Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2702 - 1933: Differences of Opinion
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
Bernice, Caroline’s most trusted confidant, is also a seasoned elder within the Caroline Family.
This woman, though approaching middle age, remains sharp and assertive.
In fact, with her abilities, she is more than capable to be sent out to manage important enterprises within the family, but Caroline always keeps her close, using her as a strategic advisor.
However, Bernice is quite formidable and domineering within the Caroline Family.
Except for Caroline and some important elders, she shows no reverence to anyone.
Now, she even dares to get into a dispute with Robert—Caroline’s brother—right in front of Caroline.
The cause lies within Caroline’s decision to form an alliance with Maiyous.
This time, Caroline is prepared to offer up some important resources she has managed over the years at Zhenbei Group to cooperate with Maiyous.
Caroline’s "important resources" mean some of the heads of enterprises under Zhenbei Group who are loyal to her or have dirt she holds over them.
These people aren’t limited to North America, as they also exist in South America, Africa, and even Europe.
This time, Caroline wants them to launch a simultaneous attack against Bai Xiaosheng.
Bai Xiaosheng still holds the title of deputy head of the Group’s headquarters oversight department; Caroline wants those people to step up and accuse Bai Xiaosheng of abusing his authority.
This kind of false accusation, if made in ordinary times, wouldn’t mean much.
It doesn’t have direct value for Maiyous’s actions either.
But if it’s launched when Bai Xiaosheng is already struggling to cope with Maiyous’s attacks, the significance changes.
It would leave Bai Xiaosheng overwhelmed, wasting a great deal of energy.
It would be akin to Maiyous attacking Bai Xiaosheng’s heart, with Caroline suddenly delivering a blow to Bai Xiaosheng from behind.
Bai Xiaosheng would inevitably be torn between two fronts, suffering grave injuries, even agonizingly.
Caroline has carefully considered that if this matter is carried out well, it might even cripple Bai Xiaosheng!
Moreover, it would forge an alliance with the most powerful family in Africa—the Maiyous Family—to greatly benefit her own family.
Caroline, being decisive, once she decides to gamble, she bets big.
The confidant strategist Bernice, as always, staunchly supports her.
Frankly speaking, Bernice, the strategist who shares Caroline’s temperament, is also highly adventurous.
But Bernice had barely spoken when Robert strongly opposed her on the spot, paying no regard.
Of course, it might also be that Robert didn’t dare to directly confront Caroline.
Robert’s reasoning was that the matter carried immense risk, and the Maiyous Family might not cause Bai Xiaosheng much trouble.
If they rashly bet, they might just lose everything.
Robert even recounted Bai Xiaosheng’s deeds in West Africa in one go, looking quite grave.
Meanwhile, Robert claimed that Bernice’s blind support without understanding the situation over there was extremely irresponsible, even foolish.
Robert’s gaze toward Bernice even carried traces of mocking disdain.
Initially, Bernice felt Caroline’s decision was entirely correct, but being ridiculed by Robert, who was previously considered a family waste—a man she’s looked down upon from start to finish—she became instantly furious.
High self-esteem is particularly strong in those who act arrogantly.
If Caroline had pointed out she was wrong, it would be fine; she would listen.
What is Robert, aside from blood relations, to comment on her opinion?
Bernice spoke firmly on the spot, even ignoring Caroline’s presence, and argued with Robert.
Going back and forth, both were somewhat heated.
"Enough, stop arguing!"
Caroline frowned at the side, looking with some displeasure at the two.
Robert was naturally reckless, but why was Bernice also acting foolishly!
In fact, what was there to discuss about this matter? Caroline wasn’t watching them quarrel.
The decision was already made; she wasn’t here to solicit opinions but to assign work.
Bernice noticed Caroline’s displeasure and immediately closed her mouth.
However, Robert persisted, with an advisory stance, urgently saying, "Sister Caroline, Maiyous is not to be trusted, you must think it over."
Bernice glanced at Robert, a corner of her mouth showing disdain.
This guy, hesitating and lacking any decisiveness!
Bernice couldn’t help but add, "The Maiyous Family is the strongest in West Africa. If they really wanted to deal with someone, even just a small chieftain, it wouldn’t be hard. At the very least, they would catch him off guard, leaving him unable to handle them adequately. This is the best time for us to act. I think, Miss Caroline, since we are going to get involved, we might as well go big! I’m confident in our chances this time. Besides, it was your decision!"
