Chapter 280 I Will Not Give Up
Nicholas stood up and walked over to me. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "Diana, some pain and setbacks are essential for growth. Look at you; you only achieved what you have today after going through your own hardships, didn't you?"
He then made a funny face to entertain Skylar, who, to my surprise, stopped crying and broke into a smile.
But thinking of the innocent employees who were losing their jobs because the Howard Group was on the brink of bankruptcy, I couldn't help but press on. "You keep saying it's for the greater good, but what about the ordinary employees of the Howard Group? They're facing unemployment because of your so-called business reforms. Have you even considered their struggles?"
The smile vanished from Nicholas's face, replaced by a serious expression. "Diana, business reform always comes at a cost. Even if I stayed out of the Howard Group, Edward wouldn't be able to save the company. Now that Lucas has taken over, there's a chance to turn things around and give those employees a fresh start."
Hearing this, I scoffed in frustration, saying slowly, "You really know how to justify yourself. If I were you, I would never resort to such ruthless tactics to achieve some so-called business transformation."
A flicker of impatience crossed Nicholas's eyes, but he quickly masked it. "Diana, you're being overly emotional. After a few years in the business world, you'll understand my intentions."
Realizing I had lost my composure, I took a deep breath to steady myself. "Godfather, I'm not here to argue about this; I only hope you'll spare the Howard Group and Lucas. They are people, not just tools for you to satisfy your own desires." With that, I turned and walked toward the door.
"Diana," Nicholas called after me. "You're a smart and talented young woman. I hope you can understand that everything I'm doing is for the greater good."
Hearing this, I paused but didn't turn around. Instead. I replied coldly, "What you call the greater good is just a means to fulfill your own ambitions."
With that, I opened the door and strode out of the private room. I knew that Lucas taking over the Howard Group was a reality I couldn't change.
As I stepped outside, the cold wind hit me, making Skylar sneeze. I quickly got a taxi.
The car sped through the night, and the scenery outside felt both familiar and blurred.
"Where are we?" I asked, glancing out the window. "Is this the Howard Group?"
The driver shot a glance outside. "Yeah. The once-glorious company, completely collapsed overnight. Serves the rich right!"
The driver seemed to harbor a strong disdain for wealth, spitting out angrily. My heart tightened at his words.
In my memory, the Howard Group was always vibrant and lit up. Now, much of it lay in darkness, with only the lights of the executive office shining weakly in the thick night, appearing both lonely and defiant.
Watching that glimmer, my thoughts drifted away. I could almost see Edward busy at work in the office.
There were countless nights I lay on the sofa in the Howard villa, dressed in a seductive nightgown, waiting for Edward to come home late. Even though I knew he didn't love only me, my world revolved around him.
But everything had changed now. The sweetness and arguments of the past were just memories, and my feelings for Edward had long since settled. I realized the person in that office now was not Edward, but Lucas.
I wondered if Lila was waiting for Lucas in the same way I once waited for Edward. Ever since my godfather, Nicholas, forcefully handed over the struggling Howard Group to Lucas, the outline of the Howard Group building grew fainter in the rearview mirror.
Meanwhile, Lucas sat at the desk once occupied by Edward, a pile of documents stacked in front of him.
A few months ago, Nicholas had forced the nearly bankrupt Howard Group into Lucas's hands. Lucas had believed that with his hard work, he could turn the company's fortunes around. But months had passed, and the situation hadn't improved. Reality had repeatedly shattered Lucas's hopes like a series of heavy blows.
As he went through the company's financial records, he quickly realized the situation was dire. Panicking, he grabbed his phone.
Meanwhile, Albert, his assistant, was jolted awake by the sudden ringing. Displeasure etched on his face, he answered, "Hello, Mr. Jackson, it's so late. What's going on?"
Lucas, ignoring Albert's irritation, replied urgently, "I need the latest financial report. Send it to me right away!"
"Mr. Jackson, it's really late." Albert complained.
"Cut the excuses! I need it now!" Lucas's voice rose, tinged with frustration.
Startled by Lucas's tone, Albert sighed in resignation. "Fine, I'll send it to you."
Albert hung up and grudgingly got out of bed to send Lucas the financial report. Lucas quickly opened the report, his face growing darker with each page of losses he saw.
After a while, Lucas collected himself and picked up the phone again, dialing Albert's number.
As soon as Albert answered, Lucas said urgently, "Albert, notify all department heads. We're having an emergency meeting at 8 AM tomorrow."
The next day, the atmosphere in the Howard Group's conference room was suffocatingly tense under the harsh white lights. The department heads sat slumped in their chairs, looking defeated.
Lucas broke the silence first. "I know the company is in trouble," he said, his voice steady and strong, echoing in the room. "But since I've taken over, I will not give up."
One of the market managers sneered, voicing his discontent, "The Howard Group is a complete mess. Do you really think shouting a few slogans will fix it? Back when Mr. Howard took over, everyone knew of his capabilities. He led us to victory in the market and built an empire. But now…"
His tone was dripping with disdain, and several others nodded in agreement.
Lucas stood up and slowly walked over to the marketing manager, gently patting his shoulder. "I admit, Edward had his strengths and achieved great things. But the situation is different now. Since I've taken over the Howard Group, I have confidence that we can overcome these challenges together. The past successes were a team effort, and we need to tackle the current difficulties as a team too."
The market manager turned away, clearly unconvinced.
Lucas, undeterred, scanned the room and raised his voice. "Of course, I don't want to force anyone. If anyone believes the Howard Group has no future, I respect your decision. You can leave and find your own path. But if you're willing to fight alongside me, then from now on, we work together, united, for the rebirth of the Howard Group."
Everyone lowered their heads, and the room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall.
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