Chapter 251 Leaving Tomorrow?
“Monsoon Investment and I have always held deep respect for traditional industries. We hope that while guiding these industries through current challenges, we can also preserve the essence of the company's original culture as much as possible. Furthermore, we aim to highlight the significant contributions that RH Company has made to Armie Country and its citizens during challenging times. Monsoon Investment sincerely wishes to join hands with the esteemed shareholders of RH Company, to usher in the next era of brilliance,” Fiona concluded her address with a respectful bow.
As she stepped down from the podium, the auditorium was quieter than expected.
In contrast to the heated reactions to Lilian’s proposal, Fiona’s approach landed like a heavy punch right at the heart of RH Company’s shareholders. Lilian's face turned particularly sour.
Chelsea's new strategy represented a complete shift.
While the first proposal seemed, at first glance, to have a stronger pull on people’s emotions, final decisions wouldn’t be made until RH Company's shareholders had a couple of days to deliberate.
Some things, once contemplated in silence, could lead to a different outcome.
And with Chelsea's version of the proposal, one didn’t even have to take a moment of contemplation; it resonated loudly in every detail.
Fiona was quickly surrounded by RH Company’s shareholders after coming off stage.
“Miss Rhoads, I never imagined you'd spend so much time getting to know RH Company. The details you've presented have truly moved me. The second and third generations of our company seem to have forgotten our origins… they've lost sight of our founding spirit!” a shareholder exclaimed.
“Miss Rhoads, you certainly didn't disappoint,” Roy said, looking at Fiona. The insincerity had vanished from his face, replaced by a look of genuine appreciation.
“It's an honor to meet your expectations,” Fiona replied, “If our proposal is accepted, we will continue to refine the details. Of course, if it isn't, we are willing to offer any design inspirations we've gathered related to RH Company free of charge.”
“I'll tell you this much, my vote is definitively going to Monsoon Investment,” the shareholder stated with solemn conviction.
Fiona’s smile was radiant as she replied, “Then I must thank you in advance.”
Beyond RH Company's stakeholders, even officials from the mayor's office showed warm enthusiasm.
I never would have guessed that Miss Rhoads, with her upbringing abroad, could get such a precise grip on the essence of Armie Country's family business. Here's my card. Our district has been eager to promote cultural initiatives, but we just can't seem to find the right team. If you have the time, perhaps we could explore this opportunity?"
Roy's laughter filled the air. "Assistant, no wonder the district mayor values you so highly! I'd say your promotion is just around the corner."
Beaming, the assistant replied, "Then I'll take that as a good omen!"
After navigating the conversation with the shareholders and the assistant, Fiona breathed a sigh of relief. Socializing like this still didn't sit well with her.
"Chelsea, that was a complete triumph," Laura said, with an enthusiasm she rarely showed.
Their previous venture with the luxury car brand merger was far grander and more thrilling.
Yet Laura felt an unparalleled joy this time.
Fiona smiled gently, "The results aren't in yet."
"Some battles are won simply by sizing up the opposition," Laura said with confidence.
They were about to head back to their team when the leaders of two small investment firms they had just presented to approached them.
Both looked to be in their thirties.
Fiona had listened intently to their pitches – solid plans, but their rivals were just too strong.
"Can I help you?" Fiona inquired.
"Ms. Chelsea, I'm a huge fan!" One of them blurted out, his face turning red as he held out his trembling business card. "Your presentation just completely outshined ours."
"That's not true; your plan was solid," Fiona responded sincerely.
His face beamed with pride.
He hadn't expected Chelsea to be not only exceptionally skilled but also remarkably beautiful – even more so than many celebrities.
"Really? You really think our proposal was good?" His voice shook.
Fiona nodded, "Yes."
"So... could you please take my card and maybe we could exchange contact information?"
Laura seemed to take this in stride.
"Me too! Don't forget me!" the other one said, a bit more shyly, but growing eager as he witnessed the exchange, "Ms. Chelsea, I've been studying your cases, like the car merger—I know it by heart! Can I add you on WhatsApp too? I promise I won't bother you!"
With a smile, Laura watched as they left, thrilled to have added her on WhatsApp.
Laura was about to say something when Darwin suddenly appeared.
"No need to head back to the studio this afternoon. Shopping, dining, having fun—choose whatever you like. As usual, it's on the company."
"Got it!" Laura didn't bother asking Fiona if she'd join this time; she was already making her getaway.
Darwin approached Fiona, handsome as always but with a clear look of displeasure.
"You sure love dropping WhatsApp messages left and right. How many times did I try to add that number?" He asked with a hint of jealousy.
The truth was, that account was Fiona's work WhatsApp.
Most of the time, it was Laura who was operating it.
Just as she was about to speak,
Laura bolted back in, "Chelsea, your flight's at three tomorrow, I'll pick you up at twelve-thirty, OK?"
"No need, I've got a ride. You should catch up on some sleep," Fiona replied.
Laura was already struggling with jet lag, and the last-minute changes to the plan had the whole team pulling an all-nighter.
"Alright then!"
Laura swiftly dashed off.
Darwin gently lifted Fiona's chin, "Leaving tomorrow? When will you be back?"
Fiona's hand slapped down on Darwin's, "We're in public, Mr. Solomon. Do mind the impression you're making."
Her tone was cheery enough.
Darwin felt anxious but kept his composure, adopting a look of mock hurt instead.
"Leaving with one of Solomon's guys?" she inquired.
Darwin frowned, "I came for you! What do you think?"
"Oh." Fiona let out a noncommittal sound and stretched her stiff neck, "I should go now."
"Where to?" Darwin took her hand.
"I need to water someone's houseplants," she said, clearly enunciating each word.
Darwin paused for a moment.
Then his eyes lit up, "I'll come with you."
She glanced at his hand, "Better head to the hospital first."
"Are you sick?" The worry was immediately evident on Darwin's face.
Before long,
they were at the nearby hospital.