Chapter 564 Secretly Dismantling the Power in Sebastian's Hands
Sebastian returned to his office, his long fingers tugging at his tie. Finally, he loosened it enough to breathe, and with a lazy, almost exhausted demeanor, he sank into his chair.
He tilted his head back and saw the heavy rain and thunder outside. Sebastian suddenly felt a wave of fatigue.
At that moment, a news alert popped up in the bottom right corner of his computer screen. It was from Aucester's top financial news outlet, always covering the city's largest markets and corporate movements.
Sebastian glanced at it. The bold headline was clear:
#The Turner Group's Stock Price Plummets Again Today, Hitting the Limit. So far, the Traditional Building Materials Giant Has Lost $20 billion.#
Sebastian didn't bother to click on the news. He already knew the Turner Group's fate—it was just a matter of time.
With his hands clasped tightly, elbows resting on the mahogany desk, Sebastian took a few deep breaths before opening a folder and pulling out a document.
There was a knock at the office door. Sebastian's lazy, deep voice responded, "Come in."
Dario entered, bowing slightly. "Mr. Sebastian Kingsley, Mr. Brian Kingsley wants you to open your private account now. The company's stocks are going on sale."
Sebastian didn't pause, signing his name on the document and setting it down. "Alright."
Dario felt a surge of frustration and indignation. "Mr. Sebastian Kingsley, Mr. Brian Kingsley's actions are clearly undermining your authority."
Sebastian's lips curved into a slight smile as he looked at Dario's expression. "If you can see it, how could I not?"
Dario stammered, "But Mr. Sebastian Kingsley, if you know, why don't you... Do something?"
Sebastian opened the stock page on his computer. A mix of red and green lines dominated the screen. The most stable stocks were MBK and Aurora Global Group, two major domestic conglomerates, each holding their ground.
They had always maintained a watchful stance but had never truly engaged.
With a shift in thought, Sebastian stopped paying attention and instead entered his account password, selling the stocks proportionally.
Dario suggested, "Mr. Sebastian Kingsley, why not open another account and buy back the stocks you're selling?"
Sebastian chuckled at his naivety. "You think he wouldn't anticipate that?"
Dario was speechless. "But relinquishing power like this feels wrong."
Sebastian waved his hand, stopping further discussion. "Is the computer ready?"
"It's ready. I'll bring it over right away."
"Good."
Dario left the office, and Sebastian's phone rang. It was Bianca, likely with news about the Turner Group.
"Ms. Gomez," Sebastian said, leaning back in his chair, ready to hear some good news.
"Mr. Kingsley, I'm currently investigating the Turner Group. If you have any instructions, let me know, and we'll act quickly."
Bianca had a stack of files beside her, all related to the Turner Group, covering nearly every aspect.
Sebastian rubbed his forehead slowly. "The Turner Group has ten major partners. Find a way to break them one by one, cutting off their support. Contact me immediately if you encounter any issues."
"Understood, Mr. Kingsley. I'll get on it right away."
"No, you need to handle this personally. Have Mr. Hernandez assist you. From now on, you two will fully take over the Turner Group's acquisition. I want it done as quickly as possible."
Bianca was puzzled. "Mr. Kingsley, there's no need to rush. The Turner Group's decline has just begun. We can wait until they can't hold on anymore and then acquire them at a lower price."
"Then shorten the timeline."
Sebastian wasn't sure if his funds would last until the Turner Group collapsed.
No one knew he was racing against time, a race that might determine his future direction.
"Alright! I'll get started now!"
Brandon frowned. "This isn't like Mr. Kingsley. He's usually calm and decisive, only striking when he's tired of playing with his prey. He's losing his cool with the Turner Group."
Bianca closed her computer and grabbed her keys. "Enough thinking. According to Mr. Kingsley, we need to break the Turner Group's partners one by one."
Brandon was frustrated. "Bianca, you follow Mr. Kingsley's orders too? Brooklyn is your benefactor, and managing her company is understandable. But now you're listening to Mr. Kingsley too? When will you listen to me like that?"
Bianca quickly entered the elevator, pressing the button to descend. " Mr. Kingsley is the real boss behind Mitchell Group. Of course, I follow his orders."
As the elevator doors closed, Brandon suddenly wrapped his long arm around her waist, his lips close to her cheek. "What about me? I'm your man."
Bianca laughed, her hand brushing his cheek teasingly. "Man? Boyfriends are meant to be bullied. If you don't like it, you can leave anytime."
"Damn it!"
Brooklyn had been unsettled all day by the thunder and rain. After finishing with the emergency cases, she headed back to her office from the first floor. In the elevator, her high heel slipped, and she nearly fell.
