She typed furiously on her keyboard. Her gaze remained riveted upon the screen but her eyes were filled to the brim with tears. She had put in a lot of effort into the development of these cars. When she first heard from the press conference that these cars were entering the international market, she was over the moon. Now that she was forced to recall them, it was no wonder that she was filled with anguish. Besides, the news came out of a sudden, ruining everything.
Only a few minutes had passed but it felt like an eternity before she sent out the email to the company’s branches all over the world. It was a simple email written concisely but it marked the end of the Richards Group.
In less than an hour, the world had received the news that the Richards Group was doomed.
All the cars were recalled from the market within a few hours. The market was forced to look for other sources. Hence, companies such as the Whalen Group, as well as other smaller companies gained the opportunity to benefit from the incident.
What immense profit!
This was how the market worked. If one failed to satisfy its needs, others would eventually fill in the gap in the market.
In the end, the company that benefited the most was Jones Group.
It was as if they had expected that this would occur. The Jones Group had produced lots of cars that year. Although the quality and the appearance were no match for the cars produced by Richards Group, it met the requirements of the market. Besides, the market needed a new manufacturer currently.
What’s more, they were able to set high prices. Hence, the profit gained was remarkable!
As a result, the Jones Group, which had merged with the Sky Sword Group, managed to become part of the list of top-performing companies worldwide. The market guessed that Richards Group was in great trouble, upon receiving news that they were recalling all their cars. It was highly likely that they had met their doom. Hence, many clients turned to new companies after receiving their compensation.
A powerful company such as Richards Group was ruined completely overnight, especially in the car industry.
Many of the small companies under Richards Group, which were in the car industry were falling apart as well.
However, this was not the end. Many small companies seized the opportunity to snatch away the company’s shares and properties. As a result, Hansen, who was used to being in the limelight, was on the brink of collapse.
To make matters worse, he was too proud to accept the failure as well as the blackmail. It was not because he was incapable, nor was it due to a spontaneous disaster. Someone was trying to destroy the company. It was a scheme! Rage overcame Hansen but he was forced to suppress his anger.
This was the first time in his life that he had suffered such a fatal blow. It was a huge dent to his career.
He spun around to face Sergio. His gaze was ice-cold. The veins in his neck popped out in livid ridges.
Sergio looked at him, with a wry smile twisting his lips. In fact, he was on cloud nine.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Richards. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but there’s nothing I can do. I can only obey orders from my superiors. Isn’t that right?” His smile was smug.
At the moment, Hansen felt that it was a scheme set up by Sergio to ruin his company so that he could revel in his distress. This man was truly detestable.
Was it because he didn’t support his father? Or did he think that he was supporting Luqman?
As a matter of fact, he didn’t want to offend any of them.
“Mr. Xanthe, you know that we have always followed our principles and we regard integrity as something of high importance. Do you really think we will commit something as foolish as this? Think carefully.” He sneered.
The corners of Sergio’s mouth twitched, and he smiled wryly. “Mr Richards, it doesn’t matter what I think. Evidence is everything. Nobody can say anything for the time being, which is why we need to investigate the matter. Let’s wait till the investigation is sorted.”
Hansen was simmering with anger and shot daggers at him.
Sergio, what a scoundrel. He would take note of what he said on this day and get his revenge in the future. Hansen thought angrily.
On the contrary, Sergio was thrilled. The pleasurable smile never left his face. Seeing Hanse in a bad mood pleased him.
“Mr. Xanthe, I have arranged an office for you and your team. Besides, I have arranged a few rooms at a nearby hotel for you guys to reside in for the time being. What do you think?” Jenna stood up and approached them after she had calmed down. She then enquired politely.
“Okay, thank you, Ms. Murphy.” Sergio flashed her a smile and said politely, “Jenna, you are wise and reasonable, as always.” There was a twinkle in his eyes.
Jenna sensed a hint of smugness in his voice. She turned around and sighed as she made a call. After a while, Yuri came in.
“Yuri, bring Mr. Xanthe and his team to the 86th floor to visit their offices. See if it suits them. If they are not satisfied with anything, make the necessary arrangements immediately.” Jenna instructed Yuri resolutely.
