Chapter 174 Tempering
Discontent rippled through the assembled executives. Elbert's display of dominance as he casually dismissed their painstakingly-crafted plan rubbed them the wrong way. Murmurs of disapproval spread through the room, their respectful acts beginning to crack.
"Who does he think he is?" one executive muttered under his breath, his voice indignant.
"This plan was a collaborative effort," another chimed in, his face flushed with anger. "To call it garbage isn't only disrespectful; it's downright insulting."
Elbert, however, remained unfazed by their resentment. He rose from his seat, looking over the room and silencing their grumbling with a single look.
"Let me be clear," he stated emotionlessly. "None of these plans are viable. To be frank, they're garbage."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "If you want my approval, there's only one path forward; show me the results. Show me that FutureTech can rise again, that its stock price can rebound, that it can reclaim its position at the forefront of the industry."
Silence descended upon the room. The executives stared at him, shocked and in disbelief. Elbert's bold challenge had caught them off-guard.
'Was this young upstart serious? Did he truly believe that such a feat was possible in their current predicament?' they felt bizarre.
Elbert surveyed the room, his gaze sharp and unforgiving. He continued, "FutureTech is in crisis, and what are you doing? Sitting here, paralyzed by fear and indecision? Waiting for me, your new chairman, to wave a magic wand and make everything alright?"
He shook his head, his expression hardening. "That, ladies and gentlemen, is the mindset of the weak. And it's precisely that kind of thinking that brought FutureTech to its knees." His critique was sharp, designed to provoke a reaction.
His words struck a nerve. The executives shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their gazes dropping to the table.
He was right, of course. They had become complacent, content to drift along with the current, hoping that disaster would somehow pass them by.
Turning his attention to Lori, Elbert's expression softened slightly despite his still intense gaze. "Lori," he asked more quietly, "Do you know why I chose to make my move at the very last moment of the auction?"
Lori was caught off guard by the question. She shook her head, her mind still reeling from his earlier pronouncements.
Elbert continued, smiling. "Because sometimes, a person needs to stare into the abyss and experience true despair before they can truly appreciate the value of hope."
He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. "It's in those moments of darkness, when even survival seems like a victory, that we're forced to confront our weaknesses, to re-evaluate our priorities and find the strength to rise again, stronger than before."
Lori felt a shiver run down her spine. His words resonated with her on a visceral level. His own journey, from obscurity to becoming the enigmatic force behind Creator, was a testament to the power of hardships.
"What I'm offering you," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the room once more, "is a chance to prove yourselves; to rebuild FutureTech into the powerhouse it once was. But the responsibility, ultimately, lies with you."
He straightened, his voice regaining its earlier authority. "As FutureTech's majority shareholder, I am making two things perfectly clear."
"First, my involvement in the company will be limited to a single project: the M-069 initiative."
Surprise ran through the room. The M-069 project, a highly ambitious but perpetually stalled venture, had long been considered a financial black hole.
'Why would Elbert, with his reputation for shrewd investments, choose to focus on such a risky endeavor?' they felt confused.
Ignoring their bewildered expressions, Elbert continued unwaveringly. "Second, effective immediately, Lori Brown will assume the role of chairman of FutureTech Group. She will have full authority over all aspects of the company's operations, and I expect your complete and unwavering support."
Lori's breath hitched. His firm words filled her with gratitude and terror. He was entrusting her with an immense responsibility, one that she wasn't sure she was ready for.
Elbert turned to face her, his gaze piercing through her uncertainty. "Remember this, Lori," he said, firm but kind. "You don't need to report me any struggle about the business. The only reason for you to seek me out is to share good news. The success of FutureTech now rests on your shoulders."
Then, he turned his attention back to the stunned executives. "And let me be clear," he added, his voice hardening once more, "FutureTech is not a charity; I will not tolerate mediocrity, nor will I hesitate to remove those who fail to prove their worth."
With that, he turned and left the room, leaving behind a stunned silence and a room full of bewildered executives.
Outside, Carol stood waiting with her head bowed, her usual confidence replaced by strong fear. Elbert's transformation from a chauffeur to corporate titan had shaken her to her core.
Lori, still reeling from the encounter, watched as Elbert disappeared down the hallway. His words echoed in her mind, a potent mix of challenge and encouragement.
A strange mix of emotions surged through her; fear, excitement, determination. Elbert was right. This was her chance to prove herself, to honor her father's legacy.
She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. Elbert had thrown down the gauntlet. Now, it was up to her to rise to the challenge.
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