Chapter 354 Gabriel, Do You Agree or Not?
"Grandpa, what are you gonna talk to him about? Let me listen in, I promise I'll just sit quietly," Chelsea pleaded, her curiosity piqued.
Rolf gave her a look that was both kind and firm. "Chelsea, this is a matter for us to discuss privately. Please go downstairs."
Seeing the determination in her grandfather's eyes, Chelsea knew she couldn't stay. Though Rolf usually spoiled her, when it came to business, he was all serious. Reluctantly, she nodded and turned to leave.
After Chelsea left, Rolf turned to Gabriel and said calmly, "Have a seat."
"Thank you, Mr. Haugen!" Gabriel bowed respectfully and took a seat.
Rolf lit a cigarette, took a puff, and looked at Gabriel through the hazy smoke. "You've got some nerve, using my granddaughter like that right in front of me. But it doesn't seem like the attitude of someone begging for help."
Gabriel stayed calm. "I came today to offer cooperation, Mr. Haugen. Cooperation is based on equality, so I wouldn't call it begging."
Rolf smiled, but there was more to it. "You're young and bold, much stronger than your father. You remind me of your grandfather when he was young and making his way. No wonder he handed the Walton Group over to you."
"Mr. Haugen, you're too kind. I was raised by my grandfather, so naturally, I've picked up some of his strengths."
Suddenly, Rolf put out his cigarette in the ashtray. As the last ember died out, his gaze darkened. "However, you're overestimating yourself."
"Equality? Given the current state of the Walton Group, what do you have to offer me as an equal? How dare you?" Rolf let out a cold laugh.
Gabriel didn't get irritated. He smiled faintly and poured Rolf a cup of tea himself. "The Walton Group is in a tough spot right now, but with some capital, things will change. In six months, I'll give you a tenfold return on your investment."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "I believe no one could resist such a huge profit."
Gabriel was right, businessmen always valued money and profit. Such a large sum of money was indeed tempting.
Rolf would have definitely helped in his younger years. But now, things were different, he had something much more important.
"So what?" Rolf looked at him disdainfully. "What a joke. Do you think the Haugen family needs that kind of money? With the Haugen family's current wealth, it would last for over ten generations."
Gabriel smiled and said slowly, "Mr. Haugen, you must know that wealth can be depleted if it isn't actively grown. Even the vast Haugen fortune could dwindle in two generations if not managed wisely."
Rolf's expression tightened, Gabriel's words striking a chord. "So? I have to admit you've made your point, but it's still not enough."
Gabriel smiled faintly. He didn't expect a yes on the first try. The fact that Rolf was still willing to engage in the conversation was an opportunity in itself.
As a businessman, Rolf couldn't help but admire Gabriel's composure and calmness in the face of adversity. It was this very quality that made him feel gratified when Chelsea said she wanted to marry Gabriel.
He originally thought it would be a perfect match. But unexpectedly, it turned out to be his granddaughter's one-sided wish.
At this moment, Eliseo came running in a hurry. "Mr. Haugen, Ms. Haugen is on the window ledge threatening to jump. You should go take a look!"
"What nonsense!" Rolf exclaimed as he immediately ran over. Despite his serious demeanor, his frantic steps revealed his worry and anxiety.
Chelsea was his only granddaughter and the sole heir to the Haugen family. A few years ago, her parents died in a car accident, leaving her without parents. Since then, Rolf's love for her had only grown stronger, which led to her reckless and spoiled personality.
This move of hers was undoubtedly to force Rolf's hand. She definitely wouldn't jump, but even so, Rolf would still fall for it willingly.
Gabriel, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly followed them.
When they got to the room, there was no sign of her attempting suicide. She was sitting by the window, eating grapes with her legs crossed.
Seeing Rolf, she immediately raised her hand to stop him. "Grandpa, don't come any closer. I just have one question for you."
"Will you help me marry Gabriel or not? If the answer is yes, come over here. Or you can just leave right now. Whether I live or die has nothing to do with you."
Rolf stomped his foot in frustration and nodded. "Yes. How could I say no?"
Seeing this, Gabriel left the room and waited outside.
About ten minutes later, Rolf came out, looking serious. "The media leak was just a small lesson. If you marry Chelsea, I will immediately invest, and the Walton Group's crisis will be resolved."
"But if you don't accept this condition, then just wait and see. What comes next will be beyond what you can handle."
Gabriel smiled bitterly as if he had expected this. "I understand your terms, but I must tell you, I already met the woman I love my fiancée, so I absolutely cannot marry your granddaughter."
Hearing this, Rolf was naturally unhappy. "What fiancée? Chelsea likes you so much. Just break off the engagement. Chelsea has everything—education, beauty, figure, family background. Isn't she much better than your so-called fiancée?"
"I admit, Chelsea is outstanding, but in my heart, no woman can compare to Jessica. Jessica is the one and the only one in my heart. In my whole life, I will not marry anyone other than Jessica." Gabriel knew these words would anger Rolf, but he said them anyway.
Sure enough, Rolf was furious. "Fine, the only reason I agreed to invest was because Chelsea said you two were getting married. Since you can't be my grandson-in-law, the deal is off."
"Gabriel, let me see how long the Walton Group can last in its current predicament. What can you do to save it? I'll wait for you to come begging me again." With that, Rolf turned and stormed out in anger.
Gabriel watched his back, silent.
At this moment, Chelsea came out of the room. "If you agree now, I can have my grandpa take back what he just said and invest immediately."
Gabriel shook his head slowly, maintaining eye contact. "No need. By the way, forced marriages won't bring happiness. I wish you find your love soon, Ms. Haugen."
"You... Gabriel, are you trying to infuriate me? I'm telling you, if you don't agree to my terms, I'll have my grandpa go against the Walton Group as well."
In a fit of rage, Chelsea grabbed a cup from the table and threw it. The cup hit Gabriel's forehead directly. Instantly, blood started pouring from his forehead.
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