Chapter 294 Settling Old Scores
"Luke, this matter must be resolved this way!" Debbie's face showed a hint of shame, but her tone remained firm.
At this moment, sacrificing Elsa alone could save the Taylor Group and protect the interests of millions of its shareholders. Debbie had discussed countless solutions with the top executives of the Taylor Group. After comprehensive comparison, pushing Elsa out was the safest and most likely to succeed.
Debbie thought that even if Elsa got angry and started a public feud with the Taylor Group online, the increased attention would still leave room for maneuver. She didn't expect Elsa to endure it so stoically.
Debbie felt guilty, but she believed she was considering the bigger picture. Discussing this with Luke would only add to his burden.
"Sacrificing Elsa can save the entire Taylor family and protect millions of shareholders. If Elsa were in my position, she would make the same choice!" Debbie's expression was resolute.
Luke sneered. "Why you can sacrifice her as you pleased? When she was your daughter-in-law, you always targeted her. Now that we're divorced, she didn't ask for anything. What gives you the right to decide her fate and sacrifice her?!"
"Luke! How dare you accuse me? You've really disappointed me!" Debbie was so angry that she was trembling, slumping in her chair, unable to recover for a long time.
"Apologize to Elsa!" Luke's chest heaved with anger as he slammed the table.
Debbie and Luke parted on bad terms. After returning, Luke fired the entire PR department.
He clarified using his own account.
[Things are not as they seem. About the relationship between Ms. Elsa Miller and me, it was all my choice. Please direct your anger at me and leave Ms. Miller alone.]
But it was already too late to clear up the public opinion. The backlash against Elsa was unstoppable.
Around 10 PM, Elsa called. Luke's heart raced, and his hands trembled as he answered.
"Because of this incident, the Taylor Group's market value has increased by several billion dollars. I may not have any merit, but I've taken the blame. My reputation has been ruined, and it will be hard for me to find a job in the future. Shouldn't the $57 million debt be written off?" Elsa's voice was cold and detached.
Luke felt a jolt in his heart.
She only needed a day to make a decision. She didn't drag things out and was rational when needed.
She must have felt disappointed, sad, and pained, but by the evening, she had calmed down and was negotiating with him calmly.
Over the past year, the Taylor Group's stock had surged twice. once when he and Elsa escaped from Sean's gunpoint, turning their ordeal into a celebrated story, and now, when the Taylor family pushed her out to take the media's bullets to protect themselves.
"If I told you I didn't know about the PR statement when it was released, would you believe me?" Luke's voice was low and hoarse.
"It doesn't matter. I just want to know if I can buy my freedom after earning so much for the Taylor Group?" Elsa's voice was emotionless and cold.
For a moment, Luke found his explanation laughable. What difference did it make whether he knew or not? He was the legal representative of the Taylor Group, and the direct beneficiary was the Taylor Group. Not knowing didn't make him innocent.
The Taylor Group, himself, and the shareholders were the beneficiaries, and the only one sacrificed was Elsa.
Luke steadied his breath. "Of course. I will also provide the appropriate compensation."
"Compensation is unnecessary. I seduced you first, so I deserve this. The call is being recorded. I hope you will keep your promise and void the debt contract. From now on, we owe each other nothing." Elsa hung up decisively.
Luke had many apologies stuck in his throat. When he called back, he realized he had been blocked. He sent a message, but he was blocked again after the first one.
"Check how much the Taylor Group has increased in value recently and transfer it to Elsa's account." Luke silently lit a cigarette and called Max to give instructions.
"Mr. Taylor, transferring several billion dollars at once will attract police attention for illegal money laundering," Max said, feeling exasperated.
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