Chapter 777 No Farewell
Theodore looked at Cecilia, observing the forced smile at the corner of her mouth.
Cecilia took the initiative to help Theodore straighten his tie, making herself appear at ease.
Theodore affectionately patted Cecilia's head, "I'm not sad."
Cecilia nodded.
It seemed that besides nodding, she couldn't find more comforting words to say.
The office door was politely knocked.
The secretary respectfully said, "Mr. Lockhart, Ms. Lockhart, the meeting is about to start."
Theodore nodded.
He said heavily, "Let's go, let's put a perfect end to our business career."
"Okay."
Cecilia followed Theodore, heading towards the largest conference room of the Lockhart Group.
The conference room could accommodate thousands of people.
It was silent inside.
Everyone was quietly waiting for their arrival.
There had been some rumors within the Lockhart Group for a long time, but because they were not confirmed, most employees just speculated internally and did not dare to spread rumors.
However, because there was some news, everyone was curious about this all-hands meeting.
Theodore walked directly to the podium in the conference hall.
Cecilia stood not far from him.
She wore relatively loose clothing and had light makeup, but the obvious bulge in her abdomen still made her pregnancy apparent.
All the employees in the room were looking at Theodore, and the video conference rooms of all the branches were also seriously watching the screen.
Such a large employee meeting had not been held many times in the Lockhart Group over the years. The scale made the employees not dare to slack off for a second, fearing they would miss any news.
Theodore looked at the employees in front of him and was silent for a long time.
None of the employees on site made any noise, patiently waiting for him.
After a long time.
Theodore said, "I apologize for asking everyone to put down their work to attend this meeting. The Lockhart Group has never advocated for excessive meetings, hoping to spend more time on production and life, but today, there are many things I don't want to be conveyed secondhand. I hope to give everyone an explanation in person."
As soon as he spoke, the room became a bit restless.
Such an opening was somewhat emotional and heavy.
Theodore continued, "I believe everyone has heard that the Lockhart Group has been acquired. I am here to officially announce that the Lockhart Group has been acquired by Nexus Strategic Holdings. From today on, the Lockhart Group will no longer be led by the Lockhart family, which means it will no longer be me or my daughter Cecilia."
The room was in an uproar.
Many people thought it was just a rumor. After all, with Cecilia and Alaric's status, it seemed impossible for the Lockhart Group to be acquired so easily.
However, hearing it directly from Theodore's mouth, they had no choice but to believe it!
The scene started to become a bit chaotic.
The branch venues were also restless.
Theodore pursed his lips.
Looking at the employees who had followed him for so many years, seeing the panic on their faces, the surging emotions almost made him lose control.
He tried to calm himself and said again, "The departure of the Lockhart family will not affect most of you here."
All the people in the venue quieted down again after hearing Theodore's voice.
Everyone was looking at him.
Cecilia was also looking at Theodore.
At that moment, she really felt that Theodore had aged a lot.
His temples were graying.
At his age, he should be enjoying his retirement, but now, due to business competition, his later years would always have a thorn in his side, something he couldn't swallow, like a fishbone stuck in his throat.
"During this time, we have worked with the Human Resources Department to secure the best benefits we can for everyone. For the upper management, that is, positions below department managers, there will be no changes for the time being. All of you will continue in your current roles, and we have secured a 5% salary increase from the new group, effective this month."
The room erupted again.
It was the first time they had heard that the first thing a new owner did was to raise salaries.
And it was from the original company's leadership that they got this news.
"Everyone, please quiet down and listen to me." Theodore controlled the room.
No matter how much emotion was surging inside him, the composure and steadiness that the leader of the Lockhart Group should have was still full of presence.
The room instantly quieted down.
Theodore said, "In addition to the salary increase, everyone has automatically renewed their contracts with the Lockhart Group for five years. However, the initiative is in your hands. If you have any better opportunities, you can choose to leave unconditionally. But if you don't want to leave, as long as you don't make any major mistakes, the new company cannot dismiss you."
This provided the greatest protection for everyone.
Five years was enough time for them to stabilize during the new management's transition. After five years, it was unlikely that the new company would still make personnel changes.
Frequent talent changes are actually a waste of company resources.
"As for the upper management, I have already communicated with you privately. I won't announce it at the meeting." Theodore said.
Indeed, he had communicated with them a few days ago.
They all accepted all the arrangements.
Some who left the Lockhart Group even expressed their gratitude to Theodore.
Doing everything to the utmost was the only thing Cecilia could do for Theodore.
She just hoped that he would leave the Lockhart Group's history successfully.
Years later, when people in the business world mentioned Theodore, she hoped he would be admired by everyone.
People are like this.
When they no longer have a special status, they should at least leave a good reputation.
Being remembered for generations is also a good result.
The room erupted in intense applause.
The gratitude towards Theodore was self-evident.
"From now on, I wish everyone a bright future and endless possibilities." Theodore said to everyone on site, his powerful voice carrying waves of emotion, "No goodbyes."
As he finished speaking.
Theodore's straight body bent in a bow.
Some of the more emotionally fragile female employees had red eyes.
Cecilia's eyes were also red.
She could fully imagine how much reluctance Theodore felt towards the Lockhart Group and everything at that moment when he bowed.
That "no goodbyes" carried so much unwillingness.
Her eyes moved slightly.
She tried to keep herself from breaking down emotionally.
The meeting was very successful.
It ended perfectly amidst the enthusiastic applause of the audience.
Cecilia and Theodore stepped down from the podium.
From then on, they truly left the stage of the Lockhart Group.
From then on, the Lockhart Group no longer belonged to the Lockhart family.
Cecilia supported Theodore as they left.
Everyone on site stood up spontaneously, respectfully seeing them off.
Completely, leaving.
Dashiell was waiting for them outside.
In fact, he had also been standing in the corner watching the whole process.
He also felt a bit, reluctant.
But history is like this.
There will always be many helplessness, there will always be many regrets.
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