Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2474 - 1831: After the Incident (2)

Consequently, the secretary accorded Bai Xiaosheng, this young gentleman, more cordial treatment than Lu Yun and Jia Chengshan, exhibiting a trace of reverence in his gaze.

Having conveyed his message, the secretary departed without delay.

Bai Xiaosheng, accompanied by Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying, escorted him to the exit.

Once the guest had departed, the trio turned and re-entered the room.

Lin Weiwei could not suppress a laugh, "Mr. Brown appears to be thanking us for assisting in cleansing his house, even offering a return gift. It's rather like repaying a favor."

Lei Ying let out a soft chuckle, "I believe it's more of a gesture to welcome Xiaosheng as a new partner."

After all, Bai Xiaosheng had informed them that Old Brown seemed inclined to entrust his son, Cilio, to his care.

Naturally, the term "entrust" might not be entirely accurate...

Fundamentally, it signifies placing a wager on Bai Xiaosheng.

Thus, Bai Xiaosheng has secured another dependable ally at the group's central headquarters, which is undeniably a positive development.

"However, I remain uncertain about Cilio's character." Lin Weiwei instinctively wrapped her arms around herself and murmured, "Do you all think that this individual, being poor at managing a business, eager for success, impulsive, and autocratic, would be like a ticking time bomb if employed?"

Lei Ying simply shrugged, his gaze shifting to Bai Xiaosheng.

When it comes to hiring, the decision rests with Bai Xiaosheng.

If Bai Xiaosheng consents, they, of course, have no objections.

In response to Lin Weiwei's apprehension, Bai Xiaosheng offered a slight smile, "Rest assured, after this incident, learning from their errors, there will be no repeat."

Bai Xiaosheng's decisive statement prompted Lin Weiwei to question him further, "Xiaosheng, do you truly believe Cilio is capable of learning from mistakes and refraining from future transgressions?"

"I was referring to Old Brown," Bai Xiaosheng stated, before walking towards the sofa.

Lin Weiwei pondered for a moment, a flicker of understanding crossing her face, and she promptly laughed, joining Bai Xiaosheng, "I grasp your meaning; you imply that Old Brown will provide oversight and prevent him from straying again..."

As these two were engaged in their discussion, Lei Ying, standing nearby, furrowed his brow, stroking his chin in deep thought.

He then unexpectedly mused aloud, "Zi Yue mentioned wanting a child, preferably a son, so we could teach him martial arts together. But raising boys is quite challenging; look at Old Brown, still fretting over his son at this age... perhaps a daughter would be better! I need to influence Zi Yue's perspective..."

...

Bai Xiaosheng, Wen Yan, and Old Brown jointly presented their findings, complete with irrefutable evidence. The group's senior management promptly convened a meeting, unanimously ratifying the decision to dismiss Tike, the Executive President of the Africa Division.

Nevertheless, the subsequent meeting, convened to address the ensuing agenda, dragged on for an entire day without yielding any concrete resolutions.

The sudden void in leadership at the Africa Division, with both Executive and Deputy Executive President positions vacant, created a significant power vacuum. Citing the need for restructuring within the Africa Division's internal framework and a lack of suitable candidates, an external appointment could be made.

Indeed, this presented the opportune moment to seize control!

Each of the Vice Chairmen harbored their own agendas, proposing different individuals, ultimately leading to a stalemate.

However, as the meeting drew to a close, Old Brown submitted a formal application, acknowledging his lenient management had led to the current unsatisfactory state of affairs. Old Brown requested a demotion to Executive President of the Africa Division, simultaneously proposing the abolition of the Deputy Executive President role.

This strategic maneuver by Old Brown, a retreat to advance, was undeniably an effort to consolidate his influence over the Africa Division.

Should his proposal be accepted, any individual appointed as the Business President of the Africa Division would hesitate to challenge or command him.

Furthermore, Old Brown's suggestion to eliminate the Deputy Executive President position within the Africa Division garnered considerable attention.

In reality, the Deputy Executive President role was unique to the Africa Division, originating from certain "historical" circumstances and strongly advocated for by Old Brown himself years ago.

Abolishing this position presented no structural impediments and would better align with the group's overarching management structure.

However, everyone had grown accustomed to its existence and viewed the vacant position as a potential arena for power struggles, making immediate consensus difficult.

Just as discussions regarding the document submitted by Old Brown were underway, Wen Yan also put forth a proposal.

Wen Yan, too, advocated for the removal of the Africa region's Executive President position.

However, he surmised that the predicament involving the Brown father and son stemmed from Tike’s meddling. Cilio faced rightful retribution, yet he was also wronged, making compensation for the 'wronged' aspect unnecessary. Nevertheless, Old Brown's integrity, earnestness, and sincerity were undeniably apparent to all onlookers.

