Chapter 158 Ethan Picks Up Justin After School
All the department employees were at a team-building event, everyone chatting and laughing.
"Mr. Branson, come have a drink. You'll soon be the deputy CEO. We're counting on your support in the future."
Branson sat in the place of honor, reveling in everyone's flattery.
"Don't put it like that, I'm not worthy," Branson said with a smile, the insincerity plain on his face.
"If Mr. Branson isn't worthy, then we might as well all leave the company," a few colleagues chimed in, prompting laughter from everyone.
"Mr. Branson, we've all heard; you're the only choice for deputy CEO. The chairman's confidence in you is one thing, our support is another, and even Mr. Ethan feels threatened—that's the third reason. If not you as Vice President, then who?"
"Exactly. If the deputy CEO isn't you, we'll all protest."
"We can't have that; I haven't incited the staff to create trouble," Branson joked, raising his hand to quiet the crowd.
With such strong support from these people, he felt even more confident.
Outside, Ethan entered with Jasmine and Liam in tow.
Everyone was surprised to see Ethan. "Mr. Ethan? You're actually joining a team-building event?"
"My goodness, are we seeing right? That's Mr. Ethan, right?"
"Indeed, it’s Mr. Ethan himself. Why would Mr. Ethan come in person? Is it because of Mr. Branson’s promotion to Vice President?"
"It seems to be a done deal, just waiting for the official announcement," someone murmured.
"Quiet down everybody, Mr. Ethan is going to say a few words and then leave." Liam stepped forward, signaling for silence.
However, no one paid attention to Liam. The place remained in disarray, with everyone whispering and murmuring amongst themselves.
Ethan, however, was the picture of composure, his face betraying nothing beyond his usual aloofness.
"Everybody, quiet!" Branson stood up and approached with a meaningful smile. "Mr. Ethan, please, your speech."
As Branson spoke, the employees fell silent.
Clearly, they were snubbing Liam, the CEO's assistant, while showing respect to their project manager, Branson.
Branson was quite pleased, considering it a subtle show of dominance over Ethan.
Being a seasoned company man, he knew the advantage of instilling a little fear in the leadership for smoother operations.
This way, he could keep Ethan in check.
Despite Ethan's capabilities, he was still a junior, and he must focus on networking rather than butting heads with Branson.
"The investment department has really put in the effort on this project. You've all worked hard," Ethan said with a deep voice, giving Branson a cool glance.
He couldn't stand that smug complacency.
Jasmine had asked him to bear it, so he reluctantly gave a couple of compliments. "Mr. Branson has always been a role model for me; let's have a one-on-one chat when you're free."
Branson's grin nearly split his face. "You flatter me, Mr. Ethan. It's the result of everyone's hard work."
Being the old fox that he was, Branson knew some honors were best shared, as it added to one's clout.
After all, if a headhunter came calling, it was one thing for him alone to leave, and quite another to take an entire department with him.
"Enjoy yourselves, I've got other matters to attend to." Ethan turned to leave, not wanting to stay a moment longer.
Leaving the hotel, Ethan's mood was clearly somber.
Jasmine followed behind cautiously, her heart racing with uncertainty.
This was a rare deviation for Ethan, and it was all for her sake.
"Give him an inch and he takes a mile, damn!" Liam cursed as he got into the car, disgusted by Branson's slimy demeanor.
"Back to the Douglas estate," Ethan ordered in a low voice.
Jasmine sat nervously by the car door, stealing a glance at Ethan.
Heading to the Douglas estate meant facing Daniel, Clara, Howard, and Lisa.
Ethan sat in the car with a stern face, not uttering a word.
He just surreptitiously took Jasmine's hand, reassuring her not to worry.
Jasmine watched Liam nervously, hoping he wouldn't notice.
However, Ethan seemed indifferent to whether Liam saw them or not, and even appeared to be taunting him with the possibility.
Fortunately, Liam was focused on driving and didn't look in the rearview mirror.
...
Back at the hotel, Branson took the opportunity to sneak off to a quiet corner and call Clara after Ethan and Jasmine left. "Madam, yes, yes, yes. Right, you guessed it. Ethan came to see me. He's trying to win me over, clearly because he sees me as a threat."
"Well, congratulations in advance, Vice President," Clara said with profound implication.
"Madam, I wouldn’t be here without your support. Trust me, no matter what Ethan does, I am loyal to you. Just say the word..." Branson spoke obsequiously over the phone.
"It's good that you remember, we must be grateful," Clara reminded with a smile.
"Madam, you can count on me. I am not an ungrateful . The help you gave when my family had those issues... I wouldn’t have made it without you," Branson reassured, smiling again. "Don't worry, I will also keep up with the Chairman. When the time is right, Mr. Daniel will certainly be the true power holder of Stellar Enterprises."
"Excellent, I'll leave the rest to you."
Clara had high hopes for Branson.
Branson was an important piece that she had strategically positioned.
This piece was Clara's trump card in the Davis game.
Once Branson secured the position of Vice President, she would have claimed half of Stellar Enterprises for Daniel.
At that point, it wouldn’t matter how capable Ethan was. Without the support of his team, his days as CEO were numbered.
...
"Mr. Ethan, Branson is Clara's confidant and a trusted man of Mr. Ethan’s. Are you sure you want to let Jasmine play around like this?" Liam asked anxiously as Jasmine went to pick up Justin, turning back to look at Ethan.
"Mr. Ethan, he's been indulging himself to form cliques. Just look at those people today. What a facade! If one didn’t know better, they might think Branson was the CEO. I've taken great pains to get rid of Branson without success. Do you think Jasmine can do it?" Liam was still worried.
Even though Jasmine was capable, Ethan's trust in her seemed a bit premature.
"You better take a good look in the mirror," Ethan snorted.
"It's not that..." Liam anxiously protested, "I'm just worried. Branson is Clara's ace from Davis."
"Then, you better keep your eyes peeled."
Liam got out of the car, fuming, and opened the door for Ethan.
As Ethan was about to step out, he heard the taunting voices of kids at the school gate.
"Justin has no father! Nobody shows up for Parent's Day!"
"Justin, the wild child!"
"He is an unwanted wild child!"
Casey, the ringleader, teased Justin by leading the kids in making up songs mocking him for not having a father.
Since being scared off by Erin last time, Casey did not dare to physically bully Justin anymore and had resorted to verbal attacks.
Clutching his little backpack, Justin retorted angrily, "I do have a dad!"
"Liar," the other kids jeered at Justin.
"Yeah, big fat liar."
Tears welled up in Justin's eyes as he clenched his tiny fists in silence.
"Justin."
Ethan got out of the car, walked over to stand next to Jasmine, and called out to Justin.
"Daddy!" Justin's eyes lit up immediately, and he excitedly ran into Ethan's arms.
Casey froze for a second, then nervously shied away.
His biggest fear was Ethan.
"Casey, why are you running off?" Ethan's voice was stern, almost as if he could eat the kid alive.
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