Chapter 1684 A Heartless Woman Like You
"I'm heading to the office right now. Inform them over there, and I'll have a video call with their president shortly."
Elliott quickly arrived at the office.
As soon as he got there, the secretary rushed over, "Mr. Elliott Miller, we have a problem. Horizon Technologies Group just called. They said they received news from Austin about terminating the contract with us and will temporarily stop cooperating. Horizon Technologies Group is one of our major domestic clients, with annual orders worth two billion dollars."
"How did Horizon Technologies Group get the news so quickly? Was it leaked from our company?" Elliott asked coldly.
"Impossible. Only a few top executives know about this, and the lower-level employees are completely unaware. The executives wouldn't jeopardize their own interests."
"I'll contact Austin."
Elliott hurried back to his office and had a video call with Rocco Hightower, the president over at Austin.
A middle-aged man in his forties quickly appeared on the screen, "Mr. Elliott Miller, I know you want to ask about the contract termination. We had no choice. The relevant authorities just inspected and said your products don't meet the standards. We can't install them in our cars."
"That's impossible," Elliott said calmly. "Our products are made to Austin's export standards and undergo rigorous testing. In terms of withstanding strong impacts, they are among the best in the world."
"Of course, you wouldn't admit it, but it's not up to you," Rocco said. "The contract clearly states that if the products don't meet the standards, we can terminate the contract without any penalty."
Elliott, usually indifferent, was now visibly displeased. "You were pushing for the goods earlier, and 80% of your order is already completed. Terminating the contract now would cause us significant losses."
"That's your problem," Rocco said before abruptly ending the call.
Elliott's temples throbbed.
The secretary came in and said, "Mr. Elliott Miller, Mr. Luke Miller has called an emergency meeting."
"I'm on my way."
Elliott stood up.
In the meeting room.
The company's general manager, Eldridge Bynum, angrily said, "I contacted the relevant inspection departments in Austin. Our product indicators are fine. Cascade Industries Group is clearly doing this on purpose. And Horizon Technologies Group received the news almost as quickly as we did. Have they found another major buyer and are teaming up against us?"
"But Cascade Industries Group is powerful in Austin. If they say our products are substandard and inform the local authorities, we can't dispute it. If we get entangled in a lawsuit, it could take a year or two. Our company can't afford such a delay, especially with Horizon Technologies Group causing trouble. We won't last six months."
"Why is this happening all of a sudden, Mr. Elliott Miller? Weren't you negotiating well with them before?"
The executives all looked at Elliott. He had personally flown to Austin to secure the deal.
"Not sure yet," Elliott said expressionlessly. "We'll split up. I'll buy a ticket to Starhaven this afternoon to talk to the president of Horizon Technologies Group. Eldridge, you go to Austin. I'll book a ticket for the evening, and we'll meet in Austin."
"Eldridge doesn't need to go for now. You go to Horizon Technologies Group first."
Luke rubbed his temples. "I received some news earlier that I haven't shared. Our partner, Sapphire Global Holdings, has encountered some issues and needs to suspend their shipping routes. As you know, most of our products are shipped by sea. Even if we find a new partner, scheduling will be a problem, and it will cost more. If we can't ship our products, we won't make any profit."
"Mr. Luke Miller, have we offended someone?"
Everyone in the meeting room sensed something was wrong.
"If it were just Austin, it would be one thing. But why are our major domestic clients and shipping partners also having issues?"
"Exactly, Mr. Luke Miller. Maybe you should talk to Derek. With his abilities, he might be able to help."
Luke's face was grim.
Derek had already helped the Miller family many times. Luke was reluctant to ask for more favors, especially since Laura and Derek were dating. He didn't want to burden Laura.
"I'll figure something out. Meeting adjourned. Also, don't let this news spread. If other clients terminate their contracts, it will be even more troublesome."
After the meeting, Elliott went to Luke's office.
Luke pressed his temples. "When you go to Starhaven, find out who's targeting us. We've invested all our funds into expanding the Miller Group this year. If something goes wrong, our family will be in debt and have to return to Silverwood in disgrace. Losing is one thing, but we can't bring shame to Laura."
"Understood."
Elliott clenched his fist.
The Jude family had looked down on them, but Elliott had chosen to come to Whisperlyn City to prove himself and give the Miller family some standing. He didn't want the Jude family to look down on them.
Now that Laura was dating Derek, the Miller family had to work even harder.
Otherwise, even if Laura was capable, the presidential family wouldn't mind, but over time, Derek wouldn't say anything, and the Jude family's relatives would gossip.
In the afternoon, Elliott flew to Horizon Technologies Group.
He waited outside for three hours before seeing Eloy Strother, the general manager of Horizon Technologies Group, return.
"Elliott, you don't need to say much. We've been partners for many years. If it weren't for unavoidable circumstances, we wouldn't suspend our cooperation." Eloy looked at him deeply. "To be honest, you've offended someone I can't afford to cross."
Elliott frowned deeply. "Eloy, is it the Jude family?"
Elliott's mind raced.
The company had competitors, but none could influence Austin's Cascade Industries Group and their long-term partner, Horizon Technologies Group.
Could it be that the Jude family still disapproved of Laura and Derek's relationship and were secretly taking harsh measures?
Eloy took a sip of tea and said complicatedly, "Since we've known each other for so long, I'll give you a hint. It's not the people from the Presidential Palace. You know the Jude Group, right? It's like a mountain. Crushing me would be as easy as crushing an ant."
Elliott's mind was in turmoil.
He never expected it to be the Jude Group.
Who is in charge of the Jude Group now? Julia.
Why is she targeting the Miller Group?
Is it for Michael?
Or is it to target Elliott?
How can Julia be so ruthless?
"Thank you, Eloy," Elliott said coldly as he left.
Outside, he called Julia. When she answered, her voice was calm, "What's up?"
"Julia, I've never met a woman as heartless as you."
Elliott was usually calm and indifferent, but whenever he faced Julia, it felt like a fire was raging in his chest. At this moment, he was even more furious. "What exactly do you want to do to the Miller Group? Are you seeking revenge for Michael, or are you trying to use the Miller Group to break up Laura and Derek?"
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