Chapter 388 Try to Keep Him
Meeting time at the Percy Group.
Charles leaned back slightly in his chair at the head of the table, lost in thought.
The employees seated in a circle around him had varied expressions, unsure if their work had met expectations.
Since Charles had a serious illness five years ago, his management style had become much stricter after his recovery.
His poker face during meetings was a common sight, but today, something seemed different about him.
While his expression remained as cold as usual, his eyes were noticeably softer. At least now, a glance from him didn't send shivers down their spines.
Rumors had it that Charles was about to marry Stella, and perhaps the impending good news had softened even the coldest of men.
Thinking of this, the employees couldn't help but feel a bit more cheerful.
A new lady of the house at the Percy Group meant they might be saved. Charles might not be such a workaholic and might start paying more attention to family life.
"That's all for today's meeting. Does anyone have anything else to say?"
Nolan straightened the papers in front of him and, seeing no one had anything to report, spoke up.
Charles then sat up straight, like a robot receiving a command, and tapped the table.
"Meeting adjourned."
Any subordinate who had wanted to speak up immediately fell silent.
Once Charles left, a few managers surrounded Nolan, their faces showing a hint of flattery.
"Mr. Smith, what's up with Mr. Percy today? He seems to be in a good mood."
"Yeah, he hasn't had much to say about the recent projects."
Others chimed in agreement.
Nolan rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
"If you do your jobs well, Mr. Percy naturally won't criticize you. He's the boss, not someone who creates trouble for fun."
The managers exchanged glances, and one of them, braver than the rest, asked.
"Mr. Smith, we didn't mean it that way. We were wondering if Mr. Percy and Ms. White are about to get married? The media's been buzzing about it."
Nolan paused, recalling the task Charles had given him. The White family still refused to cooperate, insisting on speaking with Charles directly.
Stella had been with Charles for years, and the White family had benefited greatly, becoming one of the hottest wealthy families in Evergreen City.
Now, with the wedding approaching, they were understandably unhappy about the sudden change.
Nolan closed his eyes, feeling the pressure. Handling Charles' personal affairs was more stressful than any business trip.
"Stop listening to rumors. Get back to work; there's still plenty to do."
Nolan waved them off, and though they didn't say more, they each had their own thoughts.
In the CEO's office.
Charles calmly reviewed the documents. After a good night's sleep, he was in a great mood, even finding some enjoyment in the mundane tasks.
Suddenly, there was a commotion outside.
Abigail's anxious voice and the sound of her high heels couldn't stop the woman trying to barge in.
"Ms. White! Ms. White, you can't go in!"
The office door burst open. Stella, in a loose white dress with her hair down, stormed in.
She was naturally beautiful, but recent anxiety had taken a toll, making her look quite pitiful with tears in her eyes.
"Charles, we need to talk. You won't see me, and I can't reach you, so I had no choice but to find you this way."
She spoke quickly, fearing Charles would throw her out before she could finish.
Behind the desk, Charles closed the file, his level gaze making Stella feel an inexplicable pressure.
She trembled and swallowed hard.
"Charles, I really want to talk. Just give me ten minutes. No, five minutes!"
Seeing Abigail about to pull her away, Stella quickly shook her off and took another step forward.
Charles waved Abigail off, and she left, closing the door behind her.
With just the two of them in the office, Charles spoke coldly, "I thought I made myself clear. Nolan has been talking to your family, but you refuse to cooperate. What do you want from me now?"
He paused briefly before continuing, "Or do you think the offer is too low? Tell Nolan what you need, and if it's reasonable, I'll agree."
"It's not like that," Stella said, her face pale, lips trembling.
"My parents want to see you. We were supposed to get married, and now this sudden change has upset everyone."
"My decisions aren't made to please anyone. Stella, if your parents want to see me, they should go through the proper channels, not have you storm into my office."
If it weren't for the fact that most people in the company knew Stella, she would have been thrown out by security by now.
Seeing Charles' cold demeanor, tears streamed down Stella's face as she sobbed, "Charles, I don't want this either, but you won't see me. I really love you. Please, don't leave me."
"Love?"
Charles caught the keyword, his eyes darkening.
"You say you love me. What if I had no money or power?"
"I'd still love you! I love you for who you are, not for your wealth or status."
Stella's response was quick and without hesitation, something that might have moved another man.
Charles, however, smiled slightly.
"Really? Then I guess we don't need to give you any breakup compensation since you don't care about material things."
Stella's face froze, not expecting him to say that.
Noticing her reaction, Charles' smile faded back to his usual cold expression.
"Leave."
"Charles! It's not like that. Let me explain!"
"Leave!"
His tone grew harsher, not wanting to continue the conversation. He pressed a button on his desk phone and spoke softly, "Escort Stella out."
Abigail soon returned with two burly security guards, her face showing a perfunctory smile.
"Ms. White, please."
Stella, looking defeated, didn't resist and left with them.
The office quieted down, but it wasn't long before Nolan knocked and entered.
He placed the files on the desk, hesitating to bring up the White Group matter.
"Speak up if you have something to say."
Charles glanced at him.
"It's about the White Group. Ms. White was just here, so you probably know."
"Yes."
Charles responded coolly, then, as if remembering something, asked, "Nolan, do you think anyone would like me if I didn't have my current success?"
Nolan was taken aback by the sudden question.
After a moment, he replied seriously, "Of course, Mr. Percy. You're quite handsome, after all."
Even if he were down and out, surely some kind-hearted wealthy woman would take him in.
Charles gave him a look, reading his thoughts, and interrupted, "If the White family wants to see me, handle it with the contract. If they refuse, proceed at our pace. Don't worry about anything else."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
