Chapter 407 The Rodriguez Family
Olivia was shocked as she exclaimed through the phone, "Winnie! Lawrence is actually so accomplished. He is Bob's son from Trento City, the number one man in the country. I was so blind, thinking he was already impressive in Lymington. Too bad he's a jerk, otherwise, you would really consider reconciling with him." Winnie was speechless. "Tsk, just look at the grand scene the Rodriguez family made to welcome him. You can tell how much Bob values Lawrence! This man speaks for himself with his abilities," Olivia said frankly. Winnie once again glanced at that handsome figure on her tablet's screen. He didn't tell her that he was going to Trento City and left so quietly. It seems that after their argument and rift, he quickly regained his position and wouldn't communicate with her about anything. She couldn't help but wonder if men can detach themselves so quickly. She felt a bit lost in her heart and sarcastically put down her tablet. Trento City. Inside the airport, Lawrence surveyed the well-arranged gathering of the Rodriguez family's bosses, management team, and shareholders. Everyone nodded in unison as they exclaimed, "Welcome home, Lawrence!" Jeremy, accustomed to the world, was also amazed by the grandeur. However, Lawrence remained cool and composed, only nodding in acknowledgement without showing much emotion on his face. When Bob saw his son, his son seemed to exude confidence and authority, projecting an unmovable aura. No matter how significant the scene was, it seemed to not pique his interest even a bit. Bob, with a happy expression, personally came to greet his son. "Lawrence, it's good that you're back!" There were discreetly set up cameras in the distance, and the media reporters filmed in awe. Lawrence glanced at them, lightly parted his lips, and simply uttered, "Father." Bob suddenly became teary-eyed. He had been yearning to hear those words for nearly ten years ever since he found out about Lawrence. "Get in the car. Let's first meet the family at the Rodriguez estate. These are the high-level shareholders of the company. You will soon be managing the group, and they will be your subordinates."
Bob then turned and asked the company's secretary, "By the way, where are Mr. Simmons and Mr. Rivera?" The secretary came forward, glanced at Lawrence before hesitantly replied, "Mr. Chairman, they were dispatched by Mars to handle an urgent land issue, so they couldn't come." Lawrence listened attentively to the secretary, taking in the information provided. When Bob heard the familiar name, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "All right. Let's get in the car, Lawrence." Lawrence walked over to the other side of the car door and glanced at Jeremy. Jeremy instantly understood and left the airport alone. He had come to Trento City with Mr. L this time specifically to search for Oscar. Secondly, as a newcomer who was still unfamiliar with the depth of the Rodriguez family's power, he had to protect Mr. L to a certain extent. Mr. L was anxious to find Oscar and immediately sent him to look for the black car as soon as they landed. - The Rodriguez family's mansion was located at the peak of Camellia Mount in Trento City. With tens of thousands of hectares, it had everything one could imagine - backed by snow-capped mountains, a private lake, an airstrip, and a golf course. Camellia Mount served as the gathering place for the prestigious families of Trento City, with the mansions of other wealthy families located below the Rodriguez family estate. A sleek Rolls-Royce was parked - The grand gates of the Rodriguez family's mansion swung open, and the head steward led numerous servants to line up, saying, "Welcome back, Bob and Lawrence!" Inside the magnificent living room of the Rodriguez family mansion, many people were already seated. Lawrence had a cold expression as he strode in, with Bob walking side by side. "This is Lawrence? He's quite handsome, Bob!" A luxurious voice rang out, and Hellen walked over gracefully in her cheongsam, smiling. Bob introduced his wife to Lawrence, "This is my wife, Lawrence." "Mmm," Lawrence responded indifferently, barely lifting his gaze. In an instant, the uncles and aunts present displayed a variety of expressions, ranging from surprise to curiosity, as they observed Lawrence's response. Knowing his son's true nature, Bob took it into consideration and put Hellen aside, pointing to the elderly woman seated in the upper seat. "Go and greet your grandmother. She has been wanting to see you for a long time."
