My Ex-husband Begs Me Back
Chapter 923: Given For Free

Chapter 923: Given for Free

Dan and Horace exchanged glances and responded respectively, "Iagree with Mr. Simpson's idea.”

"I also agree with Mr. Simpson's idea.”

Dan's expression of his opinion wasn't much different from what Ayanhad said.

Horace added his own perspective, stating, “If we really proceed withthis publicity approach, given the speed of news spreading nowadays,it's likely to spread across the internet quickly. This will leave anindelible mark on all of us. Therefore, Mr. Bell should think carefullybefore making a decision.”

Horace's words clearly outlined the extent of the negativeconsequences of such an approach. The expressions of Mr. and Mrs.Bell weren't looking good. Both of them seemed burdened, but thethoughts in their minds were unknown to the others in the room.

Mr. Mikkola couldn't help but let out a scoff, his voice tinged with a hintof amusement, as he said, "Aren't you all pressuring Mr. Bell a bit toomuch? Mr. Bell is the initiator of this charity project, so naturally, heshould be the one to decide everything. While the reasons you allmentioned have some merit, charity also requires financial support. Wecan't simply give everything away, can we?"

Mr. Mikkola's words cast a heavy atmosphere in the meeting room.Preston, on the other end of the call, chimed in, "Since Mr. Bell hasalready made a decision, let's proceed with the publicity for ModestTemple Hotel according to his plan. We shouldn't let everyone wait forthe results for so long after so much hard work. We can't keep makingMr. Bell step back just for someone else's own interests, right?"

"Mr. Baxter, are you sure you're not trying to provoke a discord amongus?" Dan sneered.

Preston remained unfazed and responded, "I'm just speaking the truth.How can Mr. Tucker have a misunderstanding? Is it because you havea better relationship with Mr. Simpson that you are united against me?"Preston's words contained a hint of a smile, and there was a touch ofgrievance in his tone. It was as if he genuinely believed that Dan andAyan were conspiring against him.

This statement caused Ayan to burst into laughter, although hisexpression remained icy. Preston couldn't see it, but everyone in theroom could, and the slight curve of his thin lips, almost imperceptible,was evident. The laughter was clear in their ears.

All eyes turned to Ayan, and he spoke in a cold and indifferent tone,"Mr. Baxter, please tell me, what have you done to deserve my effortsto be against you?"

Ayan's words were extremely arrogant, clearly showing that he didn'tconsider Preston a significant threat.

Ayan's words implied, "Why would I pay attention to you?"

Preston fell silent immediately, and the atmosphere cooled to freezingpoint. But Ayan had no intention of stopping there. He continued in acasual and mocking tone, "You're free to express your thoughts anddecisions, but there's no need to belittle others. While it's true thateveryone has put in some effort, Mr. Baxter is merely benefiting fromothers’ work. Therefore, talking about your hard work isn't appropriate,considering there haven't been any hard work from you to begin with.""What do you mean, Mr. Simpson? Aren't you being a bit overbearing?Just because Simpson Group is the main responsible company for thisproject, does that mean you can act however you want?"

Preston retorted with an agitated tone, clearly provoked by Ayan'swords.

In contrast, Ayan remained much calmer.

His demeanor was nearly unaffected, and his words didn't cause anyripples. He chuckled softly and said indifferently, “Who's beingoverbearing and who's playing dumb? As for the notion of “actinghowever I want,’ so what if I do?"

"You..."

"Since opinions are divided now, to show respect for Mr. Bell and Mrs.Bell, let me express my stance as well. I don't agree with Mr. Mikkola'sproposal. However, if you insist on it, I have nothing more to say. ButMr. Bell and Mr. Mikkola, you both need to sign an agreement with me.Is this request unreasonable?"

Ayan looked at Mr. Bell and Mr. Mikkola, his gaze faint, with a hint of ashallow smile that could barely be seen. It was a smile that left peopleslightly puzzled, yet they couldn't voice any questions.

On the other end of the call, Preston, frustrated by Ayan's words,couldn't speak, and now hearing this new request, he chimed in, “Is Mr.Simpson trying to make Mr. Bell sign an unequal treaty? While SimpsonGroup is the main responsible company, you can't do that?"

With a slight stretch of Ayan's arm, the conversation abruptly ceased,vanishing into thin air.

After ending the call, Ayan casually flipped his phone face-down ontothe desk. A hint of elusive amusement danced in his deep eyes as heuttered, "Too noisy. It's better to shut it off. Besides, he's hardlyessential to this project.”

Clear and concise, Ayan showed no intention of sparing Preston'sfeelings.

Motioning Kian to distribute the pre-prepared agreements, Ayandirected, "Everyone present, except those absent, take a good look atthis agreement. If there are no objections, feel free to sign and stamp itin your designated spots.”

Ayan had a copy before him, but he barely glanced at it. He swiftlypicked up the pen Kian handed him and scripted his name followed byhis thumbprint.

Afterward, he leaned back in his chair, his entire weight supported bythe genuine leather. His tone remained casual as he spoke, "Thisagreement is just a formality, a procedural necessity. Any clausesmentioned can be amended if they seem inappropriate. Remember, it'sall for the sake of the project. Don't assume I'm taking advantage justbecause Simpson Group is a major player here. So, take your time toreview."

Ayan fell silent, absorbed in his phone's screen, his thoughtselsewhere.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell examined the agreement, exchanging a glance withMr. Mikkola. From every angle, the terms appeared reasonable. If therewas an issue, it was precisely what Mr. Mikkola had raised.

And now Mr. Mikkola brought it up.

He inquired, "Mr. Simpson, the agreement states that if negativeconsequences arise from our decisions, unrelated to Simpson Group orparties who disagrees with us, what does “unrelated’ mean? Are youplanning to distance yourselves in case of an unforeseen incident, orare you entirely pulling out of this project?"

Ayan's gaze shifted towards him, yet it was Kian who responded.Kian's voice remained low as he explained, "Mr. Mikkola, the intent isn'tto withdraw from the project. You and Mr. Bell's decisions differ fromthose of Simpson Group, Mr. Tucker and Mr. Burris. If you choose toproceed with your plan, any negative outcomes will be borne by theconsenting parties. If everyone agrees with your proposal, we'll face theconsequences together. But if they don't, they shouldn't be heldaccountable.”

"Hmm, Mr. Simpson, isn't that a bit selfish? You're unwilling to share theburden yet still want a piece of the pie?" Mr. Mikkola sneered. He wasreferring to Ayan, Dan, and Horace's reluctance to share the risks butstill benefit from his proposal. He found it unequal and unacceptable.Ayan echoed the sentiment with a faint smile before calmly stating, “Toensure fairness, those who have signed won't partake in profit-sharing.”"Mr. Simpson, do you really think Simpson Group, behind your back,would agree to this? To forsake any profits?" Mr. Mikkola's skepticismwas evident; he was growing agitated.

Ayan responded, "I've mentally prepared myself for this project since itsinception. So, I never considered profiting from it."

Furthermore, Ayan continued, "Mr. Mikkola, your concerns areaddressed in the agreement. Additionally, there's one last point. Shouldunforeseen negative consequences arise due to this decision, decision-making authority will solely belong to Simpson Group and allbusinesses who signed against this decision. Mr. Bell, perhaps it's timefor you to reconsider?"