"Miss Bernice, you’re recklessly encouraging us. Have you thought about the consequences? If the Maiyous on their side aren’t strong enough, and my sister’s resources are exposed to Bai Xiaosheng, it could bring us significant losses. What would you do then!"
Robert looked at her, somewhat exasperated.
"I’m thinking rationally, decisively suggesting, Mr. Robert, I think you’re too timid. If things are as you say, and the mighty Maiyous Family can’t withstand a blow, making me misjudge, I won’t be by Miss Caroline’s side as an advisor anymore, I’ll just leave!" Bernice exclaimed angrily.
Robert still seemed unconvinced, wanting to speak further.
"Enough, haven’t you heard me?" Caroline yelled, stopping the two.
"I’ve decided how to handle this matter, and there’s no need for further discussion," Caroline said in a serious tone, "You just need to follow my arrangements."
Hearing this, Robert immediately deflated like a punctured balloon and replied awkwardly, "Yes."
Bernice, seeing Robert’s demeanor, couldn’t help but show a mocking expression and said with a smile, "Yes."
Caroline gave the necessary arrangements to the two and then waved them away so they wouldn’t argue further in front of her and irritate her.
The two obeyed and left one after the other.
Before leaving, Robert still looked worried.
After they left, Caroline leaned back against her chair and thought again. Just as Bernice said, if the Maiyous Family, the number one family in Africa, goes all out against Bai Xiaosheng, even if he is a chieftain now, he wouldn’t come out unscathed.
Moreover, Bai Xiaosheng is currently in the dark and unprepared.
Betting on this was the right move!
"But Bernice is really something... wants me to go all in, really eager to win."
"And Robert, ultimately he’s too conservative. I thought he had made some progress after coming back and wanted him to participate in some discussions. Seems I overestimated him. Perhaps, deep down, he’s still afraid of that Bai Xiaosheng."
Caroline shook her head and said, "But, Robert does mean well, after all, he is family..."
At this time, someone knocked on the door.
Caroline answered, and someone entered, it was Stuart, the old butler.
Previously, Caroline had given some instructions, and now, the old butler was here to report.
After finishing the business, Stuart the old butler intentionally or unintentionally mentioned, "Miss, Miss Bernice and Mr. Robert had an argument outside earlier, which some of the servants saw and started pointing and talking. I punished a few who spoke without restraint."
Those two were still arguing? Caroline frowned.
Then Caroline looked up and glanced at the old butler, who wasn’t fond of Robert, and smiled, "What did they say that was so out of line?"
Stuart the old butler pondered for a moment, then said, "Just some gossip. Saying things like Miss Bernice targeting Mr. Robert just for the sake of it, opposing whatever Mr. Robert says right or wrong..."
What nonsense, Bernice wouldn’t be so petty.
Caroline chuckled disdainfully and casually asked, "If that’s the case, what’s in it for Bernice?"
Stuart the old butler’s eyelashes moved slightly, and he said softly, "Didn’t you say two days ago in public that after some more experience, young master Robert could perfectly take charge of one of our family’s top enterprises?"
Caroline remembered, she had indeed said that publicly, but it was just a passing acknowledgment and encouragement for Robert.
That major enterprise is not just anyone can manage.
Stuart the old butler continued, "Did you forget? Previously, someone in the clan nominated Miss Bernice for that enterprise, but you declined, keeping Miss Bernice by your side."
Caroline thought about it, and indeed, that was the case.
Back then, although Bernice didn’t show any dissatisfaction outwardly, she did seem a bit down.
After all, running a major enterprise and being a behind-the-scenes advisor are two completely different situations.
Stuart the old butler said in a somber tone, "The people below gossip, saying that Miss Bernice feels young master Robert is unfit for that place, and your statement clearly favored family over talent, saying Miss Bernice targeted Robert because of it, and also..."
Stuart the old butler didn’t continue.
"Saying she also has issues with me, is even dissatisfied and holds a grudge..." Caroline glanced at the old butler and said with a cold smile.
"They wouldn’t dare, and I’ve punished those who gossiped!" Stuart the old butler replied respectfully.
Caroline looked at the old butler, "What do you think?"
Stuart the old butler hesitated, muttering, "Miss Bernice definitely wouldn’t be that petty. Could it be Mr. Robert instructed others to spread this in private?"
As always, this old butler really had a grudge against her brother.
Caroline waved a hand at Stuart the old butler and said, "You may leave now."
The old butler bowed slightly and exited.
Caroline leaned back against her chair silently, lazily saying, "Ah, the human heart."