Perfect Match: Irresistible Desire For You
Chapter 51

On the second day, the financial crisis of the Synder Group was reported once again on various media platforms, including newspapers and websites. The articles stated that according to the information provided by senior executives of the Synder Group, the last report was in fact an exaggeration of the true position. The articles further expressed the opinion that the Synder Group did not sustain a financial crisis as purported. As per the media reports, the whole event was caused by a manager of the Synder Group with the surname Guzman, who had leaked the relevant confidential company information.

Clearly, these media reports were a method employed by the Synder Group to downplay the severity of the event that had transpired, which would effectively pacify the public. It further redeemed the critically damaged reputation that the Synder Group had sustained due to previous media coverage—at least to some degree. Consequently, the stock price of the Synder Group began to climb as soon as the news broke.

Concurrent with these press releases, more sensational news made headlines: the CEO of Empire Group, Mr. Marshall, declared a press conference to be held that day.

This was unprecedented. Joseph had previously been an elusive character whose name had only been heard. His intention to make a public appearance by holding a press conference caused quite the buzz. Many people began to speculate about the reasoning behind his decision.

Since Ashley had been fired, she decided to hit the sack, even though it was daylight hours. She was knocked out when she heard the unexpected chime of the doorbell. She opened the door and was greeted with the presence of Mike.

Before she could request an explanation for this out-of-the-blue visit, Mike walked into her apartment without invitation. He seated himself on the couch in the living room and pulled out a newspaper clipping. With a grave expression, he asked, “What’s going on?”

Noting the seriousness in her brother’s voice, and unclear about what he was asking, Ashley took the clipping from him. At a glance, she realized it was news regarding the financial crisis of Synder Group. After carefully perusing the clipping, Ashley felt that much that had been reported was as anticipated. However, there were other parts of the article which were wholly unexpected. Just as she had anticipated, the Synder Group apportioned blame to someone for leaking its classified information. The Synder Group had not dared to flagrantly accuse the Empire Group of causing obstruction to its business, but it urgently needed to provide reasoning for the situation in order to remedy it. To her great astonishment, however, the Synder Group had made its internal affairs publicly known. Ashley scrutinized the situation of the Synder Group as provided by the article. She found herself lost in her own thoughts as she speculated about the report. Inadvertently, she didn’t respond to Mike.

Observing his sister, who was clearly ruminating about the article, Mike was certain that his suspicions were correct. As per his usual routine, Mike started the morning by reading the finance section of the newspaper in his office. The news report provided a follow-up on several recent articles which had been published over the past few days, regarding the financial crisis event of the Synder Group. While the Guzman Group had greatly surpassed the Synder Group in terms of growth over the last few years, and it remained that the latter was developing at a slower rate, the Synder Group was still well-renowned. Mike paid special regard to news in respect of the Synder Group due to the fact that Ashley was in its employment. As he perused, he noted that a manager with the surname Guzman was responsible for leaking the company’s private information which caused the purported financial crisis. Consequently, the culprit was dismissed.

After reading this, Mike immediately shook off the idea that the offender referred to in the article was in fact Ashley. He genuinely did not believe his sister could be capable of such an act. He could not, however, but note that the manager’s family name was Guzman, a rather uncommon surname. ‘How many managers with the surname Guzman could there possibly be within the Synder Group? How likely was it that there could be more than one?’ Mike had to confirm the position. He rushed to his car, and sped off to Ashley’s apartment.

Even though it was during work hours when Mike arrived, Ashley answered the door. This gave Mike an indication that there may be some truth to his suspicions. Nonetheless, he still needed to ascertain what had really transpired. He just did not believe that Ashley could conduct herself in the manner mentioned in the articles. It was crucial that he uncovered the truth.

“Why didn’t you tell me about it? How dare the Synder Group slander you! I will mete out justice for you,” declared Mike in a soft yet firm tone to the silent Ashley. When push came to shove, he could not hold his dear sister responsible. It occurred to him that Ashley may have purposely concealed the truth from him. She was an independent woman and perhaps she did not want him to worry about her. Nevertheless, the Synder Group dared to openly and shamelessly defame her, framing her as the culpable person. He did not see the need to be civil. A murderous, vengeful look flashed across his face.

Noting her brother’s concerned expression, Ashley took a seat beside him, and said in a soothing, calming voice, “Mike, I just don’t want you to worry about me. I can handle it. Your sister is not that easily bullied.”

Mike could sense the determination in her cold tone. Evidently, the Synder Group had indeed caused his sister great suffering. He felt an overcoming feeling that he would never be able to forgive the company. His dear sister was being publicly treated this way. If he did not earn retribution for her, the Guzman family name would be in disrepute. Mike had previously agreed to allow Ashley to work with the Synder Group, not only because she wanted to improve her independence and ability, but also due to her insistence that the company was in fact a quality company. He did not foresee that the Synder Group would have such an ugly side to it, and that it would defame others, ruining their reputations, in order to further its own interests.

Be that as it may, he was well aware that Ashley was an independent thinker. While she did not want his involvement in the matter, she would most certainly avenge herself. Ashley had an outstanding reputation, it would be easy to provide proof thereof and show the Synder Group a point. However, the Synder Group was a well-established and influential company which would not take defeat easily. Mike would have to think this out carefully.

“How dare the Synder Group treat the daughter of the Guzman Group in this manner? I will not forget this. Don’t worry. I’ll support you in all your decisions,” Mike asserted. He rubbed her hair affectionately, comforting her, and encouraging her not to take this attack on her character lying down. He said this to her to show that he respected her independence to decide what course to take in the circumstances. Nonetheless, he wanted to ensure that he was also well-prepared, if it became necessary for him to act.

“Thank you, brother.” The warmth of familial tenderness made Ashley smile sincerely, and thank Mike. She wanted to communicate her gratitude for the genuine and unconditional trust, support and love that he afforded her.

“Silly girl, don’t be so formal with me! Do what you think is right. I’ll help you even when the sky falls,” said Mike. Sensing the emotion in his sister’s thanks, he couldn’t help comforting her right away. Then he got to his feet, and added, “Now, you just see this as a vacation. It’s rare that you ever have time for yourself. Rest, try and get more sleep. I’m going back to work. There are things at the company that need my attention.” It was imperative that Mike return to the office and deal with the issue of the Synder Group, so he bid Ashley farewell.

“Alright. Take care, brother! Don’t fret about me. And be careful and travel safely.” Ashley walked Mike to the door and waved him goodbye with a smile.

After Mike departed, Ashley didn’t feel the desire to sleep any longer. She returned to her bedroom, tidied up her clothes, brushed her hair and washed her face. She retrieved her phoned from the bedside table, only to see a list of missed calls, all from Yasmin, who had called repeatedly in the time that she had been discussing the developments in the lounge with Mike.

She dialed Yasmin’s number. The phone rang for a while before Yasmin answered, “Hello, Ashley. Are you okay?”

“Well, not bad. Is something wrong?” Ashley replied.

“Today, I heard that those dimwitted people even wrote about your alleged scandal in the newspaper. They are shameless! The mere thought infuriates me! So I called just to let you know that you shouldn’t think too much of it,” said Yasmin.

“I know. I’m fine. I’m actually having a decent rest… But why are you whispering?” When Ashley heard Yasmin’s voice becoming softer and softer, she couldn’t help but ask.