Furthermore, considering Old Brown's current stable health, Wen Yan proposed that he continue his role as president of operations and also assume the title of executive president until a more suitable successor could be identified.

These two directives served to exacerbate the existing rifts and debates among the senior executives of the conglomerate.

Ultimately, even the former chairman's secretary, Situ Yin, was apprised of the situation and made an appearance at the assembly.

Situ Yin articulated two principal points.

Firstly, the former chairman had previously stated that Old Brown had made significant contributions to the group, and unless a genuinely grave transgression occurred, his position should remain unaltered, with everyone upholding his status.

Secondly, all individuals were enjoined to diligently execute their respective duties, and prior to the successful completion of their own assigned tasks, they ought to refrain from becoming excessively preoccupied with the appointment and dismissal authorities in other territories. It was suggested they await Wen Yan and Old Brown's arrival for subsequent deliberations.

The intervention of Situ Yin effectively brought the meeting to a close.

This high-level headquarters assembly concluded as dusk settled over the city, and the urban lights began to illuminate the landscape. The various vice chairmen and headquarters executives departed for their respective residences.

Naturally, certain individuals convened amongst themselves to dissect the day's proceedings.

Among this group were Vice Chairman Morgan and Caroline.

At the residence of Vice Chairman Morgan, he extended an invitation to Caroline, intending for her to sample the culinary expertise of his recently engaged private chef, using this occasion to engage in a 'casual conversation'.

Within the opulent dining hall, adorned with classic furnishings, stood an exceptionally long, medieval-era dining table, undoubtedly a valuable antique. Draped in a pristine white tablecloth, it was further embellished with candelabras and floral arrangements. Vice Chairman Morgan occupied one end of the table, while Caroline sat at the opposite end.

Accompanied by soothing and refined melodies, the pair savored a succulent veal steak.

Caroline evinced a preference for steak cooked medium-rare, its interior a vibrant red, expertly slicing it with her dinner knife, conveying morsels to her mouth with her fork, parting her fair teeth to let the 'bloody' steak melt away with each gentle chew.

To any observer, the scene was both aesthetically pleasing and strikingly evocative.

"Tike is a fool; he underestimated Old Brown. That cunning old man makes me stay sharp and remain constantly vigilant. Yet, he still schemed against Old Brown's son, aiming to oust Old Brown as well. How utterly misguided!" Vice Chairman Morgan expressed, shaking his head.

"So, you harbor regret," Caroline remarked with a smile, "for forfeiting a potentially valuable ally."

Vice Chairman Morgan pursed his lips.

"He is not worth mourning over, but it's best that we weren't implicated! Today, I specifically invited you to ascertain the extent of your dealings with Tike, hoping you haven't been drawn into that vortex." Vice Chairman Morgan cast a glance at Caroline before lowering his eyelids, meticulously extracting the meat from a baked snail on his plate.

Caroline did not immediately offer a response. She first raised her wine goblet, took a sip of the wine, nodded with apparent delight, then set down the cup. "Rest assured," she stated, "ever since Tike began targeting Bai Xiaosheng, I temporarily ceased all communication with that side and have put contingency plans in place should anything arise, severing all ties! No one can trace anything back to me, and even if they could, there would be no proof! Because I have obliterated every last trace!"

Although Caroline spoke with apparent ease, those familiar with her would recognize the fierce, unyielding, and absolute nature of her meticulous planning, which invariably prioritized her own 'security' above all else.

Vice Chairman Morgan observed Caroline for a couple of seconds, and eventually, he nodded slowly.

Even he felt a subtle chill emanating from the ruthlessness concealed beneath the woman's delicate facade.

"Furthermore, regarding the African region, we should refrain from intervention. Even if we were inclined to, the timing is not yet opportune," Vice Chairman Morgan added.

Caroline concurred with his assessment, nodding her agreement.

"That Bai Xiaosheng, his reputation has truly soared this time," Vice Chairman Morgan commented abruptly.

Caroline, typically composed, showed a slight stiffening of her expression and a pause in her movements with her knife and fork upon hearing this name.

"This man warrants such acclaim," Caroline declared with a laugh. "His successful collaboration with Mr. Brown to execute a brilliant counter-ambush against Tike was, I must admit, a masterful maneuver."

"However, the greater his prominence, the more he poses a threat to us, does he not?" Vice Chairman Morgan posed, his tone grave.

"Precisely why, when dealing with an individual like him, one must not merely be one step ahead, but rather ten or even eight steps ahead," Caroline replied with a soft smile.

Vice Chairman Morgan regarded Caroline with evident curiosity. "What have you been occupied with lately?"

Caroline offered a shrug and a smile. "Nothing much, really, aside from planning an upcoming trip to Australia!"