normally, payments to partners weredeferredfor a year before settlement. This time I was not only settling early but also paying a deposit in advance. I knew the shareholders would strongly oppose.
Sure enough, as soon as I finished speaking, the conference room erupted in an uproar.
"How can this work? There's no precedent for paying suppliersahead of time."
"Precisely. Even if we have the money, we can't squander themlike this."
"She's just too inexperienced to handle pressure. Look, she panics as soon as something happens."
Everyone shook their heads as they discussed, clearlyagainst my proposal.
I stayed silent for the moment. After the discussion ended, I continued, "Paying suppliers early doesn't just stabilize our partners' confidence, it also stabilizes our shareholders' and employees' confidence."
"Ms. Lockwood makes a good point. If we let this situationto continue growing, the damage will be irreparable. Right now we're just paying some supplier fees early. I support this idea."
It was Alfonso speaking again. After he finished, Director Kieran disagreed. "Even if we have the funds, we shouldn't spend it like this. Why do we need to please employees and shareholders? As long as the company operates normally, they'll see it eventually."
"That's not how it works."
As soon as Kieran finished, Alfonso continued, "Even if no one's making trouble, once the news spread it will still affect the company. Since there's an impact, we need to minimize all negative effects."
"Exactly."
Henry also chimed in. "This is the first crisis Helena has faced since taking office. In just one day since the incident, Helena quickly responded by stabilizing the stock market first, then held meetings with suppliers to reassure them, and also quickly developed a response strategy."
"In any case, I'mquite pleased with Helena's work."
After Henry spoke, he looked around. Seeing many shareholders nodding, he went on in a measured tone, "As for the reassurance efforts, I am in full support of them. This benefits the company with no downside, so I fully support Helena's strategy."
With Henry's support, the remaining shareholders nodded in agreement.
After the meeting ended, Alfonso waited until last and smiled at Henry. "Henry, you'vetrained an exceptionally talented assistant. Helena doesn't make a move lightly, but when she does, she amazes everyone."
Hearing such high praise for me, Henry laughed heartily. "Alfonso, I love hearing that, but Helena can't accept such high praise."
"She can, she can."
Alfonso nodded at me. "Helena, continue doing excellent work. We old folks are relyingon you from now on."
"Thank you for yourencouraging words. I'll work hard."
I looked at Henry. "After all, the company is Dad's life's work too."
Alfonso nodded at these words. "Helena's right. Alright, if you need anything from me, just ask."
I nodded. "I will."
After everyone left, I followed Henry to his office. The company matter had been resolved, but things with John needed one final confrontation.
"I've already instructed the finance department cut off all financial support to John."
After I spoke, Henry nodded, looking somewhat weary as he sighed. "Good. Get ready and come with me to John's house."
"Okay!"
I knew Henry was truly angry this time. John only had himself to blame for pushing too far.
But thanks to Patrick's escape, I was able to get evidence against John muchquicker than I anticipated.
I accompanied Henry to the Lockwood Villa. Henry first visited my grandfather's grave, then called to have everyone from the Lockwood family come to the villa.
Seeing Henry making such a big production, Rosalind frowned unhappily. "Henry, what are you trying to do with all thisdrama?"
The moment she saw me, Rosalind grew even more displeased. "I heard you let Helena take over the company. Henry, are you trying toinfuriate me to death?"
"Mom, Helena is my daughter. What's wrong with her taking charge of the company?"
This time Henry didn't avoid Rosalind's words, but faced her directly. "I've given the company and all my assets to Helena, so stop pressuring me from now on."
"You're really going to anger me to death!"
Rosalind angrily pointed at Henry's nose and cursed at him. Henry sat there expressionless, showing no reaction to her scolding.
I watched from the side as Rosalind ranted with full vigor, knowing she wouldn't need to go to the hospital anytime soon. Since she was physically fine, let her scold. It was just scolding—it couldn't change any facts.
By the time Rosalind tired of scolding, John's family had justarrived at the villa.
I looked up and saw the whole family together, even Willow was there.
Well, everyone was present.
Henry looked at John expressionlessly. "Helena,you may begin."
I responded and opened the laptop I'd brought with me. Seeing my actions, John seemed surprised. "What's this about? Why the laptop? What are you going to show us?"
Without looking up, I said, "Just wait patiently. You'll know soon enough."
"Creating suspense now, are we?"
John walked over to Rosalind. "Mom, you don't look well. What's wrong?"