Chapter 386 Passive-Aggressive
The air in the car was almost frozen. In the rearview mirror, Frankie could not bear to look at the man’s facial expression in the back seat. “President Burton, why don’t I go and ask?” “What are you going to ask?” Instantly, Frankie was at a loss for words. What am I going to ask?
Frankie knew Justin’s current mood better than anyone else. No one could understand the pain of being betrayed by their own family. Julian was the cousin he grew up with, and Rachel was the woman he loved all his life. Yet, both of them walked away from him at the same time.
“Let’s go.”
After saying those two words with much difficulty, he finally retracted his gaze and leaned back against the back of the chair feebly.
Even though he was odd to think this, he did not hate anyone or feel any anger.
At the moment when Julian appeared at the memorial service and was announced as the heir of Burton Group, Justin had no other emotions except for a moment of astonishment.
Similarly, Justin was neither angry nor even jealous when he saw Rachel rush over to the park a while ago and walk side by side with Julian on the path along the river, looking like a match made in heaven.
At this moment, Justin finally understood what it meant to lose. The real meaning of loss was that one did not even have the qualifications to retain something or someone.
It’s better this way. The current Julian is capable enough to protect Rachel. He is her best refuge.
“Frankie.”
“Yes, President Burton.”
“Book me a flight to Montenegro.”
“You’re going to Montenegro?” Frankie was stunned for a moment, but he nodded in agreement shortly after. “That’s right. You need to rest for a while. Don’t worry. I’ll help you make proper arrangements regarding the matter on Burton Group. Well then, when will you be back?”
However, Justin did not say a word. He didn’t know how long he would be away. He seemed to have no reason to stay in Riverdale any longer.
…
Everyone thought that the president of Burton Group was about to be replaced by Julian. But after the reallocation of shares, Julian actually tried his best to resign at the first general meeting of shareholders. Instead, Julian proposed that Robin remained as Burton Group’s president, while he would be the vice president.
“But the vice president is President Burton. So if you’re the vice president, then President Burton…”
Out of the blue, this sentence came out, and everyone looked at each other in dismay.
A few gazes landed on the position that initially belonged to Justin. However, the seat was empty at the moment.
After the memorial service, Justin said he was not feeling well and did not come to Burton Group ever again.
“Mr. Zimmer, are you senile? Julian is now the largest shareholder of Burton Group. He has the right to appoint and remove any positions in Burton Group. The entire Burton Group belongs to him. Do you think a mere position of a vice president will do anything?” Robin rudely scolded the person who spoke.
The person was obviously angry from being jabbed by Robin.
After all, Julian was a suddenly assigned leader. Despite him being the largest shareholder, he still has not gained the favors of the other shareholders. Julian did not have his own men or network in Burton Group. Furthermore, these shareholders were stubborn. Although they showed respect outwardly, they had different sinister ideas inwardly.
Even so, Julian was not angry. Then, he said in a low voice, “Everyone had misunderstood, Justin is my cousin, and he has been in Burton Group for so many years. His contributions are obvious to all. Who stipulates that there can’t be two vice presidents in a company?”
Once again, the crowd was taken aback by this declaration.
Later, Julian added, “My initial intention was to let him return to be the president. But it’s best to postpone this decision, considering the frequent changes of the company’s presidents in the short term will have too much impact on stock market fluctuations. I think everyone has no opinion about this, right?”
Julian’s humble and gentle attitude surprised everyone.
At once, Robin raised his hand. “I’ll express my stand first. I have no opinion anyway. I have nothing to say if you guys want me to retire from this position one day.”
As the crowd noticed Robin listening to Julian’s words, everyone felt even more shocked. Then, the crowd started whispering.
“I heard that Julian is a humble person before, but I didn’t expect him to be so generous in matters related to interests.”
“Yeah, he has already received so much equity. We can’t stop him from doing what he wants. But no words can describe this humble attitude of his.”
“If only President Burton were here—it’s rare to have a discussion without conflict. Even President Gunson isn’t causing a scene today.”
“Oh… He’s arrogant and entitled. You know how President Burton was…”
“To put it bluntly, he’s petty.”
The final result was that everyone unanimously agreed with Julian’s suggestion. Robin still remained as the company’s president. Meanwhile, as the company’s first and second shareholders, Julian and Justin would both be the vice presidents.
As soon as the meeting was over, the crowd was dismissed. Robin greeted Julian courteously and complimented him. “President Peters, your tactic of retreating to win some ground is working well. In comparison with Justin’s pettiness for not attending the meeting, you have instantly gained the favors of these shareholders with your humble attitude.
However, Julian said faintly, “Justin is not petty. I grew up with him. He is more subtle than you think.”
“Could it be that he would make a comeback?”
“Who knows?”
“Then I will be in the first line of defense and help you in that battle if that is truly the case. I’ll accept any assignment from you, even if I have to undergo the most severe trials, President Peters. I’ll deal with him for you!”
Justin did not speak. Instead, he turned his head and looked out the window. The trial will be held in two days.
One month later…
“Wait a minute. Your face is a little oily. Makeup artist, please touch up the makeup.”
“Right!”
“Okay, we can start now.”
Leroy was shooting the cover of Hudson Pharmaceuticals’ new packaging endorsement in the studio, and Jolly was commanding the staff like she was Leroy’s assistant.
Rachel was speechless. “Are you my assistant or Leroy’s assistant? You are receiving payment from me yet working under him. I’m suffering a great loss.”
Jolly raised her eyebrows as she heard Rachel’s complaint. “I’m doing it for your sake! I’m doing this so that the endorsement advertisement for our company in this issue will look better.”
“It doesn’t do much even if it looks good, does it? No matter how beautiful the idols are, do you think fans will support them once they are in a relationship? From what I see, the greatest contribution you can give to the company is by breaking up with Leroy.”
“Instigating a discord, are we? I’ll tell Julian later that you weren’t meeting a client two days ago. You just stayed at home for the whole day and didn’t go on a date with him on purpose!”
“Shh!” Rachel immediately covered Jolly’s mouth. “Will it kill you to keep quiet?”
Jolly slapped Rachel’s hand away and said, “Why are you acting like a thief? No, I just want to know what’s happening with you and Julian right now. Rumors are circulating in the company that you two are getting married.”
“Nothing is going on. We’re just friends.”
“Who are you kidding?! Friends, seriously?” Jolly said with a look of disdain, “Will friends send roses and cakes to your office every few days? Besides this, let’s talk about the cooperative tie between Burton Group and Carter Enterprise. Do you think he’ll go against all opinions with his ability and agree with my mom’s condition if it wasn’t out of his respect for you? He suffers a great loss by agreeing with my mom’s condition! Right now, the more my mom sees Julian, the more eye-pleasing she feels. Just two days ago, she even asked me to persuade you to marry Julian sooner. In the future, the two companies will join forces and merge into one.”
Rachel was reading a magazine on the sofa. However, she did not turn a page for a long time, and her look was one of utter absent-mindedness.
When Jolly noticed Rachel’s discouraging state, she was frustrated. Then, she nudged Rachel a little. “Did you hear a word of what I said? Why do you look like your soul has left your body these days.”
Rachel raised her head and spoke out of the blue, “Tomorrow’s the 18th.”
“Yeah, what about it?”
Rachel frowned slightly as she heard the confirmation. But, then, she said in a casual tone, “Tomorrow’s the day for Jason’s execution.”
Jolly was stunned by the news.
