These words kept popping up in Bruno’s mind, causing him an unbearable headache.
Bruno knew that Hengfeng Bank had Azure Cloud Group as its backing.
So, owing money to Hengfeng Bank was equivalent to owing money to Azure Cloud Group.
To put it in perspective, if Azure Cloud Group were compared to an elephant, then the Henley’s Corp was essentially an ant.
For a second-rate aristocratic family like them, offending a behemoth like Azure Cloud Group would mean the entire family playing out in no time.
In the meeting room, chaos ensued.
“How can this be? Wasn’t it said that only 20% of the group’s assets would be used for the one billion loan? How did it become 100% in Logan’s words!?”
“Haven’t you heard what that guy said? After Sophia Cosmetics Company got through the crisis, Leo never repaid the one billion loan to the bank. The supplementary clause came into effect in the case of overdue payment!”
“I can’t believe that damn useless Leo connived with Hengfeng Bank to set a trap for the conglomerate. This is to make the Henley’s Corp completely collapse!”
“Now what? If Hengfeng sues, we’ll definitely lose the lawsuit…”
“I was wondering why that deadbeat Leo could borrow one billion. Turns out, there were tricks involved. No wonder Sophia was willing to share Sophia Cosmetics Company’s profits…”
The discussions of the crowd almost suffocated Bruno. He struggled to sit down with the support of the chair.
Fanny, with a worried expression, couldn’t help but ask the gloomy Bruno, “Bruno, what should we do?”
“I…,” Bruno was about to curse, but his words were interrupted by a voice.
“Who is the newly appointed chairman of the Henley’s Corp?”
The chattering crowd turned their eyes to the source of the voice and saw Alvin, the production factory director of Herbal Magic Cosmetics, entering.
Alvin first glanced around at the Henley family members and then fixed his gaze on Bruno.
Alvin’s appearance seemed like a guiding light to Bruno, who quickly stood up from his seat and approached him.
“Mr. Simpson, your visit is an honor. Please forgive my lack of courtesy,” Bruno extended his right hand to Alvin, but Alvin ignored the offered handshake.
Seeing the unusual expression on Alvin’s face, Bruno felt a sinking feeling in his heart. Could it be that Alvin was here to cause trouble?
Bruno was well aware that the recent success of Sophia Cosmetics Company was largely due to the cooperation between Herbal Magic Cosmetics production factory and Sophia Cosmetics. The production of high-quality cosmetics at a lower cost contributed to significant profits, a portion of which was to be handed over to the Henley’s Corp.
In Bruno’s mind, the Herbal Magic Cosmetics production factory had become a money-making tree. His first plan after taking office was to secure at least half of the distributorship from the factory and entrust it to Breeze Cosmetics for operation. This would reduce the profits of Sophia Cosmetics Company, and Bruno could use it as leverage to influence the board and possibly remove Sophia as the general manager.
The sudden visit from Alvin left Bruno uncertain of his intentions. He felt both anxious and hopeful. Anxious that Alvin might terminate their distributorship agreement and hopeful that Alvin might consider increasing the distribution channels.
Anxious that he might lose the money tree, but hopeful that the one billion loan from Hengfeng Bank would be less threatening.
“Bruno, you’re now the chairman of the Henley’s Corp, right?” Alvin asked coldly.
A hint of pride appeared on Bruno’s face as he replied, “Yes, Mr. Simpson. My grandmother passed away, and amidst the grief, I took over the responsibility. I hope you will support my work in honor of my late grandmother.”
“Now that you’re the chairman of the Henley’s Corp, there’s something I can tell you directly,” Alvin’s expression and tone remained indifferent.
“Mr. Simpson, what is it? Please go ahead,” Bruno responded.
“The thing is, the exclusive distributorship contract between Herbal Magic Cosmetics production factory and the Henley’s Corp, executed by Sophia Cosmetics Company, is terminated,” Alvin stated.
Although Bruno was mentally prepared, Alvin’s words left him momentarily stunned. After a while, Bruno regained his composure and looked at Alvin inquiringly. “Mr. Simpson, we had a good partnership. Why terminate it?”
Alvin snorted, “I’ve heard the news that you’ve dismissed Sophia, the general manager of Sophia Cosmetics Company.”
“I’ve mentioned before, the distributorship agreement between Herbal Magic Cosmetics production factory and Sophia Cosmetics Company was based on Sophia being the general manager. Once Sophia no longer holds that position, the collaboration ceases.”
“Not only that, I’ll publish an announcement in the industry news, exposing the fact that you frequently change executives in the Henley’s Corp. When that happens, let’s see which company dares to provide your corporation with cosmetic supply sources!”
Under the double blow of one billion from Hengfeng Bank and the termination of the partnership with Herbal Magic Cosmetics production factory, Bruno felt as if he had been struck on the back of the head.
“Mr. Simpson, whether Sophia is the general manager of Sophia Cosmetics Company or not, it doesn’t necessarily affect the distributorship agreement. Moreover, even if Sophia Cosmetics Company is no longer in the picture, the Henley’s Corp still has Breeze Cosmetics. Breeze Cosmetics is not inferior to Sophia Cosmetics Company in terms of strength. Why not let them execute the exclusive distributorship?” Bruno suggested.
“Foolish dreams, Bruno. I’m a person who stands by my words. Once I’ve chosen Sophia, I won’t change,” Alvin sternly declared.
Fanny walked over and greeted Alvin with a flattering smile, “Mr. Simpson, please don’t act on impulse. Isn’t it wonderful for us all to make money happily together? Why bother ourselves on Sophia?”
“Oh, by the way, you probably don’t know who I am. Let me tell you now. My name is Fanny. Soon, I’ll be marrying into the Browne family, a first-rate aristocratic family. By then, you might regret your actions today!” Fanny’s words disgusted Alvin. It was the first time he had encountered such a vulgar, pretentious, and self-unaware woman in the world.