Chapter 272 This Debt Cannot Be Settled
Theo must've sensed my inner turmoil. Clearing his throat, he said earnestly, "Diana, stop beating yourself up. It's not your fault. We all know you've done everything for the Cooper Group. With how big the company is now, you're responsible for a lot of people's livelihoods. It's your job to protect the company's interests."
He continued, his tone softening. "Think about it. If the Cooper Group went under because of poor decisions, what would happen to our employees? They could lose their jobs, and their families would suffer. Just like what happened with the Howard Group, where some employees were driven to desperate measures. Who would be there to help them then?"
At that moment, Cassius jumped in, "Exactly. The projects you suggested to Clara made her money at first. How is this your fault? It was Clara's greed and reckless investments that caused this mess."
I nodded slowly and said, "I hope that's the case, but I've been reflecting on whether I've been cautious enough in handling this situation. Regardless, I can't let the Cooper Group be dragged down because of them."
Theo and Cassius's words made me feel a bit better.
Just then, the conference room door flew open, and Edward stormed in, fuming with anger.
He charged at me, shouting through gritted teeth. "Diana, how could you be so heartless, pushing my mom and Anne to the edge?"
Seeing him like this, Theo quickly stood up.
I looked at Edward in shock, instinctively placing a protective hand over my rounded belly.
I said, "Edward, calm down! You need to understand. It's not me doing this to them. Their own greed has led them to this point. Your Howard Group was destroyed by their actions."
Hearing this, Edward let out a cold, disdainful laugh.
He said, "You have no right to criticize the Howard Group! Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You were the one pulling the strings, using Anne to bring down the Howard Group. That way, the Cooper Group would have one less competitor. Am I right?"
Noticing Edward's stubbornness, I adopted a serious tone. "Edward, they've been hiding the truth from you! Clara's irresponsible investments not only depleted her finances but also pushed her to instruct Anne to embezzle funds from the Howard Group. If it weren't for their wrongdoings, the Howard Group wouldn't be in such a crisis. And over the years, my struggles with infertility, your father's ongoing health problems, and your sudden illness—haven't you ever questioned who might be orchestrating all of this?"
Edward's body stiffened, and an unnatural expression crossed his face. After a long silence, he admitted in a low voice, despite his disdain. "I realize the medications I took were linked to them, but what does that really prove? How could they possibly harm me and my family? Stop throwing around unfounded accusations to intimidate me. Anne is just kind and inexperienced; she couldn't possibly bring down the Howard Group on her own. I think you've exploited her kindness and naivety to settle a score with me. You're genuinely heartless!"Hearing this, I looked at Edward helplessly and said, "Edward, the facts are right in front of you—stop being so stubborn. Do you really think I want to see the Howard Group in such a mess? As the father of my child, I'm only looking out for your best interests. If you don't take action soon and the Howard Group goes under, how do you think you'll bounce back from that?"
Suddenly, Edward stepped closer, grabbing my shoulders tightly, his emotions boiling over.
"The Howard Group is not your concern. I'll handle it myself! Even if they've messed up, it's not your place to judge!" His gaze fell on my swollen belly, a complex expression crossing his face. His lips trembled slightly as he said softly, "Have you ever thought about the child you're carrying? This child will be born into a broken family because of you."
Seeing this, Theo quickly stepped forward, placing himself between Edward and me, and said sternly, "Mr. Howard, please calm down. Ms. Cooper is telling the truth. If you check the Howard Group's current financial situation and legal troubles, you'll understand how serious this is."
I tried to steady my voice, suppressing my anxiety. "Edward, don't you see? Clara and Anne's actions were no accident. From Clara's reckless investments, which resulted in huge financial losses, to Anne's embezzlement, these actions have set off countless time bombs within the Howard Group. The company's financial state is shaky, and legal issues are looming like dark clouds. These could bring down the entire group at any moment. As the CEO, you're responsible not just for the Howard family's reputation but for the livelihoods and futures of all your employees. If you don't wake up and take decisive action to stop this downward spiral, it might be too late to save anything when the real trouble hits."
I spoke at length, leaving Edward staring at me in a daze.
"As for my child, I will do everything in my power to create a beautiful future for him, free from lies and corruption," I added.
When I mentioned the child, Edward's gaze darkened. He looked at me, then at Theo and Cassius.
After scanning the room, he said coldly, "Diana, this isn't over. I will get to the bottom of this. If I find out you're behind it, you better be ready for the consequences."
With that, he turned to leave the conference room. At the door, he paused, turned back, and said firmly, "This child is mine, and I will never give up on him."
Then he turned and left, seething with anger.
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