Chapter 372 What Kind of Man Are You
Damian looked down at her rigid frame. She stared coldly at the door, not even wanting to glance at him. She was probably too disappointed to communicate with him anymore. "Someone at Infinity Enterprises Group is sick. I feel the same regret, especially for the youngest one. The child hasn't even been born yet. Like you, I don't want to see tragedies happen. But for the facts that have already occurred, we can only try to make amends. So, I will allocate some funds from KM's charity foundation..."
"No need," Ashley shook off his arm. "Trying to make up for a guilty conscience with money? I suggest you save it."
How is this different from corrupt officials donating their ill-gotten gains to welfare institutions?
It's not out of kindness but out of a guilty conscience, fearing divine punishment.
They think that by doing some good with their dirty money, they can buy off the gods and avoid retribution.
It's laughable. If gods could be swayed by money, what kind of gods would they be? They should be called tycoons instead.
Damian's hand fell limply to his side, as if a corner of his world had collapsed and couldn't be repaired. He asked somewhat dejectedly, "What do you want me to do?"
Ashley sneered, finding it both ridiculous and ironic. "Mr. Hearst, you're the victor. It should be me, the loser, begging you. Why are you asking me? You don't need to do anything. Just continue sitting in your luxurious office, being the CEO. KM's grand future is right in front of you. Quantum Innovations Tech will continue to thrive because of this victory, while Infinity Enterprises Group will wither due to the loss. Those cancer patients will be torn apart, their homes repossessed by the bank for unpaid loans, auctioned off at low prices. They struggled to settle in Rochester City, only to be shattered overnight. But of course, none of this concerns Mr. Hearst, born with a silver spoon, does it?"
Damian put his hand in his pocket, standing tall behind her, speaking methodically, "If you think these words will change anything, you're too naive. KM's long-standing success isn't built on mere exploitation. Our users are worldwide, and our century-old reputation has never faltered. Even if there are minor technical flaws, KM will uphold the spirit of craftsmanship in pursuit of perfection. KM never shirks its responsibilities. Moreover..."
He stepped in front of her, forcing her to look at him, his determined eyes showing no guilt. "Can your righteous speeches cure the patients? Can they pay off their mortgages and raise their children? These things you can't do, I can."
Ashley looked up into his deep, cunning eyes. "Bribery and coercion?"
"If that's how you want to see it."
Damian didn't want to see the pain in her eyes because he felt no better. "If you don't want them to see KM's name, I can donate anonymously. Whether to accept it or not is up to you."
In other words, the fate of those three families was entirely in Ashley's hands.
If she stubbornly adhered to her principles, those people would face the most tragic fate. But if she temporarily swallowed her pride, the money Damian provided could be distributed, ensuring that even if the cancer patients succumbed, their families would still be well taken care of.
Between harsh reality and beautiful ideals, what should she do?
What could she do?
"Mr. Hearst, you've made the money very dirty."
"Money has no attributes; it depends on how you use it."
Ashley scoffed, "Stop making it sound so noble. You know very well why they got sick, hypocrite."
Damian replied, "I'd rather be the villain in your eyes than a hypocrite who only talks and never acts."
Ashley racked her brain, but in her anger, she couldn't find the right words. "My apologies."
Damian straightened her shoulders, looking into her eyes, and said word by word, "Ashley, believe me, I don't want this conflict. But Quantum Innovations Tech did nothing wrong. You saw the evidence Dante provided. The reasons for these three people's illnesses are different. Some have a family history, some..."
"That's enough, Mr. Hearst. KM's think tank must have worked hard to close the loop on the evidence, right? Well done, silencing each one. Do you think Infinity Enterprises Group will give up? After the verdict, we'll appeal."
Damian sighed silently, increasing the pressure on her shoulders. "Ashley, I don't want to hurt you anymore."
The implication was to advise her to stop struggling, as the outcome wouldn't change and would only lead to more disappointment.
"Then respect the law."
"Today's result is the law."
Ashley raised her hand, slowly prying his fingers off. "Mr. Hearst, you're too distinguished. Please stay. I can walk myself."
The door opened and closed.
That figure was isolated outside.
Damian pressed his temples, feeling a splitting headache.
The internal phone on the desk rang.
He forced himself to calm down and answered, "Speak."
Victor said, "Since we have the result for Quantum Innovations Tech, I think we can seize the opportunity to boost Quantum Innovations Tech's brand influence."
Damian coldly rebuked, "Isn't it embarrassing enough?"
Victor, feeling aggrieved, replied, "Infinity Enterprises Group falsely accused Quantum Innovations Tech. The evidence is clear. How could we be embarrassed?"
"People only watch the spectacle, not the truth. There's no need to provide material for the brainless crowd. When it's time to promote, the headquarters will naturally allocate resources to Quantum Innovations Tech."
Victor asked, "Is it because of Ashley? After all, she was the one in court."
Damian replied, "So what if it is? So what if it isn't?"
Victor laughed, "I understand. We'll handle this discreetly. I'll inform the media. But as for Grandpa, you'll have to explain to him personally. After all, Grandpa intends to use this victory to expand Quantum Innovations Tech's influence."
"I don't need you to tell me what to do."
Damian hung up the phone.
Meanwhile, the news of Ashley's loss quickly spread within the industry, soon reaching the break rooms of various law firms.
The most heated discussions were, of course, at Sky Balance Law Firm.
This led Harold to immediately emphasize discipline. "What are you doing? Drinking company tea and eating company snacks during work hours, having a party in your backyard?"
The crowd dispersed like birds and beasts.
Hannah stormed into his office, fuming. "Harold..."
Harold's face darkened. "What did you call me?"
Hannah quickly corrected herself, "Mr. Brin, Ashley's loss was so unfair! KM is just being unreasonable and making things up."
"Do you have evidence to refute it?"
"I... don't have any at the moment."
"If you don't have evidence, what's the point of telling me? Get out there and find some."
Hannah was scolded harshly, but since he was her cousin, unlike others who wouldn't dare to speak up after being scolded, she said, "Mr. Brin, do you know that when you say 'get out,' you have quite the tone?"
Harold picked up a file, ready to knock it on her head, raising it high but letting it fall lightly. "Get out, get out, get out!"
Hannah stuck out her tongue as she closed the door.
Harold, on the other hand, stroked his chin, pondering.
He didn't used to curse so naturally. When did it start? Because of whom?
After thinking it over, he concluded it was Ashley.
Then, he stormed into Ashley's office like a whirlwind.
"Mr. Brin?"
Ashley was gathering information for the appeal. Seeing him come in uninvited, she was unfazed by the revelation but felt a bit uneasy.
She didn't want to repeat those words.
Harold pulled out a chair and sat across from her. Before he could speak, he noticed the glaring cactus on the corner of the desk. "An ex-boyfriend's gift? What kind of man does that?"
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