“Alright, Ms. Murphy.” Yuri nodded her head quickly before turning around and making a gesture, indicating Sergio and his team to follow her. “Mr. Xanthe, please follow me,” she said politely.
Sergio’s lips held a faint smile and his eyes twinkled. He looked around before he left and his gaze fell upon Jenna’s face. He gave her a meaningful look before he left, apparently in high spirits.
“D*mn it.” As soon as Sergio and the rest left, Hansen slammed his fist against the couch. His eyes were blazing murderously.
“Hansen, calm down. We must not lose our cool now.” Jenna knew that he was in distress and it made her heartache. However, they had been charged with an offence and there was nothing they could do. “Don’t worry. Once the truth comes to light, we can start over. I have faith in our abilities. The cars produced by Richards Group are far more advanced than any car on the market. We are a popular brand and we have a good reputation. Besides, we have the skills. As long as we introduce our cars to the market again, it would not take long for us to gain the upper hand.”
Jenna tried to comfort him. As for the cars, needless to say, she was still filled with confidence about their quality. After all, ever since they had decided to introduce the cars to the world, she had a well-thought-out plan. The cars produced by the other companies were no match for Richards Group, including the Whalen Group.
Although they were struggling currently, as someone had blackmailed them, it would not stop the Richards Group from progressing further.
However, Hansen had a clearer picture of what was happening. He was not worried about the car industry and its future development. He was more concerned that the company would not be able to overcome this obstacle.
It was obvious that Sergio had come with evil intentions. He could almost guess the purpose of his visit.
Yadriel was about to run for president. If he was threatening the Richards Group to vote for him, it would be an easy task. However, if they had any ulterior motives or if they wished to destroy the Richards Group, this offence was enough to ruin the Richards Group for good.
“Jenna.” After a long silence, Hansen glanced up at her with red eyes and caressed her hair gently. He said earnestly, “Remember what I have said. No matter what happens in the future, you must be strong. Don’t worry, I’m here. I will try my best to protect you and Jerry, and ensure you a lifetime of happiness.”
Despite the circumstances, he did not mention anything about protecting Richards Group. His main priority was to protect her and Jerry. Jenna was moved, but at the same time, she was choked with sorrow.
In her opinion, to protect her and Jerry, he would need to protect Richards Group first. Protecting the Richards Group was the most important thing for now.
“Hansen, thank you, I will.” Jenna’s eyes were brimming with tears. She closed her eyes and buried her head in his arms. She leaned against his chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. However, she still couldn’t calm down.
She didn’t want to see him in distress and anguish. She wanted him to be confident, in high spirits, overbearing and powerful as usual. He was a man who could make any woman fall in love with him.
He was the man she loved. How could he be defeated? She closed her eyes as her heart ached terribly.
Someone coughed. Startled, Jenna’s eyes widened in alarm and she pulled away from Hansen. To her surprise, she saw Sergio entering the office, looking very gloomy.
“How can you barge into our office without our permission?” Hansen was enraged when he saw him entering their office. Hence, he demanded an explanation.
“Barge in?” Looking very dejected, Sergio forced a smile and said sardonically, “Mr. Richards, getting all lovey-dovey with your wife at work? It’s no wonder your company is going out of business.”
“What do you mean?” His temper sparked and he laughed. “It looks like Mr. Xanthe is here on purpose to reprimand me. Are you so lonely that you can’t even bear to see a couple being madly in love? Are you jealous?”
Sergio was smoldered with resentment when he heard what he said. However, he calmed down immediately, assumed an air of nonchalance, as he sat on the couch, and crossed his legs. He said resolutely, “Hansen, let me be frank with you. I am here under Capital City’s orders to investigate the matter. As the head of the team, I have the right to enter wherever I wish for investigation purposes. If possible, I would also like to intervene in your private life. After all, information is normally leaked out after work. You better respect me and don’t you dare provoke me. Behave yourself. Otherwise, this offence is enough to ruin you forever.”
Although he was being a jerk, it was indeed part of his responsibility as the team leader. Although they were itching to refute his words, they could not do so.
Anger rose in Hansen like a tide and he shook with fury. He was breathless with anger and he clenched his fists.
Such humiliation! He had never been treated in this manner before.