Chapter 353 Battle of Wits and Courage
Ashley looked at the gift in her hand. She was about to go to the Yates Group to present it to Ethan, but unexpectedly, Ethan contacted her first.
Ashley replied: [What's up?]
Ethan responded promptly: [I have a meeting later. Stick to our original plan and come to the office to make a scene.]
Ashley smiled slightly, typing, [Got it, I'll be there soon.]
The Yates Group
Conference Room
Ethan sat at the head of the table, surrounded by about twenty shareholders, among them Josselin and George.
"Mr. Yates, we've delayed the second round of financing for the central property for a month now. Are you willing to sign with Josselin?" one of the shareholders inquired.
Ethan affirmed, "Of course."
Josselin, surprised and delighted, expressed, "Mr. Yates, looking forward to our cooperation."
Ethan's smile widened, "Josselin, after careful consideration, I've decided that out of the $1.3 billion for the second round of financing for the central property, one-third will be invested by the Jones Group with $430 million. Josselin only needs to invest two-thirds."
Josselin was taken aback, "Why? It's not a challenge for me to invest $1.3 billion!"
Ethan explained, "I know Josselin isn't short on money, but to lighten your burden and mitigate investment risks, I've decided to add another partner. If Mr. Josselin finds this unreasonable, you have the option to decline the agreement."
"You've delayed me for over a month, and now you want to add another investor at the signing? This is absurd! If this gets out, won't it ruin the Yates Group's reputation?" Josselin erupted in anger.
George intervened, "Mr. Yates, we initially agreed that Josselin would invest the full $1.3 billion. There's no need to involve another party."
"Yeah, this is completely unreasonable."
"Does it need to be reasonable? I heard the daughter of the Jones Group's director is Mr. Yates' long-lost mother. Naturally, he wouldn't let anyone else take the benefits!"
"So that's how it is."
The shareholders around started discussing, some becoming bold and completely unrestrained.
Ethan gazed down sternly at the vociferous assembly. Nick had secretly investigated and found that these people had already started to rebel, which was why they were so arrogant.
Ethan smiled slightly. It appeared that it was time to take action!
Ethan smirked, "Having one person invest all the funds is too risky. If Josselin withdraws midway, the Yates Group will be in crisis. If there's a risk, will you take responsibility or will I?"
His tone was serious and warning, exuding authority, "Or should I hold you accountable?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a hush fell over the room. Heads bowed, avoiding Ethan's gaze.
George and Josselin exchanged meaningful glances, each with their own thoughts.
Josselin spoke up, "Mr. Yates, since I'm investing, why would I withdraw midway?"
Ethan responded, "There's a saying in Aivalia: 'Trust but verify.'"
A flicker of guilt flashed in Josselin's eyes, though it was fleeting, Ethan caught it, confirming their deceitful intentions.
Josselin retorted, "Mr. Yates, it seems you lack faith in me."
"Josselin, I've said my piece. If you can accept it, we can sign today. If not, we can find other partners." Ethan stated, his tone even.
Enraged, Josselin snapped, "Mr. Yates, do you know how many companies vying for my investment. How dare you cross me?"
Ethan maintained his composure. "I never joke about business, nor do I disrespect you. For the safety of the Yates Group, I made this decision. Josselin, you're taking two-thirds of the central property. Isn't that enough?"
Josselin clenched his fists, his glare intense, but Ethan remained unruffled. He quietly watched Josselin's anger with a cool detachment, as if everything was within his control. This calm and indifferent gaze extinguished Josselin's fury , making him feel guilty.
"Josselin, think it over. Many people want a piece of the Market Street commercial district." Ethan simply stated.
This made Josselin's face soured further.
The atmosphere in the conference room grew tense, filled with unspoken hostility.
George interjected, his eyes sharp, "Josselin, you should reconsider."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, closed the file, and instructed indifferently, "Meeting adjourned."
As Ethan was about to leave, a commotion erupted beyond the conference room. Through the glass window, he saw Ashley looking 'furious.'
Ethan raised an eyebrow and strode out.
He happened to meet Ashley head-on. She seethed, "Ethan, get over here."
Ethan inquired, "Honey, what are you doing here? What's wrong?"
A slap landed on Ethan's handsome face. Ashley's tone was laced with anger. "You deceiver, don't call me honey. Should you cheat, I shall not hesitate to seek a divorce." she scolded fiercely.
Saying this, Ashley forcefully dragged Ethan towards the CEO's office, "You must sign the divorce papers today." she demanded.
The couple's act attracted many onlookers. It wasn't until the office door closed that everyone came to their senses.
"What's going on?"
"Isn't Mr. Yates known as the perfect husband? How could he cheat?"
"If they really get divorced, it will shatter my belief in love!"
George, in the crowd, saw this scene and was half-believing, even feeling something was fishy.
Suddenly, the sound of banging came from the office, indicating a heated fight.
"Ethan, if you don't sign the divorce papers, I'll smash your office." Ashley's voice echoed through the corridor.
George then dismissed his doubts. It seemed Ava's plan had succeeded in ruining their relationship.
He smirked mockingly and exchanged a knowing glance with Josselin. The two went to another office.
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