Chapter 382: Enrico’s Tremendous Takeover
Most of the people in the room turned pale, their faces completely drained of color. This familiar process seemed to have returned once again. Enrico sat calmly at the head of the table, composed and relaxed. He idly tapped his fingers together, showing no hint of emotion despite having just dealt with Mr. Chandra.
“The last people who arrived in the past half hour, leave immediately,” Enrico ordered.
Everyone was shocked. No one dared to move, but the bodyguards stepped forward, pointing guns at their heads like bandits, escorting them out under the watchful eyes of the others. After witnessing this, the remaining individuals didn’t dare offer any excuses. A few people, pale-faced, gathered their documents and left, preferring to walk out rather than be dragged away by Enrico’s men.
Seeing a few leave, the rest sighed in relief. One person forced a smile and spoke to Enrico, “Mr. Gustin, you’ve just recovered from your illness. Please, don’t let them upset you and harm your health.”
“That’s right, Mr. Gustin. Besides, the corporation is different from before. We really need people right now, so perhaps-”
Enrico remained seated, glancing coldly at the speaker, interrupting, “What? I’ve only dealt with a few people, and already your thoughts are stirring again?”
The room fell silent.
“After all, it’s been three years. It makes sense that some of you are getting ideas,” Enrico continued. “Some people must have been hoping I’d die out there, thinking that if I did, they could rename the corporation to their own or perhaps turn it into a shared venture among a few families.”
His eyes scanned the room as he spoke.
“Clang-”
Someone, unable to withstand his gaze, knocked over their thermos, visibly nervous.
Others sat upright, trying to maintain their composure. In the world of business, three years is neither long nor short. A shift in leadership can trigger a chain of events, and as Enrico stayed away for half a year, no one dared move. A year, still no one acted. But three years? People started to feel tempted. Who would have guessed that, just as they thought Enrico would never return, he showed up out of nowhere!
“Why are you all so tense? Having ambition is a good thing. I, Enrico, like ambitious people,” he said, his voice echoing through the silent meeting room.
No one dared to respond.
Enrico slowly stood, resting his hands on the edge of the gray mahogany table, his narrow eyes full of disdain. “But ambition should match your abilities.”
The atmosphere grew even tenser.
“Back then, I was able to clear out the Gustin family villa’s extended relatives and put you in power. I can certainly take you down again.”
Enrico tapped the table lightly as he continued, his cold, threatening voice sending chills through the room. “This corporation will only have one master, and that’s me-Enrico.”
No one dared to make a sound.
Everyone knew of Enrico’s ruthless ways. He tolerated no opposition. Anyone who dared to challenge him would be crushed.
“Do you understand?” Enrico asked, sweeping his gaze across the room. His face was dark and foreboding, like a dormant volcano waiting to erupt.
No one wanted to be the spark that ignited his fury.
“Yes, Mr. Gustin.”
“We understand, Mr. Gustin.”
“I have always followed your lead, Mr. Gustin. Even when Assistant Jaden was in charge, I didn’t dare step out of line.”
Everyone quickly voiced their obedience. As they glanced at Jaden standing behind Enrico, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. Over the past three years, they had labeled Jaden as slow and dimwitted, wondering why he hadn’t taken over the corporation when he had the chance. But now they saw the truth-Jaden wasn’t foolish; he was smart. After all, Enrico had outmaneuvered even his own father. Who else could dare plot against him?
“Good. Next time we meet, I don’t want to see anyone arriving later than me,” Enrico said, tossing a pile of folders onto the table. “And these,” he continued, “are the properties and ports the corporation has lost over the past three years. I’m giving you one month. I don’t care how you do it-whoever lost them, get them back. If you can’t, I’ll handle you.”
The room fell into despair. One month? That was impossible!
Everyone wanted to beg for mercy, but one look at Enrico’s expression killed any courage they had.
After giving his orders, Enrico turned and walked out. Jaden quickly followed, anxiety tightening his chest. For the past three years, he had been managing the corporation, and technically, he was responsible for everything that had gone wrong. And yet, Enrico hadn’t said a word of blame-was it because he had delivered the blood in time that one time?
Jaden couldn’t help but feel guilty. He needed to admit his mistakes. As he moved forward to confess, he noticed Enrico casually scrolling through his phone, a small smile on his lips. It was as if the cold anger from the meeting room had never existed.
Jaden glanced at the screen and was stunned to see what Enrico was searching for:
**”What do you need to prepare for a wedding?”**
Jaden’s eyes widened in shock, and he blurted out, “Boss, are you getting married?!”
Enrico’s brows furrowed at the loud outburst, his smile fading as he looked at Jaden in annoyance. “Is it that surprising?”
“No, no!” Jaden quickly backtracked, stepping away. “It’s just… Boss, you really are something. You already proposed?”
He must have taken advantage of Paige while she was recovering from her injuries…
“Proposed? Me?” Enrico gave him a disdainful look. “You really haven’t seen the world, have you?”
Jaden was left completely baffled. What did that even mean?
Enrico ignored him, continuing to scroll through the search results. A wedding… Oriental or Western style? Would that little thing prefer a traditional red gown or a pure white bridal dress?ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Hmm, definitely something worth considering.
—
Meanwhile, Paige was also in a meeting.
In the underground conference room of the new Rose Estate, Paige sat at the head of the table as everyone else gradually took their seats. The members of Peak Club sat with her, leaving empty chairs for Angie, Rey, and Mira. Although only a few seats were vacant, the absence felt especially stark.
Cynthia, Derrick, and the others, who were working hard to keep Temple in Heaven running, had even missed the funeral. Each of them wore a small white flower pinned to their chest as a symbol of mourning.
Paige quietly flipped through the documents in front of her, her eyes briefly resting on the paper with her name on it.
The room was silent. Despite the reunion, not a single person showed any signs of joy. All eyes kept drifting to those empty seats.