"Nothing you can do?" Vincent had fully expected his company to go down eventually. But he didn't expect it to be so fast. He thought the company could float with negative revenue for at least a year.
But it was only three months since his very first public scandal, and his company was already on the brink of collapse.
"This isn't right," Vincent said. "It shouldn't take this fast for the Gray company to go down. It has a long history, and we've maintained our reputation for ages."
"It's because of one rival company, Sir," Nigel said. "Golden Star has been extremely aggressive to fight us. They are making alternate products of everything we have, and they cut their prices for at least 30% less from us. On top of your… dwindling reputation, the public opinion shifts and they decide to get brand new and cheaper products."
"Golden Star…" Of course, Vincent knew who was behind this attack.
It was none other than his little brother, Vernon Phoenix Gray.
He thought that Vernon was his loyal dog, so Vincent didn't mind sharing his inheritance with him, knowing that Vernon would be grateful and become even more obedient and fiercely loyal to him.
Who would've expected that dog could bite his own master's hand?
"My little brother, huh?" Vincent murmured. "He knows that my reputation has been destroyed right now. He also knows that I am currently dealing with heartbreak after knowing my beloved wife is going against me. What an opportunistic bastard."
Vincent scoffed.
While feeling all sorts of regrets towards Chloe, he felt zero ounces of pity or regret towards Vernon.
It was pure hatred now, especially after knowing Vernon was ready to destroy him and their father's company.
Vernon was selfish and destructive. He acted like he had worshiped Vincent, but he was scheming against him behind his back.
"All of my business partners went to Golden Star as well?" Vincent asked.
"Yes, Sir, at least 90% of them shifted to Golden Star," Nigel said. "I am sorry, Sir. But the company will have to file for bankruptcy in about two months if we can't do anything to salvage this problem."
"Sir, I'm asking you to take the CEO seat again and start working on this problem. Everyone is waiting for you," Nigel persuaded.
"Yes, Mr. Gray. Everyone is waiting for you, I am waiting for you…" Khloe finally opened her mouth. She looked sincere, and that gave a bit of hope in Vincent's heart.
Because he kept seeing her as Chloe, even though he knew it was just an illusion to make himself feel better.
He sighed and said, "I am a broken man. I don't have any more fighting spirit knowing that Chloe is not here, and she planned everything just to destroy me. The feeling of getting betrayed by your one and only beloved crushed me until I can't get up."
Nigel and Khloe looked helpless. They had guessed that Mr. Gray would refuse to take the CEO role after what happened. He was still shocked, but they had no more time to let him recover because the company was about to be destroyed.
ƥandasnovel·ƈom Vincent understood their worries and said, "Rather than filing for bankruptcy, try to find someone who is willing to buy and acquire the company. You can make it cheap, knowing it's on the brink of collapse anyway. It's better than to let it file for bankruptcy and get destroyed because I can't be there."
"Sir, it will take a long time for us to find someone willing to do it. No matter how cheap it can be, there is no way someone would buy a huge company like this without long consideration," Nigel said. "Though, there is indeed one person who has been offering to buy the whole company, but I don't think you'll like to hear his name, Sir."
"Vernon?"
Nigel nodded reluctantly.
"He is the only one who is willing to buy and merge the company. At this point, we have no other choice than to comply with his request to save the company," Nigel said. "The choice is in your hand, Sir. Either we let him acquire the Gray company, or let it file for bankruptcy and get destroyed in only months."
Vincent felt nothing but anger and disgust towards his opportunistic little brother, who kicked him when he was at his lowest.
But he had to admit his defeat at this point. He didn't care about the company anymore, but it was still his father's legacy.
If he could save it, then he would. It was the least he could do to repay that bastard late father for teaching him the wrong way to keep your woman.
Thus, Vincent took a deep breath and ordered, "Send a formal invitation to his company, tell him that I want to meet him in my office, and we will talk about the acquisition."
Nigel was relieved that Mr. Gray could admit defeat and allowed Vernon Phoenix Gray to purchase and merge the company.
"Certainly, Sir. I will be contacting his secretary as soon as possible. Please excuse me," Nigel bowed respectfully at the now-defeated man and left the room.
There were only Vincent and Khloe in the Master bedroom right now.
She sat next to him at the edge of the bed and then gently placed her hand on top of his as a comfort, "I'm sorry that it ends like this, Mr. Gray. I tried my best to help, but I'm too inexperienced…"
"… you did your job, Chloe," Vincent said. "It's not your fault. It's all on me. I am the one who screwed up really badly here."
Khloe slowly rested her head on Vincent's arm and said, "Even if the company has been merged and you lost everything, I will stay by your side, Mr. Gray."
Vincent's heart felt warm. He knew it was just an illusion, but in his mind, right now, this was the other 'Chloe' he needed.
She was a substitute that he needed since the real Chloe was missing.
"Thank you for everything, Chloe. Stay by my side, please."
"I will, Mr. Gray.."
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter