Chapter 188 Beginning Negotiations
In Ferndale, Ethan had no clue about the Yates family's troubles or the Yates Group's situation.
He'd been in a coma for two days and just woke up.
Morgan's face lit up when he saw Ethan awake. "Ethan, you're finally up."
Ethan croaked, "Where am I? How long was I out?"
His voice was hoarse, and his throat hurt.
Morgan explained, "You had a high fever and were out for two days. I'll check you over. You're having adjustment issues, but I'll help you through it."
Ethan's head pounded, but he nodded. His eyes were on Diannel, who was by the window on the phone.
Diannel was talking to James. His face grew serious, and he glanced at Ethan, who noticed and frowned. "Diannel, what's up? What happened?"
James said on the phone, "Diannel, I heard Ethan. Don't tell him Michael got so mad at Ivy he's in the ICU!"
Diannel felt torn between Ethan's sharp gaze and James's orders.
Diannel whispered, "Got it."
"We'll do our best to handle the lawsuit..."
After hanging up, Ethan gave Diannel a questioning look, making Diannel feel guilt for hiding something.
Ethan asked, "Is something wrong back home?"
Diannel nodded. "Mr. Yates, you're awake. The news back home is all over the headlines. Everyone thinks the Yates Group is going bankrupt, and many partners have cut ties with us."
Ethan felt a pang of worry but quickly composed himself. "What's the status of the lawsuit?"
"We're still in the reconciliation period. Kelsey's team claims we're responsible and seeks ten times the contract amount in damages."
Ethan was shocked. "Ten times the contract amount?"
Diannel nodded anxiously.
Ethan sneered, "She's dreaming. How could I possibly come up with that much money?"
He forced himself up despite the discomfort, and Diannel moved to help.
"Mr. Yates, you just woke up. Maybe rest a bit longer?"
Ethan waved him off. "No need. Get the driver. I'm going to talk to Kelsey again."
Diannel said worriedly, "Your body can't handle this..."
Ethan paused, worry evident. "I can't let the Yates Group go bankrupt while I lie here doing nothing!"
The Yates Group was the result of generations of hard work. Ethan couldn't let it fall apart on his watch.
He felt the weight of a huge responsibility.
Morgan had just brought in equipment for a check-up. Seeing Diannel helping Ethan out, he asked, "Ethan, where are you going? I still need to draw your blood."
Ethan replied calmly, "We'll do it when I get back."
Morgan protested, "Are you trying to kill yourself..."
But Ethan and the others were already gone. Morgan sighed, muttering, "Everyone envies his success, but no one can imagine about the pressure he bears..."
At the Palace.
"Your Majesty, your birthday is in ten days. Here's the plan for the party. Are you satisfied?"
Kelsey said, "Very good. It's a pity the shoes I was supposed to wear got damaged during transport. Really disappointing."
She played with her fingers as she spoke.
"Your Majesty, Mr. Yates has arrived."
"Let him in."
Ethan was escorted into the conference room. Everyone looked serious, except Kelsey, who eyed him playfully, making him uncomfortable.
Still, Ethan respectfully said, "Your Majesty."
A dozen Ferndale residents filled the room, their eyes drawn to Ethan's commanding presence. Even Kelsey, known for her discerning gaze, found herself captivated.
Kelsey, who had immense power in Ferndale, could have anything she wanted. Seeing such a perfect man in front of her, yet being unable to have him, frustrated her.
Kelsey asked, "Mr. Yates, what do you want to discuss today?"
Ethan said, "You know why I'm here. I want to resolve the after-sales issue. What do we need to do for you to drop the lawsuit against the Yates Group?"
Kelsey raised an eyebrow and said playfully, "I already told you, spend a year with me, and we won't have to go to court."
The room erupted in laughter.
"He's the richest man in Aivalia. I thought he was special, but he's just another pretty face!"
"Mr. Yates, you're lucky Her Majesty is interested in you. Don't be ungrateful!"
"Yeah, Mr. Yates, what are you waiting for? Get down on your knees and lick Her Majesty's feet and agree!"
As the room filled with laughter, Ethan felt humiliated for the first time in his life, and his anger peaked.
Ethan's eyes turned cold, his gaze sharp and merciless, as if he wanted to dismember everyone who mocked him.
This look immediately silenced everyone. They found it hard to breathe, feeling a bone-chilling coldness.
Damn, what a powerful presence!