Chapter 275 Ophelia Causes Trouble
The Lockhart Group had been a media sensation for an entire month.
From Theodore's criminal charges to his acquittal, and then Vincent's sentencing, the saga had kept the company in the headlines nonstop.
The Lockhart Group had been trending for a full month.
Their stock prices had not only recovered but had even surpassed previous highs, showing a consistent upward trend.
In her office, Cecilia took a moment to glance at the news on her phone. It wasn't just a way to relax or pass the time. More importantly, it was about staying sharp and catching the latest updates in the business world.
She opened the news and saw the latest buzz: Vincent's sentencing. Convicted of bribery, tax evasion, and self-dealing, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Fifteen years later, Vincent would be left with little to look forward to.
This effectively marked the end of Vincent's era.
With Vincent out of the picture, Andrew and Juliana would be next in line.
Cecilia set her phone down and sipped her coffee casually, then said, "Come in."
Rose entered the room.
"Ms. Lockhart, the chairman's secretary just reminded me that tomorrow night is the company's anniversary celebration. It's important you attend," Rose reported.
Cecilia glanced at the desk calendar. "Tomorrow evening?"
"Yes, at 6 PM. They specifically asked you not to be late."
"Will there be guests from outside the company?"
"The Lockhart Group's anniversary is an external event," Rose explained. "The internal dinner is usually at the end of the year."
Cecilia nodded slightly. "Alright. Please remind me tomorrow."
"Will do."
"By the way, how's the Flower Beach International project coming along?" Cecilia asked.
"The new contractor has started work. Everything looks on track, and it should be completed by early next year," Rose answered.
"Check with the planning department on when we can start sales."
"I'll find out and get back to you," Rose said, making a note.
"Also, it's been nearly three months since I joined the Lockhart Group," Cecilia continued. "I had promised in the executive meeting that we'd achieve 80% of the annual sales target. Can you calculate how we're progressing?"
"I've done a preliminary check. The Tower of Light's revenue, combined with the normal earnings from other projects, has already achieved 90% of this year's target. If we launch the Flower Beach International project as planned, I estimate we'll see a 200% increase compared to last year, especially since both projects were at a loss last year. Additionally, since you joined, although there have been some fluctuations, the stock market trend is clearly positive. From this year's growth, the Lockhart Group's profit has tripled compared to last year," Rose reported.
Cecilia appreciated Rose's knack for being prepared. Their efficiency saved both of them a lot of time.
"Alright, you can go now," Cecilia said.
"Sure thing." Rose left the room.
Cecilia set her coffee cup down and turned her attention back to her work. Suddenly, her phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID before answering, "Dad."
"Ophelia's here in my office. You need to come up," Theodore's voice was tense.
Cecilia's eyes narrowed. With Vincent's sentencing, Ophelia's appearance could only mean trouble.
She quickly exited her office and called out to Rose, "Come with me."
Rose, puzzled but obliging, followed Cecilia directly to the chairman's office.
From a distance, they could already hear Ophelia's angry shouting. "You bunch of worthless dogs, get out of my way! I'm dealing with my son, and anyone who interferes will pay for it!"
Cecilia's expression darkened immediately.
She strode into the office, confronting Ophelia. "Ophelia, don't you remember? You publicly severed ties with my father multiple times. Have you forgotten that so easily in your old age?"
Cecilia made it clear that she no longer had any respect for Ophelia. The term "grandmother" was off-limits.
Ophelia's face turned a deep red with rage.
In the room with her were Vivienne, Andrew, and Juliana, along with a few security guards. It seemed Ophelia's uninvited intrusion had stirred up the company's security team.
"Theodore is my son, and even if he's dead, that connection can't be broken!" Ophelia raged.
"It's laughable, Ophelia. You were the one who wanted to cut ties with him, and now you're screaming about a connection that can't be severed. What exactly do you want to achieve with this nonsense?"
"I'm not here to argue with you! Theodore, I want two million dollars transferred to my account immediately!" Ophelia demanded bluntly.
Her tone was one of absolute entitlement, as if demanding money was the most natural thing in the world.
So, Ophelia was here for money.
Cecilia had expected as much.
After their last confrontation, the family had indeed reclaimed the Old Mansion, the staff, and had cut off Ophelia's allowance. In a fit of rage, Ophelia had moved back into Vincent's private villa with Andrew and his family.
Vincent had some money, so his family wouldn't be destitute immediately. However, they hadn't realized that Vincent's crime—tax evasion for personal gain—would lead to not only imprisonment but also the complete confiscation of his assets. In other words, everything Vincent owned had evaporated overnight, leaving his family financially shattered.
Everything was seized on the day of the sentencing.
Ophelia, unable to accept this, came knocking for money. She didn't mince words; she demanded two million dollars.
It was hard to imagine anyone having the audacity to be so shameless.
"Are you seriously suggesting we just hand it over?" Cecilia asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
She remained calm, almost amused by the absurdity of the situation.
"Refuse, and I'll take you to court for failing to support me!" Ophelia threatened.
Cecilia's smirk widened. "Oh, Ophelia, if you want support, that's simple enough. We'll put you in a retirement home, which is the most 'official' way to provide for you under Yakurosean standards."
"What are you saying?" Ophelia was incredulous.
The idea of being sent to a retirement home was anathema to her. In the Yakurosean Empire, retirement homes were places where the elderly were mistreated, reserved only for useless old folks abandoned by ungrateful children.
Ophelia was visibly outraged.
Cecilia said, "I'm saying, if you want financial support, we'll provide it. Based on the Yakurosean Empire's basic living standards, $450 a month should cover your needs. Of course, since you're used to luxury and can't care for yourself, we'd also hire a caregiver for $1000. To round it off, I'll offer you $2000 a month. How does that sound?"
"Are you trying to insult me? Two thousand dollars a month?!" Ophelia was seething, barely holding back from physically attacking Cecilia.
The offer felt like a slap in the face, a cruel joke meant to demean her.
Cecilia's mockery cut deep, underscoring how far Ophelia had fallen from her former grandeur.
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