Chapter 524 Sneaking a Peek at Patricia Behind the Scenes
Alan responded, "Those companies initially didn't have much fame or status. They were trying to ride the wave of attention from the boss's passing. Once we stabilize our relationships with Cosmos Electronics Corp. and the Robinson Group, they'll naturally come back, begging to work with us again."
Patricia understood. So far, two major reasons have led to the decline in Langley Group's stock price.
The first was due to the passing of Martin. The second was the termination of the partnership between Cosmos Electronics Corp. and Robinson Group. Just these two events alone were enough to shake the Langley Group significantly.
The top priority to stabilize the current situation was twofold. First, the Langley Group needed to find a competent manager immediately. Secondly, it was crucial to restore the partnership between Cosmos Electronics Corp. and Robinson Group.
As for the other companies stirring up trouble, they couldn't cause any significant harm to the Langley Group. No matter how much noise they made now, once the Langley Group weathered the storm, their importance would diminish.
Alan said, "I just got word that Andrew Roberts of Cosmos Electronics Corp., is heading to the resort for vacation tomorrow. I think you and I should pay him a visit."
Patricia nodded. "Sounds good! What time do we leave?"
Alan hesitated for a moment. Just then, his phone chimed with a message.
He glanced at his phone, a slight smile curling up at the corner of his mouth. "No need to rush. Let's take off at ten. I'll come pick you up."
Patricia looked at him quizzically. She couldn't tell if it was a hunch, but she had the impression that the time Alan mentioned was decided after he read the message. Could Alan have a mentor guiding him from behind the scenes? However, she wasn't one to pry into others' affairs,
"Thank you for guarding the company for Martin," she said. "Without you, the place would have probably fallen into chaos by now."
Alan's voice choked up a bit. "It was the right thing to do. A thanks isn't needed."
Shortly after Patricia and Sebastian left, Alan's phone rang again. Seeing the unfamiliar number, he quickly answered with excitement, pressing the phone to his ear. "Hello?"
"Is it taken care of?" The caller's inquiry was followed by a labored breath, as though each word had sapped his energy.
"It's all set," Alan said. "I'm heading out to W Resort with Mrs. Watson at ten tomorrow. I'll do whatever it takes to get that deal with Andrew Roberts sealed for her."
"Alright, call me anytime you need something," the caller said. Shortly after, a violent coughing fit erupted, growing so intense that it seemed to strip away his breath, leaving a heavy silence hanging for an agonizing stretch.
Alan's heart raced to his throat as he asked anxiously, "Are you okay?"
There was no response.
"W-where are you?" Alan said. "I'll come to find you. Let me take you to the hospital!"
After a tense wait, the voice on the other end mustered enough strength to say, "I'm fine. If anything comes up, call me; we'll keep in touch."
And with that, he hung up.
Alan could sense the panic through the phone; the voice kept getting fainter and weaker. It was like listening to someone on their deathbed, their life hanging by a thread.
Feeling distressed, Alan pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stop his mind from spiraling with worry. He gathered the documents from Martin's desk and brought them back to his own, burying himself in his work.
Learning that Patricia was heading to W Resort for a business negotiation, Riley said, "I'll go with you tomorrow. If any issues come up, I can help."
Shane jumped in eagerly. "Patricia, your cousin is right. Take him with you. If you hit a snag, he'll be there to advise you."
"With the size of the company he manages," Sebastian added, "his experience is invaluable. If it weren't for his idea to forge Martin's will, we wouldn't have solved this issue so easily."
Jeremy also issued his concern. "Given your current situation, we're not comfortable with you traveling far. Better if Riley accompanies you, it'll give us peace of mind."
"How about I join you as well?" Ariel offered. "I'll stay right by your side to keep you from doing anything rash."
Patricia laughed, patting Ariel on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't make any more foolish decisions. I want to live a wonderful life, raise my kids, and preserve Martin's company."
Ariel finally relented. "Still, at least take one of these guys with you."
Seeing their worry, Patricia said, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you to accompany me, Riley. Ariel, I'll leave my home in you and Jade's care."
After making the decision, Patricia and Riley packed their bags that evening, ready to head to the W Resort the next day. Alan didn't seem too surprised to see Riley when he came to pick up Patricia. He just greeted him briefly and then drove to the airport.
The W Resort was located in a different state within the same country, so the flight was relatively short—only two hours. The resort used to be a secluded island—not very large, but it boasted a year-round spring-like climate and stunning scenery. Its main attraction was a natural hot spring. Eventually, the island was developed into a resort, complete with standalone villas. Each villa even had its private swimming pool. Summertime and the winter holidays were peak seasons. Now, during the off-season, the place was open.
Alan had deliberately booked a villa right next to Andrew Robert's to make finding him easier. Each floor of the villa had three rooms—just enough for Patricia, Alan, and Riley to stay.
Once inside the villa, Alan took Patricia's suitcase from her. "Mrs. Watson, please feel free to look around. I'll take your luggage to your room."
"Thank you!" Patricia said, then stepped out of the villa.
The area was expansive and beautiful. Developed from an isolated island, it retained the untouched wildness surrounded by mountains—a misty haze wrapped around the mountain tops, evoking a celestial paradise.
Patricia exclaimed, "It's so gorgeous!"
She wished she could bring Martin and the kids here for a vacation. Unfortunately, that dream could never come to fruition.
Unbeknownst to her, a tall figure stood hidden behind a large tree not far behind her, gazing at her, lost in thought. They were only dozens of meters apart, yet it felt like impossible distances separated them. Even though she was within reach, he couldn't touch her.
The figure instinctively reached out toward Patricia, but a sudden coughing fit overcame him.
He tried to cover his mouth to muffle the sound, but it was too late—Patricia had already turned around and looked in his direction.
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