Chapter 306 Resignation
Thinking about Stanley only irritated him further.
Still, Samuel had gotten one thing right.
Infact that this meal didn't happen was actually good for him.
Otherwise, if the Richardson family spread word about today's events, his reputation would truly be ruined.
And Samuel was now his only son.
Although he was really unhappy about it, he couldn't let his ego drive his only son further away from him.
Otherwise, he would end up a lonely old man, abandoned by everyone.
Stanley closed his eyes.
As his cigarette was about to burn out, he finally made peace with his pride.
He called Rex in. "Get ready. We're holding a board meeting tomorrow. I'm officially stepping down."
Rex was completely stunned.
Although Stanley often talked about retiring, he had never truly been willing to let go of his power.
But today, he was directly saying he would hold a board meeting tomorrow to step down?
Just moments ago, he had looked ready to burn the whole world down in anger.
So what had suddenly changed?
Stanley could see the shock in Rex's eyes.
He smiled bitterly and said, "Didn't the doctor say I should rest well and stop overworking myself anymore? Besides, he's already married now. It's time to let him truly stand on his own and take over everything."
Rex didn't dare respond to that.
Stanley understood why? Rex was afraid of speaking carelessly.
He was afraid that Stanley didn't actually want to give up power and was just testing Rex's attitude.
But this time, Stanley truly had no intention of testing anyone.
He simply wanted to enjoy life properly.
His pat years had been too exhausting.
He didn't want to end up abandoned by everyone in his old age because of his stubbornness.
He asked Rex, "Rex, what's the point of living a whole life?"
Rex looked up, clearly surprised.
"I don't want anything in this life except to work for you and learn from you," he said.
Stanley smiled and said, "You've already learned a lot, even more than me. I probably don't have much left to teach you."
Rex had been mentored by Stanley all this time.
When Rex first started working for Stanley, he was just a fresh college graduate. In the blink of an eye, even this "college student" Stanley had once watched grow up was turning forty.
Rex said, "I could spend a lifetime learning from you and still never finish."
But Stanley shook his head seriously.
"I really don't have much left for you to learn. But Samuel has many good qualities.Yes, he has his flaws, but his strengths overweigh them. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so willing to let him take over the company back then. He's excellent, there's no doubt about that."
He continued, "Don't worry, even after I retire, I'll make arrangements for you. If Samuel is willing to keep you on, then focus on working with him. If he only wants to use his own people, I'll arrange for you to go to one of our overseas branches. You can make your mark there with fewer constraints."
Rex's eyes reddened a bit.
"Mr. Crawford, I really want to keep working for you."
"I'm planning to travel the world. Do you want to follow me around for that too?" Stanley asked.
"Wherever you go, I'll go."
Stanley waved his hand with a smile.
"I don't want you following me around. That would be a waste of talent. You didn't work this hard to get where you are just to travel the world."
"But—"
"Just do as I say."
Stanley's word was final.
……
Meanwhile, on the other side.
After finishing his call with Stanley, Samuel composed himself and returned to the private room.
"Just some company business that held me up. To keep everyone from being disappointed, he won't be coming today."
He added, "My dad said he just got out of the hospital recently and his mind isn't quite clear yet. He actually forgot he was supposed to arrange this dinner a day in advance. It was thoughtless of him to do this so suddenly today. He'll have someone send gifts to Whispering Pines later as an apology."
Whispering Pines was the villa community where Natalie and her family were staying.
Both Natalie and Quinton's expressions relaxed considerably.
Along with the relaxation, the trace of displeasure they'd been hiding so well also disappeared.
Stanley still knew proper etiquette and hadn't looked down on them.
It was just that due to his health, he had been forgetful.
They could understand that.
"Your father is too kind," Quinton said. "When everyone has time, we can all get together."
"Sure, I'll pass that along to my dad."
Everyone stood up, preparing to leave.
They had a 3 PM flight, so they'd need to go home and start packing right away to head to the airport.
Fortunately, they didn't have much luggage to begin with, and the servants at Whispering Pines had already packed most of their things while they were out for the meal.
So in less than half an hour, several suitcases were packed and loaded into the car trunk.
At this moment, Amelia felt a strong sense of reluctance.
"Mom, I'll come back soon."
"Okay." Natalie rubbed her head, then said to Samuel, "Amelia has a stubborn personality. If you two have any disagreements, I hope you, as the man, can be more accommodating."
Samuel said, "Don't worry, I can't bear to argue with Amelia."
Amelia's face turned red.
Natalie was completely reassured and got in the car at Quinton's urging.
Grant also came over to say goodbye to Amelia.
"Amelia, I'm heading back too."
"Why aren't you staying a few more days?" Amelia asked.
Grant told her some good news.
"I'm planning to hold a painting exhibition with Geraldo, and I should also visit his home."
Grant had already accepted Geraldo as his teacher, and now he was Geraldo's last student.
Geraldo wouldn't be taking any more students after this.
Moreover, Geraldo had already decided to pass on his painting career and skills to Grant.
Kyle was simple-minded and easily manipulated, and especially when it came to oil painting, Kyle didn't have much talent, so he wasn't suitable to be his successor.
This painting exhibition was Geraldo's way of indirectly announcing to the world that Grant would be his successor.
And Kyle had no objections to this.
He'd never been very interested in paintings anyway, only learning because he had to.
Now that he could break free and do what he actually loved, it was good for him too.
Amelia was very happy for Grant.
Grant said, "This is all thanks to you. If it weren't for you, I'd still be at home doing nothing."
He also thanked Samuel.
Samuel didn't say much, only, "Take care."
"Will do." Grant waved and got in the car to leave.
Amelia watched them until she could no longer see their car.
Samuel spoke up then. "Amelia."
"What?"
"Now that times are peaceful and Shadow Operations Division is no longer something that needs to hide, do you want to let people know about your abilities?"
He was afraid public opinion would attack her for "marrying up to Samuel."
He didn't care what people thought of him, but he cared deeply about what they thought of Amelia.
He couldn't stand anyone saying a bad word about Amelia.
However, he thought it would take a long time to convince Amelia, but unexpectedly, she agreed immediately.
"Sure."