Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2432 - 1812: A Hasty Ending (Part 2)

Considering the extensive experience and influence of Mr. Brown, it was highly improbable that an investigation stemming from such an unforeseen event could dismantle him.

As for personal grudges, there was no need for concern; at this juncture, individuals would likely refrain from causing disturbances and opt for a discreet approach.

Furthermore, Wen Yan had indicated that Mr. Brown commanded the support of over half the stakeholders, suggesting a predetermined outcome. Pushing too aggressively would be ill-advised, as it was merely a matter of maintaining appearances and going with the current of opinion.

"Moreover, our presence in Africa is dedicated to forging partnerships with major corporations, not to inciting unrest or inviting misfortune. The current achievements are satisfactory, alleviating the need for excessive worry," Bai Xiaosheng concluded.

Bai Xiaosheng's pragmatic outlook captured Lin Weiwei's attention, prompting her to muse, "Have you truly become the Xiaosheng I once knew—unyielding against evil, a person of unwavering integrity? You've certainly acquired a certain polish."

"A touch of polish, indeed," Lei Ying concurred, lifting his glass. "Very well, given the circumstances, dwelling on the past serves no purpose. Cilio's suspension is a significant development. Come, let us toast! One drink, and any lingering unpleasantness will dissipate!"

"That's the spirit!" Bai Xiaosheng beamed, raising his glass as he glanced at Lin Weiwei.

Torn between irritation and amusement, Lin Weiwei found herself compelled to reciprocate the gesture, raising her own glass.

"Cheers!" "Cheers!"

Their glasses met with a resonant clink, each accompanied by a distinct vocalization.

While partaking in the drinks, Bai Xiaosheng maintained an outward appearance of composure, yet the internal monologue and calculations of Red Lotus continued unabated.

The investigation had commenced promisingly, and though its conclusion was somewhat abrupt, substantial benefits were reaped.

At minimum, several companies facing scrutiny were examined, Mr. Brown was held accountable, and Cilio faced suspension. These outcomes constituted tangible accomplishments and contributed to the overall score.

"The newly vetted companies are..., the penalties issued to problematic individuals are..., the scores achieved are..."

Red Lotus's ceaseless tallying of points represented the most pleasing auditory stimulus to Bai Xiaosheng.

"Due to significant irregularities within the African Division, Executive Vice President Cilio has been suspended. Based on this outcome, the score awarded is—ten points!"

This unexpected pronouncement caused Bai Xiaosheng's heart to momentarily falter, his grip on the glass causing it to tremble slightly.

Investigating an Executive Vice President yielded such a substantial score; a single individual was equivalent to ten points!

For Bai Xiaosheng, this was an unforeseen boon, a delightful surprise within the broader context of events.

Red Lotus continued, "In the African Division, Mr. Brown received criticism from Group headquarters for his dereliction of duty. Based on this outcome, the score awarded is—five points!"

This score was also quite considerable!

After all, Mr. Brown was merely implicated, yet it equated to half the score received for Cilio's suspension!

"In summation, the total score obtained from this endeavor is—twenty-two points!"

"Currently, the accumulated score at the business president level stands at fifty points. With only fifty points remaining until reaching the Vice Chairman level, continued effort is encouraged!"

The final score announced by Red Lotus nearly prompted an audible laugh from Bai Xiaosheng.

Achieving twenty-two points in a single effort was a remarkable feat; the investigation had undeniably proven fruitful.

If he were to extend his efforts to two more major regions and conduct similar investigations...

This line of thought was quickly suppressed by Bai Xiaosheng.

Firstly, he harbored no desire for issues to plague every major region of the Group; such a wish would be contrary to his objectives. Secondly, North America, South America, and Africa had all been thoroughly addressed by his actions. The European Division was managed by Soruns, while the Asian Division, being his home territory, presented no challenges. The sole remaining region was the Australian Division, completing the six business units. If Bai Xiaosheng were to visit Australia, it was plausible that apprehension might surface there...

Bai Xiaosheng kept these contemplations to himself, refraining from sharing them even with his close confidantes, Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying.

Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying remained oblivious to Bai Xiaosheng's fleeting moment of internal contemplation.

While some rejoiced in the outcomes, others seethed with rage.

The embodiment of this fury was Cilio, confined within his study, where every available object not already destroyed bore the marks of his destructive outburst.

Cilio struggled to comprehend why his father had not immediately intervened with decisive action to rectify the situation, to conceal the evidence and mitigate the damage, actions his father was undoubtedly capable of undertaking!

