Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2427 - 1810: The Clever Ones

The morning arrived, and Brown was sharing a meal with his son, Cilio. A palpable tension filled the air at the table, a silence that stemmed not merely from formality, but from the strained father-son dynamic that had developed over years of minimal communication.

Conversations, when they did occur, often devolved into conflict.

Brown believed his son ought to cultivate a more discreet approach, appreciating the value of measured words and actions, and focusing on the quiet cultivation of his own capabilities.

Cilio, conversely, harbored a bolder, more adventurous spirit, feeling that both his father and Tike lacked the decisive courage expected of leaders.

Within the corporate sphere, Cilio's aspirations extended beyond merely securing an executive presidency; his ultimate goal was to eclipse his father's achievements and forge a legacy of greater significance.

Naturally, before he could surpass that esteemed position, he first needed to attain it.

This ambition was complicated by his father's backing of Tike, who was set to secure that very position before him, fueling Cilio's growing resentment.

"I've been here for several days, and I'll be departing tonight for the North American headquarters," Mr. Brown announced, placing his utensils down and dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

Cilio, without raising his head, offered a simple "hmm" in response.

Apart from the public display of deference on the day of his father's arrival, this was his typical private demeanor.

Mr. Brown's brow furrowed. "This time, I've caused Bai Xiaosheng embarrassment on three consecutive occasions, and he has shown remarkable restraint. He is not a simple man. Once I depart, ensure you do not cross him in any fashion. Ideally, avoid all contact. While I have faith in Tike, with you, I must issue a stern warning!"

Cilio raised his eyebrows and set down his own utensils, ceasing his meal. He, too, reached for his napkin.

"Your personal affairs, whether minor or major, had best be meticulously resolved!"

Observing Cilio's nonchalant attitude, Mr. Brown's frown deepened as he issued a stern admonition.

A sneer touched Cilio's lips as he met his father's gaze. "What possible issues could I have? If you're referring to the collaboration with Caroline in North America, I still view it as highly effective, even if it bends certain 'rules'! My people and I acquired certain assets, but certainly not to an excessive degree! Unless the headquarters monitoring department magnifies the situation, how else can they justify their existence?"

Cilio asserted his position with unwavering confidence.

Anger flickered in Mr. Brown's eyes as he regarded Cilio. "Do you fail to grasp the gravity of your error? If you engage in illicit acquisitions, you must possess the capability to completely erase any trace! This instance, I've intervened to shield you, but what about future scenarios? What if I were to step down? I've requested Tike to assign diligent deputies to the enterprises under your purview, specifically to prevent you and your associates from causing further mismanagement. Yet, you've dismissed half of the individuals Tike selected for you for various fabricated reasons! Observe now, the very enterprises facing difficulties are those lacking the counsel of these appointed individuals!"

Mr. Brown's agitation grew with each word.

Cilio visibly bristled with impatience as he listened.

"Father, I currently hold the position of Executive Vice President of the African division. Should I not possess the ultimate authority over fundamental personnel decisions? Must I endure the presence of individuals acting as informants within the enterprises I manage? You place more trust in Tike than your own son! You even intend to recommend him as your successor; perhaps I should simply tender my resignation!" Cilio retorted, his voice laced with anger.

"You!" Mr. Brown's body trembled with rage, his finger pointed accusingly at Cilio, a fierce impulse to hurl the plate before him seizing him.

This ungrateful whelp had no comprehension of his father's benevolent intentions!

His grooming of Tike was meant to serve as a shield for Cilio against impending turmoil!

Tasking Tike with selecting personnel to assist in overseeing Cilio's enterprises was also a safeguarding measure!

Yet, all these meticulous efforts were being casually disregarded!

Perceiving the intense, condemning glare from his father, Cilio's defiance abruptly faded, and he fell silent.

Just then, Mr. Brown's phone, resting on the table, illuminated and began to vibrate insistently.

It was an incoming call.

Still seething, Brown glanced at his phone and saw the caller ID indicated someone from the group's headquarters. While their position wasn't exceptionally high, they possessed a unique standing, and Brown maintained frequent, close contact with this individual. Brown paused to catch his breath, unwilling to betray his inner turmoil, and therefore did not answer, intending to return the call shortly.

However, the moment the first call ended, a second call immediately came through from a different individual at headquarters.

Before Brown could even consider answering, a notification for a third call alert appeared.

Not only were these incoming calls escalating, but a rapid succession of short text messages began to flood his device.

Brown's frown deepened instantly; a sense of profound unease washed over him.

Without haste to examine the incoming messages, Brown first answered one of the calls.

The caller spoke with marked urgency, relaying information briefly before abruptly disconnecting.

Those few, hastily spoken words were sufficient to drastically alter Brown's expression, shock evident in his wide eyes as he sprang to his feet abruptly.

Cilio, taken aback by his father's sudden, forceful movement, stared at him with palpable confusion.

Brown's face twisted in distress as he ended the call, his deep, rough voice addressing Cilio, "Something significant has occurred!"

Cilio stared, astonished at his father; he had never witnessed the older man in such a state of disarray.

Before his father could provide further details, a formal notification arrived from the group's internal monitoring department within ten minutes.

The main points of the notice were:

The group's African division, encompassing four distinct enterprises, was implicated in major illegal activities. These actions were found to have severely harmed the group's overall interests, and irrefutable proof had been gathered. The individuals accountable were now facing legal action initiated by the group's own legal department.