Chapter 465 An Apology Should Be Sincere
Kayle stuttered, "But didn't Ms. Jones just say she didn't need our apology?"
Sam chimed in, "Whether she needs it or not ain't your concern. Your attitude in apologizing is what's gonna decide if Thornberry Corporation sinks or swims."
Susanna shot Kayle a look and said, "Did you catch that? Can't you get what Sam's saying?"
She didn't really care about the Thornberry family's apology, but seeing Kayle all flustered made her day.
Roman gave Kayle a few pointed looks; they needed to get a grip on the situation.
Finally, Kayle grudgingly said to Susanna, "Ms. Jones, we messed up before and misunderstood you. Hope you won't hold it against us."
Susanna played with her nails and said, "A verbal apology? That's it? You think I'm just gonna roll over for that? Your family ain't got that kinda pull."
Kayle, fuming, asked, "Then what do you want?"
Susanna locked eyes with Kayle and replied, "Roman's been hitched three times, and each time, you guys gobbled up his ex-wives' family businesses, leaving them bankrupt. Give all that money back."
"Why should we?"
"Don't you lose sleep spending that dirty money?"
Kayle's eyes flickered with guilt but she quickly shot back, "Ms. Jones, these are Thornberry family matters. You're overstepping."
Susanna's face turned icy, "If you don't comply, then I won't accept your apology."
Kayle, holding back her anger, thought, 'Fine, don't accept it. I don't wanna deal with your attitude anyway!'
The Thornberry family had been in Philly for years. Deep down, Kayle felt they shouldn't fear the Abbott Group. She was only playing nice 'cause Roman wanted to team up with them.
Now, Susanna didn't need an apology, so it wasn't her problem.
The next second, Sam looked at Aaron and said, "Since she doesn't wanna apologize, don't show any mercy to the Thornberry family."
Aaron coldly said, "The Abbott Group is canceling its deal with the Thornberry family. Our acquisition team will hit Philly tomorrow. Within a week, the Thornberry Corporation will be history."
Roman's face went pale, but Kayle sneered, "The Thornberry Corporation ain't that easy to take over."
But as soon as Kayle finished, Roman shoved her aside, snapping, "Mom, if you can't talk sense, then shut up. Do you know how much trouble you've caused me?"
Kayle, on the ground, looked hurt. "Why are you hitting me? I'm just telling the truth. The Abbott family might be big in Lindwell, but in Philly, they're nothing. The Abbott Group's branch here is just a small fry. Why are you scared of them?"
"Mom, you better zip it. The Abbott Group already pulled the plug on our deal. How much more mess do you wanna make for me?"
"Who said the deal's off between the Abbott Group and Thornberry Corporation?"
Right then, Calum strolled into the hotel lobby, locking eyes with Roman. "Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a nightmare and some stuff came up. But just 'cause I'm late doesn't mean the deal's dead."
Seeing Calum, Roman lit up. "Finally, you showed up. I thought you bailed on me."
After seeing Aaron earlier, Roman had pretty much given up on the deal.
After all, if the big boss says no, what’s left to talk about?
But now, with Calum here, a flicker of hope sparked. Maybe there was still a shot, considering how much he'd buttered up Calum.
Calum walked in briskly and said, "Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's get this contract signed."
Roman was taken aback. He didn't expect Calum to be so gung-ho. He hesitated and glanced at Aaron. "But Mr. Abbott said to cancel the deal with Thornberry."
Calum's face turned icy. "Ignore him. The deal's my call. I'm the general manager of the Abbott Group's branch, and I run this show. Even if he's the president, he can't mess with today's signing."
Roman hesitated, "But we need funding from the parent company. If they don't back it, we're stuck."
"Don't sweat it. Aaron can't kill this deal, even if he's the big boss."
Roman looked surprised. Did Calum have some dirt on Aaron? He'd heard Calum got booted from the parent company to the Philly branch.
The next second, Aaron coldly said, "If I don't sign off, even if you ink the contract today, it won't mean squat."
Calum blew up, pointing at Aaron and yelling, "Aaron, I'm your uncle, your elder. I think this deal's solid. You got no right to cancel it."
Roman's eyes widened with joy. "You're actually Mr. Abbott's uncle!"
How had he missed that nugget of info?
This was gold. If Calum was Aaron's uncle, he was also his elder.
If an elder pushed for the deal, Aaron, as the younger, shouldn't be able to block it.
Calum smugly adjusted his tie. "I didn't mention it before to dodge unnecessary drama. Didn't want folks saying I got here 'cause of Aaron."
Roman quickly nodded, eyes gleaming with hope. Looked like the deal might still be on.
Susanna watched Calum's shameless act, her mouth twitching.
Saying all that in front of Aaron, did he really think Aaron wouldn't do anything?
