My Ex-husband Begs Me Back -
Chapter 898: Nonsense
Chapter 898: Nonsense
Horace's handling of the situation was appropriate, winning applauseand praise from the media, but it didn't sit well with Brody.
Brody only learned of the incident after Horace's media reception whenhe saw a video of Horace's remarks online.
He immediately came to Simpson Group to question Horace, "Mr.Burris, your actions are harming Armstrong Corp. Our principle atArmstrong Corp is to not make enemies, to avoid any trouble. Youshould issue an apology statement quickly.”
Brody's expression was unpleasant, and though he addressed Horaceas "Mr. Burris," his tone was commanding and accusatory.
Had it been someone other than Horace, Brody would probably havelost his temper long ago. But Horace held more shares in ArmstrongCorp, and because Camille was still unwilling to transfer her shares tohim, he didn't have much leverage when dealing with Horace.Thinking of this, Brody's mood soured even more. He planned to meetwith Camille later and convince her to transfer her shares to him. Onlythen would he have the ultimate say in Armstrong Corp. Otherwise, itwould always be at risk in someone else's hands.
Neither Horace nor Grace were aware of Brody's thoughts. Brody'sintense attitude towards Horace prompted Grace to gently remind him,"Dad, don't get agitated. Let's talk it out. Mr. Burris was doing it for thegood of Armstrong Corp. We just talked with Simpson Group, and Ayansaid we could shift all the blame to Sean. That way, Armstrong Corpwouldn't be implicated. So why apologize?"
Grace's words made Brody's face darken immediately. He glared at herwith displeasure but maintained his composure. “I'm speaking to Mr.Burris right now. Why are you interfering?"
Grace fell silent, lips tightly pressed together, her eyes fixed on him,and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Horace furrowed his brows instinctively, his voice warm and composed,"Mr. Armstrong, Miss Armstrong is now part of Armstrong Corp'smanagement team. She has the right to speak on these matters.Besides, Miss Armstrong is right. If I issue an apology now just to avoidoffending Benjamin, it might backfire. People might think we've beenbought by him. As long as Armstrong Corp operates transparently andethically, we shouldn't worry about offending anyone, as long as we dothings right.”
Horace's stance was firm, leaving Brody with no retort.
Brody tried to replace excuses, "Mr. Burris, I understand what you'resaying, but I just don't want you to be deceived. Simpson Group is a bigcompany, much larger than us. Even if something does happen, itwould be like a big ship rocking slightly on the sea. But Armstrong Corpis different; it's like a small boat in the ocean. Any little storm couldcapsize it!"
Brody was a person who valued his reputation, especially when facedwith someone like Horace, who was younger and seemingly superior.He cared deeply about his dignity.
So when Horace rebutted him in front of Grace, a hint of displeasureflickered across his face. But since Horace was part of Armstrong Corp,he had to rely on him to make money, so he naturally swallowed hisfrustration.
After speaking firmly, Brody's expression remained indifferent as hecontinued to look at Horace. Without waiting for Horace to respond, hesaid again, "Mr. Burris, we should issue an apology at this time,distance ourselves from the matter completely. That way, ArmstrongCorp can stay safe.”
"Are you sure about this?" Horace asked calmly.
Brody nodded, "Certainly, and we should do it quickly. Otherwise, it willbe seen as taking sides, and it's best if we maintain neutrality. That'sthe right approach.”
Brody's persistence left Horace no choice but to agree, "If that's whatyou want, I can issue an apology statement. But you need tounderstand that once Armstrong Corp issues an apology, it will createan adversarial relationship with Simpson Group. It would imply that theyare questionable. Otherwise, why would we align with them before andthen suddenly apologize and take back our words? So, are you reallysure you want me to release this apology statement? If you're sure, I'llhave someone contact the media right away."
Horace's words were measured and composed, showing no emotionson his face throughout the conversation.
Brody, however, didn't respond immediately as he did earlier. Heseemed lost in thought, his face stiff, maintaining the same expressionfor quite some time.
The atmosphere in the office became tense.
Brody's face became more rigid, and after a long pause, he finallyspoke in a low voice, "In the future, I think Mr. Burris should consultwith me beforehand. Although you are managing Armstrong Corp now,in Hance City, my name still carries more weight than Mr. Burris.”Having made his point, Brody left Horace's office, and Grace naturallyaccompanied him out.
Ever since Grace started working at Armstrong Corp, their relationshiphad not been as close as before. Brody always wanted to control her,often using a commanding tone to make her do things she didn't wantto.
Then came the issue of her marriage, where Brody wanted Grace tomarry someone he approved of, which further strained theirrelationship. Grace even ran away from home, and it was Horace whotook her back.
During this period, many things happened that left Grace feelingmentally exhausted and becoming distant from her father.
However, Brody didn't see anything wrong with himself. After Gracesaw him off from Armstrong Corp, he got into his car, and she stood bythe car. Brody lowered the window and looked at her without emotion,"Why didn't you inform me before Horace made this decision?"Grace's face was stern as she didn't reply.
Brody's expression turned darker, "Grace, are you helping outsidersscheme against the Armstrong family?"
"I'm not."
"You disappoint me. I had high expectations for you, but what have youdone in return? I'll talk to Horace; you'll leave Armstrong Corptemporarily. I have other arrangements for you."
Brody's words left Grace stunned.
She tried to speak, "Dad, what are you doing?"
"Just follow my arrangements. You don't need to worry about anythingelse."
Brody raised the car window and ordered the chauffeur to leave.Grace called out to him, but he ignored her pleas and showed nointention of stopping.
Brody's plan was revealed to Horace by Grace, and she felt powerless."I don't know what to do to satisfy him."
Horace reassured her in a low voice, "Grace, you're not a pawn ofanyone. You don't need to please anyone for their approval. Just dowhat feels right and satisfying to you. As long as you're happy, that'senough. And don't worry, as long as I'm here, everything will be fine."With Horace's comforting words, Grace felt a sense of recognition shehad never experienced before. She didn't need anyone else'svalidation, only his, and that was enough.
The issue with Sean continued to ferment, and it wasn't until lateafternoon that Jenson announced they could leave the museum.
The entire afternoon passed peacefully.
As they left the museum, everyone saw the online rumors andsuspicions directed at Preston.
Seeing the public opinion, Quintus maintained a positive attitude andsaid, "It's all nonsense. Mr. Baxter would never do such a thing."Quintus walked quickly to his car, leaving the architects looking at eachother, softly asking, "Could Louise's death really be related to Mr.Baxter?"
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