Chapter 782 Almost Free
The Astor Group has gone through several crises. There were a couple of years with decent profits, but all the money went into the Murphy Family's accounts, and Edith received very little.
Last year, the Astor Group faced another financial crisis, reportedly because Jasper embezzled some money and couldn't cover it up, making the situation worse after the new year. With no money for research and development, orders dwindled.
"What's this?" Sophia saw another document at the back.
Emily replied, "Mr. Lancaster asked me to give this to you."
Sophia opened it and found information about Edith that she hadn't discovered.
Edith had been collecting evidence of Jasper's fraudulent marriage, investigating the Murphy Family's secret dealings, and recently contacting banks.
"You can go now," Sophia said.
Emily left Sophia's office.
Sophia dialed Gabriel's number.
"Hello, darling," Gabriel answered.
Sophia said, "How did you know I was looking into Edith?"
"I saw you helping her out at the party that day. I wanted to prevent you from being foolishly used by someone with an agenda."
Sophia pouted. "I'm not foolishly being used by anyone."
'I am smart!' Sophia thought inwardly.
Gabriel chuckled. "Yes, you're not foolish."
Sophia huffed and explained, "Edith is Colin's first love. Colin seems to still have some feelings for her, and Edith used to be our neighbor."
"Edith contacting investment banks is likely an attempt to secure funding for the Astor Group. With enough capital, she can successfully oust Jasper and take control of the Astor Group, kicking Jasper out."
Gabriel paused, "Do you miss me?"
The sudden change in topic left Sophia stunned for two seconds.
"Yes."
"Let's have dinner out tonight."
Sophia replied. "Okay."
After hanging up, Sophia took photos of the documents and sent them to Colin.
After a meeting, Edith received a call from an unknown number.
"Hello, is this Ms. Astor from the Astor Group?"
"Yes, and you are?"
"I'm Nico Peterson from Destiny Investment Bank."
Edith nervously gripped her phone. "Hello."
"Do you have time to talk tomorrow at noon?"
"Yes, I do."
They set a time, but Edith's heart hadn't calmed down.
She had contacted several investment banks, but none were willing to invest in the Astor Group. The reason was simple. The Astor Group's performance had been poor in the past two years, and the return on investment was too low.
Even though the Astor Group's order volume had exploded recently, the other parties were concerned it wouldn't last long.
The next day, Edith arrived early for the meeting.
Nico arrived a bit later, and they got straight to the point. "Ms. Astor, I've reviewed your company's financial statements. To be honest, the Astor Group has been in a loss-making state for the past two years, and there's a significant deficit that hasn't been covered. Any bank would shake its head at this situation."
"However, I highly regard Ms. Astor's capabilities. It's impressive that you can revive the Astor Group under such circumstances."
Edith smiled faintly. "Mr. Peterson, you can rest assured. I guarantee that once Destiny Investment Bank's investment comes in, the Astor Group will only get better."
"I believe in you, Ms. Astor."
"Mr. Peterson, I have one more request."
"What request?"
"I hope Destiny Investment Bank can help me kick Jasper out of the Astor Group."
"Isn't Jasper your husband?" Nico looked at her in confusion.
Edith's smile remained, but her eyes were icy. "We'll get divorced soon."
Nico said seriously, "I'll need to discuss this with my boss."
"Alright, I'll wait for your news."
Edith continued her work as usual, trying to avoid running into Jasper at the company. Jasper mostly slept in his office when he came to the company and only attended important meetings symbolically. At night, he would go out and party wildly.
Two days later, Nico from Destiny Investment Bank called Edith back. "We've agreed to your request."
Edith felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
That evening, Edith drank with a client and didn't let her assistant help her block the drinks. The result was that she got drunk and was sent home by her assistant.
Edith collapsed on the sofa, and Una was busy taking care of her.
"Mom, I'm almost free," Edith said, holding Una's hand. Her eyes were filled with drunkenness, but two tears slid down her cheeks.
Una hugged Edith tightly, feeling heartbroken. "Edith, I'm sorry, Edith."
Una truly wished that she and Dax hadn't forced Edith to marry Jasper back then.
But there are no chances for regret in this world.
Una stayed by Edith's bedside all night. The next day, Edith woke up to see Una lying by her bed, and her heart warmed.
"Mom," Edith called.
Una woke up. "You are awake. I'll go make you some hangover soup."
"Mom, I'm fine. No need to cook."
"Then I'll make you breakfast."
With that, Una had already left.
Edith picked up her phone and saw a message from her lawyer, Kian Wallace.
Kian: [Ms. Astor, the lawyer's letter has been sent to the Murphy Family.]
Edith: [Alright, thank you.]
Edith freshened up, changed into a sharp suit, and headed out with her bag.
"Edith, aren't you having breakfast?"
"No, I'm rushing to a meeting." Edith grabbed her car keys and ran out.
Jasper didn't show up for the morning executive meeting.
Edith walked into the conference room with Nico from Destiny Investment Bank.
Half of the senior executives at the Astor Group were people Dax had mentored. Over the years, many old employees had left due to the company's ups and downs and Jasper's inaction. Those who remained had a deep connection to the Astor Group.
With Destiny Investment Bank supporting Edith, these old employees expressed their willingness to follow her.
With internal issues resolved, the next step was dealing with Jasper and the Murphy Family.
In the afternoon, Jasper stormed into Edith's office, kicking the door open. "Bitch, what are you trying to do!"
Edith looked up, her face cold. "Jasper, it's time for your Murphy Family to pay for your crimes."
Jasper angrily swept the documents off her desk, trying to intimidate Edith.
But Edith was immune to his brainless rage.
"How dare you! Edith, do you believe that our Murphy Family can make the Astor Group disappear completely!"
Sitting in her chair, Edith maintained a strong aura, unafraid of Jasper's threats.
She glanced at the time. "In five minutes, the shareholders' meeting will start."
With that, she took a document from her drawer and walked out.
Seeing this, Jasper became even more furious and lunged at her, trying to grab her hair. But Edith anticipated this and dodged swiftly.
Two bodyguards stepped in and restrained Jasper.
Jasper struggled. "You bitch, you actually hired bodyguards! Let me go!"
Edith ignored him and walked straight to the conference room. All the employees, seeing this, didn't dare to speak and pretended to be busy.
After a while, Jasper entered the conference room with a dark expression.
Everyone was already there.
All the shareholders had united to expel Jasper from the board.
Jasper was overbearing.
"I own forty percent of the Astor Group's shares. Do you dare to remove me?"
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