"Dr. Mitchell, be careful."
Fortunately, a pair of strong arms caught her just in time. For a moment, Brooklyn almost thought Sebastian had returned.
Turning, she saw it was Jake. She smiled to hide her embarrassment. "Dr. Harris, what a coincidence."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Not really. I've been behind you, watching you walk unsteadily, ready to fall at any moment. And you did..."
He shrugged.
Brooklyn's clear eyes flashed with a clean, intelligent light. "It's been raining all day. It's a bit unsettling."
Jake looked out the window. "It is. This weather makes me want to stay home, snack on the couch, and watch TV. Rainy days aren't good for work, especially for us."
Brooklyn laughed. "So, Dr. Harris, are you hoping I'll give you a day off?"
Jake shrugged again. "It seems you need the day off more. Be careful walking, Dr. Mitchell. Not everyone likes to follow you around."
"I won't make the same mistake twice."
The elevator doors opened, and Brooklyn and Jake entered, standing silently inside.
A few seconds later, Brooklyn asked, "Last time you went out with Mr. Harrington, Sebastian took you away. It wasn't just for a drive, was it?"
Jake nodded. "No, but I can't tell you the details. Some things are better left unknown."
Brooklyn scrutinized Jake, her clear, intelligent eyes seeming to pierce through him. "You don't want to tell me?"
"If you're asking, it means Mr. Kingsley didn't tell you the truth either. If your husband didn't say, I can't."
These two were quite interesting.
With half an hour left before the end of her shift, Brooklyn had no special cases today and could leave on time. She tidied her desk and opened a medical book, reading while waiting for Sebastian to pick her up.
Sebastian glanced at his watch. It was almost time for Brooklyn to finish work. The rain was heavy, and traffic would be bad. He decided to leave early to pick her up.
He shut down his computer, grabbed his suit jacket from the chair, and left his seat.
"Mr. Sebastian Kingsley, Mr. Brian Kingsley wants to see you in his office upstairs." As he stepped out, Brian's chief secretary blocked his path.
Sebastian's eyes darkened, his gaze sharp enough to startle the secretary.
"What is it?" His tone was noticeably heavier.
"Mr. Brian Kingsley insists you go. It must be urgent. Please go now." The secretary softened her voice, not daring to say more.
Sebastian took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. "Alright."
Brian's office was the last place Sebastian wanted to be.
Sebastian entered, finding Brian behind his desk and Yancy standing to the side. The atmosphere was already heavy.
"Dad, you wanted to see me."
His question was light, his tall figure like a beam piercing the dark night, breaking through the heavy fog.
Brian pointed to the chair opposite him. "Sit down."
Sebastian glanced at the large electronic clock on the wall. He needed to end this meeting quickly to pick up Brooklyn.
"No need. Just tell me what you want."
Brian exhaled heavily. "In today's board meeting, I wasn't targeting anyone. Market economics are like that. To integrate into the market, you must embrace diversity. You understand what I mean."
Sebastian found it ironic, his voice still calm. "If it's about that, don't waste your breath."
"Here's a project proposal. MBK plans to develop a high-end office building in Aqua Vista City. I want you to take full charge of this project." Brian handed the document to Sebastian, emphasizing, "The company plans to set the building height at 110 floors, but Aqua Vista City's top government officials and safety departments have raised concerns about safety risks. I need you to handle this and ensure the project starts on time."
Sebastian skimmed the proposal, frowning. "This height will make it the tallest building in Aqua Vista City. The government won't approve this project for MBK."
Brian stood up, patting Sebastian's shoulder and smiling, his aging face showing shallow wrinkles. "As MBK's CEO, you should have the ability."
Sebastian's eyes turned icy, tossing the document onto the desk. "Policies are strict. You're not just challenging me; you're challenging the government. Dad, MBK isn't big enough to rival the nation."
Brian chuckled, picking up the proposal again. "Sebastian, you're a management genius and a renowned negotiator. I believe you can do what others can't. This project is crucial. I need you to give it your all."
Sebastian glanced at the document, his disdain barely noticeable. "You mean you want me to go to Aqua Vista City?"
Brian's eyes were inscrutable. "Yes, I want you to oversee the project from the start. Once it's stable, you can return. Meanwhile, I'll have someone handle your current work."
The father and son locked eyes, like a silent battle.
It was clear this was a strategy to temporarily strip Sebastian of his power. The Aqua Vista City project and its importance were just excuses.
Sebastian nodded, not objecting, rolling the document in his hand and gripping it tightly. "Alright."