Cilio harbored immense resentment towards the corporate leaders who had misled him and provided inaccurate reports. Initially believing he had manipulated a situation involving a fraction, the investigation subsequently revealed a magnitude so vastly different that he felt profoundly "wronged."

"You've demolished my future, shattered my career, Bai Xiaosheng, I'm not finished with you!" Cilio roared, hefting a chair and violently slamming it against the wall, his face flushed and breath coming in ragged gasps.

The thought of his future at Zhenbei Group being utterly decimated, all his years of diligent effort rendered meaningless while Tike effortlessly soared ahead, fueled Cilio's rage.

Just then, his phone began to ring.

As the cellphone's shrill sound pierced the air, Cilio recognized an outlet for his frustration, a 'new target to smash.' He snatched the phone, intending to hurl it against the wall.

However, his arm faltered mid-swing, and he stopped himself.

The caller ID displayed a familiar name: his father, Mr. Brown.

Despite his fury, Cilio managed to compose himself enough to answer the call.

"How are things?" Brown's voice drawled from the other end of the line.

"I'm fine," Cilio responded, his voice thick with suppressed emotion.

Brown let out a dismissive snort. "Fine? How many times have you had your place renovated now? Do you truly believe I'm unaware? You've always been so temperamental; redecorating seems to be your go-to when you're angry. Did you trash your place again this time?"

A father's understanding of his child runs deep; no secret can truly be hidden.

Cilio remained silent, unable to refute the observation.

"I'll be returning in a few days. I've managed to smooth things over on this end. Heh, those old dogs, each one demanding like a starved wolf. I'll have to appease their insatiable appetites upon my arrival," Brown continued with detached indifference. "I trust this incident will spur your growth, son. Mature quickly."

"Do I still have a chance?" Cilio inquired, his tone chillingly devoid of warmth.

He was, of course, referring to his suspension.

"It's merely a suspension; naturally, you still have opportunities, and more than enough!" Brown scoffed. "If you falter at such a minor setback, how can you ever hope to achieve anything significant?"

"You must be wondering why I abstained from intervening during the initial stages of the investigation, son. I needed to allow those clamoring for a resolution to have their fill. Otherwise, they would never have relented."

"I meticulously monitored the investigation's progression, stepping in only at the opportune moment. There's a delicate balance to maintain. Appeasing all factions while preventing catastrophic damage to our interests is, in itself, a rather refined skill..."

Brown's words caused Cilio's brow to furrow.

He disliked acknowledging it, but he sensed an undeniable truth in his father's assessment.

"Remain exactly where you are until my return, and do not stir up any further trouble in the interim!"

With that stern directive, Brown concluded the call.

The moment the call ended, Cilio, without a second thought, 'naturally' hurled the phone against the wall, reducing it to shattered fragments.

"This old man, still treating me like an insignificant child!"

...

Meanwhile.

Caroline was engaged in a conversation with Vice Chairman Morgan, discussing the day's high-level executive meeting held at the headquarters.

"I must admit, I hadn't anticipated Brown possessing such astuteness, managing to garner such substantial backing. Even Wen Yan offered tacit approval," Caroline remarked, unable to suppress her admiration for Brown's maneuvering.

"Considering the dynamics of today's meeting, even if Wen Yan had voiced dissent, what recourse would he truly have? He's not inclined to engage in protracted, acrimonious disputes with Brown; it simply isn't his character. Furthermore, even aged wolves still possess a potent bite when cornered, and Brown is hardly a weakling himself," Morgan chuckled coldly over the phone. "Didn't we also seize the opportunity to position ourselves favorably?"

During the meeting, they had indeed aligned themselves with Brown's faction.

"Brown may not have suffered a severe blow this time, but his son's suspension is a considerable outcome, wouldn't you agree?" Caroline mused with a laugh.

Aware of Caroline's true nature, Vice Chairman Morgan responded with a knowing sneer. "Do you genuinely believe that?"

"It's a satisfactory outcome, perhaps, but it falls short of my ultimate expectations," Caroline replied, as expected. "Moreover, a suspension is a far cry from dismissal. Should Brown manage to hold his position for another two or three years, ample opportunities will arise for his son to stage a comeback. In my view, it would be far more advantageous to leverage Bai Xiaosheng's current involvement to completely cripple Cilio, thereby forging an irreconcilable enmity between Bai Xiaosheng and Mr. Brown. This strategy allows us to achieve a dual objective, securing a 'friend' by aligning with an adversary's adversary."

"So, what is your proposed course of action?" Vice Chairman Morgan inquired.

Caroline let out a light, captivating chuckle. "Naturally, I intend to seek an opportune moment to offer Bai Xiaosheng a helping hand!"