Chapter 399 Serious Business Cooperation
<Chapter>Chapter 399 Serious Business Cooperation</Chapter>
Abigail was acutely conscious of Steven's presence, his arrival serving as a pillar of support.
Rising from her seat, she addressed the room with an air of authority. "Ladies and gentlemen, I must excuse myself as I have further mattered to attend to. For those contemplating resignation, I urge you to submit your notices by the end of the day. Henceforth, any disruption to the workplace or failure to comply with the rules will not be tolerated. I will hold such individuals accountable and seek recompense. This meeting is adjourned."
The room fell into a hushed silence before whispers of discontent began to fill the air.
Mr. Lewis, his face flushed with anger, muttered under his breath, "That little... she's infuriating," as his secretary scurried to placate his mounting frustration.
Mr. Watson, feeling slighted, lamented to his fellow executives, "She didn't even offer me the slightest respect! I've dedicated twelve years to this company." It felt as though, instead of valuing his contribution, she was practically shoving him out the door.
"Well, she's the majority shareholder now, and she's got the backing of Medici Group..." another board member sighed, "But having such a young woman lead the company just doesn't sit right with me..."
The room echoed with agreement. "Exactly. Her uncle had managed the firm before, and although he hadn't accomplished much, at least he was middle-aged. She's just a young girl."
The conversation turned to the evening's events. "According to tradition, we're supposed to throw a welcome party for the new CEO tonight... and attendance is mandatory for all."
A collective groan filled the room. The thought of celebrating Abigail's takeover, a prospect they already resented, filled the executives with dread. This was the last thing they wanted.
In the lounge, Abigail requested a cup of coffee for Steven. Once they were alone, she broke into a radiant smile. "Mr. Medici, did you come just to back me up?"
Steven, noting her buoyant spirits, responded, "Yeah, has anyone been giving you trouble?"
Abigail laughed lightly, "I picked up a few tricks from the way Bella used to handle things when she was in charge. I managed to get by today. I'm just not sure what kind of mess I'll be facing next."
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Abigail's assistant entered, carrying two steaming cups of coffee. "Mr. Medici, here's your coffee, and Ms. Parsons, this is for you," she said, placing the cups on the table. She then added, "Ms. Parsons, there's a celebration tonight in honor of your official takeover of the corporation. The board members usually coordinate the time and place, and it's crucial that you attend on time."
Abigail frowned at the mention of the celebration. "Who came up with that?" she muttered, not relishing the prospect of dealing with the board members.
Before she could voice her complaints, the assistant mentioned it was her grandfather's idea, causing Abigail to swallow her protests.
"What do I need to do for tonight's celebration?" Abigail asked, her inexperience evident.
The assistant, a newcomer herself, was just starting her internship with the company. Her first task was to assist Abigail with her duties. "As I was leaving the boardroom, I overheard a director saying..." she trailed off, glancing at Steven, unsure if she should share such information with an outsider.
Abigail, catching on, reassured her with a warm smile, "It's fine, go ahead. Mr. Medici is one of us."
Encouraged by Abigail's response, the assistant divulged everything. "A director said tonight is all about seeing who you can bring along! I did some digging and found out that tonight's celebration is not only about rejoicing but also about seeing what kind of network you, as the new CEO, bring to the table. Basically, they want to know how beneficial your connections can be for the company. The key players who are usually tight with you will show up tonight."
Abigail felt a pang of panic. She had virtually no connections. Where was she supposed to find influential and high-status individuals to back her up?
"The assistant confessed earlier, her voice tinged with a relieved giggle, "I was quite anxious. But now that Mr. Medici is considered one of us, I can breathe easy. He's worth a hundred others. There's hardly an entrepreneur in America who can match him!"
Abigail cast a glance at Steven. How could Mr. Medici possibly attend such a trivial celebration? Besides, he had already lent her considerable assistance. She couldn't bear to impose on him again.
The assistant continued, "During a live stream, that international competitor Isabella mentioned you're quite close with the famous designer QY. Is that true? If QY could make it, those old board members and shareholders would surely be impressed!"
Abigail felt her distress deepen. "Abella is in France..." She probably hadn't returned. Even if she had, Abigail didn't want to trouble her. She couldn't expect Abella to be there for every little thing.
The assistant deflated momentarily but quickly rebounded with determination, "Mr. Medici is all we need! I just hope he's available tonight."
Abigail glanced at Steven again, not expecting him to just nod in agreement and say, "Yeah, what time tonight? Text me on WhatsApp."
"Oh?" Abigail couldn't believe her ears. 'He agreed. How could he agree to such a dull little celebration? It must be for Abella's sake. As moved as Abigail felt, she also felt embarrassed, as if she'd been taking advantage of her friendship with Abella. But she swore to herself that she never intended to take advantage of Abella.
"That's great..." the assistant said. Then, remembering something, he added, "Oh right, Ms. Parsons, you have to wear an evening gown tonight and schmooze with the old board members."
Schmooze... Abigail hadn't expected such candid talk from her assistant, "Yeah, I got it."
"Do you need me to arrange your gown?"
"No need. I've recently designed one that should work."
"Alright, then, I'll get out of your way." The assistant tiptoed out, closing the door softly behind her.
Abigail couldn't help but bow deeply, "Thank you, Mr. Medici. I know you're busy, and I appreciate you willing to attend such a dull party."
"No need to be so formal with me." Steven's gaze softened, "I came by to discuss a potential collaboration."
"Collaboration?" Abigail's eyes sparkled, unable to believe Mr. Medici was actually interested in her small firm. But how could that be? Her firm hadn't made any distinguishable achievements...
"You came in third in the international competition. I think we can collaborate on a new product line..." Steven shared his idea.
Abigail nodded repeatedly, "Okay, we'll do as you say!"
"I'll have someone draft the contract and bring it over for you to sign another day."
"Thank you, Mr. Medici..." Abigail knew it was all because of Abella that Mr. Medici was giving her this opportunity.
"You're being formal again."
Steven stood up, and Abigail hurriedly escorted him out of the office.
"Just starting to run your company. If there is anything you're unsure about, feel free to reach out to me."
Abigail watched his profile and mused, "Mr. Medici, you're truly kind."
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