Only then did Lawrence raise his gaze as he walked over and took the coffee cup handed over by the butler. He knelt down on one knee, saying, "Grandmother." His voice was deep and immensely powerful. Though not loud, the word "grandmother" uttered by Lawrence immediately shocked the people below into silence. The elderly woman's face lit up in delight as she exclaimed, "Ah! So, you're called Lawrence? Bob, we finally have a great-grandson in our family!" As soon as the elderly woman spoke, Hellen immediately looked toward Mars, who was leaning to the side. Mars had a gloomy expression in his eyes, aware that the uncles and aunts were secretly watching him. Being a hot-tempered person, Mars smiled and addressed Bob, "Father, now that Lawrence is back, I now have to step aside after being the great-grandson for twenty-four years. Look, isn't Grandma being biased?" Bob frowned upon hearing Mars's words. The elderly woman scolded him, saying, "Mars, Lawrence is Bob's biological son, so what's there to argue about with you being younger?" "That's right." Mars chuckled sarcastically as he stepped forward, looking at Lawrence. "Lawrence has just been acknowledged by Bob and is about to take over the power of the Rodriguez family. Naturally, I have to make way for Lawrence in all aspects." Hellen then chimed in, saying, "Bob's word is law in this family. That's how the Rodriguez family thrives. Now that Lawrence is taking over, all the elders should support him unconditionally." Speaking from Bob's perspective, Hellen's words carried a strong air of authority, causing Mars's face to darken even more, and the elders felt discontented as well. Bob looked at Hellen with a cold frown, causing her to stiffen and not speak again. Lawrence, on the other hand, remained silent. He looked calmly at Hellen and Mars, his lips curled lazily. His eyes were calm but exerted an unexplained influence that sent a shiver down Hellen's spine. Amy, however, didn't understand her mother's words and came out to mediate. "Mom, Mars has served the Rodriguez family faithfully for so many years. He is the one who truly understands how the Rodriguez family operates. How can you speak up for Lawrence?" she muttered, understanding very well that her mother harbored resentment toward Lawrence's return. As soon as Amy spoke, the expressions of the others became intriguing. Two elders immediately laughed and looked at Mars. "Amy is right. Mars, with his abilities, isn't he stronger than Lawrence, who just returned and doesn't know anything? Bob, although Mars is an adopted son, you shouldn't favor one and neglect the other like this. If we're talking about supporting someone to take over, then we support Mars!" Bob's frown deepened as he directed a fierce stare at Amy. Mars and Hellen's expressions abruptly shifted, their faces reflecting a desire to remove Amy from the situation. Lawrence's deep and calm gaze, however, seemed to be "admiring" Amy. Everyone's thoughts varied in response to the unfolding situation before them. Mars took the initiative to step forward and smiled reassuringly. "I don't have any real abilities. It's all because my father thinks highly of me and has entrusted me with several companies. By luck, these companies are ranked among the top in the country. I don't have such big ambitions. Let Lawrence take over the companies. Elders, be gracious and don't be afraid of affecting your own interests!" As soon as he finished speaking, Bryan's face turned cold, and the others who were present clenched their fists. Their outward appearances appeared friendly as they looked at Lawrence, but secretly, their discontent grew. Bob knew that the situation had already been stirred up today, regardless of whether it was his adopted son or others. In reality, it was a divided group, each fighting for their own interests.
Having firmly made his decision, he declared, "With our mother present today, I officially appoint Lawrence as my successor. He is an exceptionally talented individual, capable of making significant waves in the domestic industry at Island Electronics Group in Lymington. With the wisdom and determination entrusted by the Rodriguez family, I am confident he will excel. Otherwise, our century-old foundation will deteriorate from within. I hereby name Lawrence as the CEO of the group, and since you all are present today, let's reach a collective decision!"
Immediately following his statement, a variety of reactions emerged from those in attendance.