Human nature.
Algernon Gutierrez calmly analyzed the situation, speaking rationally about their departure, assuring the betrayed employees that it was not wrong to leave, allowing them some peace of mind. People die for money, birds die for food, we left, that’s right. This proves that he indeed has the capability.
However, life is never purely rational. Life is like a big arena, full of human emotions and affairs. Elise Houry’s promotion and support for them were out of goodwill, and their work was just reciprocating with their salary as a result. They owed Elise Houry.
“You all!”
Priya Bates looked at them angrily!
Just as she was about to say something, a delicate hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned around to see Elise Houry, dressed in a wedding gown, looking beautiful. Today, she exuded a sense of calmness, yet there was a hint of complexity in her eyes when she looked at Algernon Gutierrez.
Algernon Gutierrez, who was once a junior staff member she promoted, was now accusing her of betrayal.
“CEO Houry, to be honest, I am grateful for your guidance. Without you, I wouldn’t have reached this position today. But I do not live just for myself. I have a family, and I cannot continue sailing on a sinking ship. So, CEO Houry, I’m sorry.” Algernon Gutierrez bowed his head slightly.
However, Elise Houry’s eyes showed even more complexity. At this point, Algernon Gutierrez was just trying to block her words with his rhetoric, afraid of what she might say that would make his employees waver. After all, Elise Houry was the one who had promoted them in the first place.
But when Algernon Gutierrez mentioned that he wasn’t living just for himself, those who had betrayed Elise Houry suddenly found a legitimate reason for their actions. It wasn’t for themselves, but for their families. Thinking this way eased the guilt of betrayal.
This Algernon Gutierrez was not very sincere.
Finally, Elise Houry sighed softly. “I hope you won’t regret this.”
We won’t regret it!
We are about to board the Clarke family’s big ship.
Thoughts ran through the minds of those led by Algernon Gutierrez.
Seizing the opportunity, Isaiah Clarke sneered and said, “Oh, CEO Houry, I forgot to tell you. Not only is Algernon Gutierrez coming with me, Melvin Todd is also joining us. Unfortunately, you’ll be left with very few people. Ha ha.”
It would soon become clear who would win and who would lose.
Suddenly, a voice was heard from outside: “They’re here, they’re here!”
Everyone turned to see Melvin Todd leading a large group of people in. The fat man with narrow eyes exuded wealth, followed by a group of imposing individuals. They weren’t Elise Houry’s team but allies of Landview Inc.
At that moment, Melvin Todd headed towards Isaiah Clarke and exclaimed loudly, “Isaiah, I have brought a grand gift for the bride today, guaranteed to be stunning. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not, thank you.”
Isaiah Clarke responded.
Soon, Isaiah Clarke’s side was crowded with guests, while Elise Houry’s side was nearly empty.
Seeing this, Isaiah Clarke mocked, “Elise Houry, see? This shows our strength. We have many people, while you have almost none. With more help, the virtuous will prosper and the wicked will suffer. Landview Inc. is doomed.”
“Don’t think we have no one. They just haven’t arrived yet.”
Priya Bates said angrily.
Isaiah Clarke, pleased with himself, retorted, “Then where are your people? The old man and the young girl? Are they all you have? Ha ha. You can only rely on those old-timers.”
Isaiah Clarke pointed towards the entrance, where an old man and a seventeen-eighteen-year-old girl were heading towards Elise Houry’s group. They looked humble, dressed plainly, not wearing any designer clothes, almost like rural folks compared to the luxurious guests. His smile grew wider.
Little did he know that the old man had a higher status than everyone else on his side.
“Hello, sir, are you guests from our side?” Elise Houry noticed them and went to greet them warmly, not showing any disdain for their appearance.
In fact, she felt a desire to take care of the old man due to his age.
“Yes, we are friends of the groom.”
Erasmus Langstaff signaled to Robin Bailey inside.
Today, he had come to repay a favor, having recovered from his injuries over the past two days. Initially, when he saw the person following Robin Bailey leave abruptly, he thought he wouldn’t be able to repay the favor. But here he was again.
So, he didn’t reveal his identity, planning to protect the groom and settle the score with those surrounding him.
After all, his status was not low.
At the age of ninety-nine, he held a position of great importance in Daoism, with many disciples acknowledging him as their master. He could easily arrange a meeting with the three elders of the central tower.
“Sir, please.”
Elise Houry extended her hand politely.
Such a well-mannered young lady.
Erasmus Langstaff thought to himself. Despite hearing the discussions around him, Erasmus Langstaff felt somewhat out of place upon his arrival. He had expected to be treated with indifference. Yet, the young lady’s courteous demeanor and respectful words made him nod in approval.
His benefactor had a charming wife.
“Miss, you’re so beautiful. The groom must be very lucky to have you.”
Coco Langstaff, not as composed as Erasmus, brightened up at the sight of Elise Houry. “What a sweet little sister,” Elise Houry politely smiled.
Little did she know that Coco’s smile was even sweeter.
“Well, let’s go. She needs to attend to others.”
Seeing Coco Langstaff still wanting to chat, Erasmus gently pulled her away, leaving to attend to the other guests.
“Oh, okay, sister, let’s go in first.”
Coco Langstaff replied and followed Erasmus Langstaff inside.
Soon, ordinary guests started arriving. Isaiah Clarke’s side was filled with wealthy Stillwater elites, while Elise Houry’s side was notably empty, as most had been dissuaded by Isaiah Clarke to show support for Elise Houry’s loss of face today.