Chapter 413 Quinn Takes Over the Position of Finance Manager
The white Maserati arrived punctually outside the gate of The Taylor villa. Kevin's driver respectfully opened the door and bowed, "Ms. Taylor, please get in."
Scarlett bent down to get into the car and immediately caught a faint scent of roses. She then noticed a few fresh, delicate red roses placed on the storage rack between the two rear seats. They were the same variety as the roses she received at Averlake, with a familiar fragrance.
Lately, Kevin seemed to enjoy giving her roses. Was he certain she would accept them?
The driver remained silent throughout the journey. Soft music played in the car, and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. Scarlett, sitting in the spacious back seat, almost drifted off to sleep.
Half an hour later, the car stopped. Scarlett, who had been resting with her eyes closed, opened them to see Kevin in a sharp suit standing on the steps. He walked up briskly and personally opened the car door, smiling gently, "Are you tired?"
She had only been in the car for half an hour. Saying she was tired would be too pretentious.
"Not tired."
Looking around, Scarlett quickly realized where they were. She had been here before with Kevin. He would arrange for her to get styled and choose outfits here. In short, this was Kevin's private image club, offering top-notch accessories, clothing, styling, and makeup. Scarlett still remembered the first time she came here; after making up, she almost didn't recognize herself in the mirror.
"Let's go in." Kevin gently placed his hand on Scarlett's waist, and they walked in together.
A dozen staff members surrounded Kevin and Scarlett, providing close service. The head of the team bowed and asked, "Mr. King, what kind of styling are you doing today? What event or gathering are you attending?"
Scarlett glanced at Kevin, waiting to see how he would respond. As expected, he answered directly and efficiently, "A formal family dinner, attending as the future bride."
"Understood!"
Scarlett frowned and spoke up before the designer could make a plan, "No need to make it too complicated. My face has been a bit uncomfortable lately, so heavy makeup isn't suitable."
After speaking, Scarlett looked at Kevin and smiled politely.
"Alright, just listen to her." After speaking to the designer, Kevin gently asked Scarlett, "Do you have any specific ideas for the dress? You can tell them. You're the main focus."
Scarlett wanted to say, "Just keep it simple, don't make it a hassle."
"They're top designers. I wouldn't dare to show off my limited knowledge. I trust they'll understand my preferences."
Scarlett smiled slightly, already feeling cautious. No matter what Kevin said, she couldn't help but overthink it, feeling like her brain was about to overheat.
"That's fine. Actually, I don't like you wearing makeup either. You're already the most beautiful, makeup would be redundant. Natural beauty is best."
Listening to Kevin's praise, Scarlett just smiled and did not respond. She had probably heard it too many times to feel anything about it anymore.
Before, she thought it was repetitive. Now, she found it suspicious.
Did Kevin genuinely like her and want to marry her, or did he have other motives?
Following Scarlett's request, the styling was kept simple. Her long hair was styled into soft waves, cascading over her shoulders like seaweed. The thick, soft hair conveniently covered the exposed skin on her back, making the dress's slit even more mysterious and alluring.
Just as Kevin was about to speak, Scarlett quickly said, "It's getting late, let's head out."
Kevin didn't show any impatience, instead, he praised her with his eyes, "We still have some time. We can drive slowly. Styling must be tiring, you can take a nap on the way."
Forget it. She felt like her mind was a chaotic zoo right now.
Sebastian walked out of the villa, and Owen was already waiting by the car door, "Mr. Kingsley, good morning."
Sebastian nodded slightly and got into the car. As soon as he was seated, he closed his eyes, looking a bit tired.
Owen saw Sebastian's weary expression in the rearview mirror and turned back, concerned, "Mr. Kingsley, should we stop here for a while so you can rest before we head out?"
"No need, go straight to the company."
Sebastian rubbed his forehead with his long fingers. He was indeed not in good shape, having barely slept the entire night.
"Give me the schedule."
Owen handed him a tablet, "The plans for the next two days are all on here, Mr. Kingsley."
Sebastian responded with a hum, feeling a headache as soon as he read the first line.
Brian had called a board meeting early in the morning. These board members really had nothing better to do!
As he continued reading, his frown deepened, and his dissatisfaction peaked at the last item on the schedule, which even specifically mentioned the time, place, and people involved, as if it was specially designed to prevent him from declining.
The Turner family and the Kingsley family were having a family dinner at The Kingsley Villa. Both families would be present. Sebastian didn't need to think to know what they would discuss and why they were gathering.
His parents had arranged this meeting without consulting him.
Fine, if they wanted to take the initiative, he would play along.
When the car arrived at the MBK International Building, Sebastian straightened his suit. As his tall figure entered the revolving glass door, Quinn caught up from behind.
"Sebastian!"
Hearing the voice, Sebastian turned to look at Quinn. Today, Quinn seemed very different from usual.
In the past, even when Quinn came to work at the company, he was always casual, wearing jeans, a casual top, and sneakers. But today, he was in a suit. Despite the obvious youthfulness on his face and the awkwardness of a child playing dress-up, he had admited that Quinn seemed to have grown up quite a bit.
Sebastian nodded, "You're actually on time today."
Usually, Quinn wouldn't show up before eleven and would leave by five. He claimed to be here to learn and gain experience, but it was more like a vacation. The department heads didn't dare to manage him.
Quinn pouted and shrugged reluctantly, "I didn't want to." He yawned widely and continued, "It was Dad who forced me to come."
Brian had called a board meeting early in the morning, and Quinn had surprisingly shown up early. Sebastian had a good idea of what Brian was planning.
"Since you're here, stick it out to the end. Don't run off halfway."
Quinn scratched his head, his handsome face showing reluctance, "Sebastian, you know I hate these boring things. How about you talk to Dad and get me out of headquarters? Just give me a branch office, and I'll be happy."
Sebastian gave him a sidelong glance, "Nonsense. You're the second son of the Kingsley family. You need to stay at headquarters. Now, let's go."
The board meeting started on time. Dozens of board members sat in rows around the large conference table, which was filled to capacity but completely silent.
Brian, flanked by his assistant and secretary, walked into the meeting room and took the chairman's seat. To his right sat Sebastian, and to his left was the CFO of MBK Group. However, it was obvious to everyone that one of the chairs around the table was empty.
Soon, Quinn walked in.
This was Quinn's first time attending a board meeting. Previously, he didn't have the qualifications. His arrival today caused quite a stir.
But with Brian and Sebastian present, no one dared to speak out, and everyone remained silent, watching to see what would happen.
Under the watchful eyes of the board members, Quinn took an empty seat opposite Sebastian. Quinn was truly too young, sitting among a group of middle-aged board members, he stood out like a fresh young sapling in a forest of centuries-old trees, creating quite a striking visual contrast.
Sebastian remained impassive, sitting with his legs crossed and flipping through documents, his expression unchanged.
Brian glanced at Sebastian and then at the board members. Sitting up straight, he spoke firmly, "As you all know, my second son Quinn has been learning at MBK Group for quite some time now..."
After some simple yet significant formalities, Brian announced his decision, "From now on, Quinn will officially take over as the manager of the finance department."
Sebastian's eyebrows raised slightly. The position of finance manager might not sound high-ranking, but the finance department was the core of the company. Controlling the finances meant controlling the company's lifeline. The finance manager was always the fastest to get promoted to the management level and become a core leader.
Brian's intentions were clear.
Quinn was shocked. He was already confused about being asked to attend the board meeting, and now he was suddenly being the finance manager. It was too sudden!
Had he exaggerated his abilities when his father called him to the office.
Everyone exchanged glances. How could someone as young as Quinn handle such an important position?
But Brian clearly did not give everyone the right to vote; he was here to announce the results, not to solicit opinions.
Sebastian clapped his hands. While everyone was silently observing his reaction, expecting him to be angry, he actually started applauding!
Quinn looked at Sebastian in disbelief, his mouth almost twisted.
As the executive president, Sebastian had to speak, "Quinn may be young, but he is exceptionally talented and has a lot of experience in managing finances. I'm sure he will perform to everyone's satisfaction."
After the board meeting, Sebastian walked back to his office without looking sideways. Quinn quickly said goodbye to Brian and caught up with Sebastian outside the office door.
"Sebastian, this wasn't my idea. I don't want to manage finances. You know I don't want to run the company."
Quinn was worried that Sebastian might misunderstand. By getting involved in the board and taking on a key financial role, it was clear he was climbing the ladder step by step. The ultimate goal, without needing explanation, was not just the position of Chairman, but that of CEO.
Sebastian nodded calmly, "And then?"
Quinn was puzzled, "What do you mean?"
Sebastian said, "Your current position is finance manager. It's not a small role. You'll have many responsibilities and face many challenges. I don't want you to imply that you're not interested in it right from the start."
Quinn fell silent.
Sebastian opened the office door and stepped inside, "Also, the finance department has strict assessments and a heavy workload. Be prepared. I won't go easy on you because of you are my brother."
Quinn was even more confused, "Sebastian, are you serious?"
Sebastian turned back, slightly looking down at Quinn, who was a bit shorter than him, "Do I look like I'm joking?"
"No." Quinn nodded dejectedly, "I'll try my best."
After answering, Quinn didn't leave immediately. With a tense expression on his face, he was ruminating frantically in his mind.
Seeing Quinn still standing in the office, Sebastian raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you going to report to the finance department? Do you want to work on your first day?"
Quinn bit his lip, gathering his courage, and spoke in a stiff, unnatural voice, "Sebastian, about Scarlett, I..."
He couldn't bring himself to apologize. He didn't want to admit he was wrong, especially not about liking Scarlett.
However, he regretted bringing it up.
Sebastian, already seated behind his desk, said, "Alright, the HR department is preparing your onboarding paperwork. You need to be there in person. Go now."