Chapter 278
Chapter 278
If Hobson had the knack for business, if Cordelia truly had no interest in running the company, and if this brother and sister duo got along just fine, then perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea.
But for Steward to hand over the reins to Hobson, amidst the current crowd, signifying the future leadership of the company - it meant something entirely different!
Steward had never felt such bewilderment and loss, as if the whole world had abandoned him.
It was December now, the bone-chilling wind swept through, yet it felt lukewarm compared to the coldness in his heart.
He glanced at Kermit, then at Everard, before breaking into a wry smile. "Dad, if there was something on your mind, why didn't you just start talking about it earlier?"
Steward was taken aback. "Son?"
Sanderson spoke up, "The company was built from scratch by you and me, while Kermit was still in school. Most of the legwork was done by me."
As he said this, Kermit protested, "Big brother, what are you trying to say? Back then, we were all in it together. The money you made was for the family! Are you trying to sideline me? No way!"
Seeing Kermit's agitation and stubbornness, Sanderson felt a numbness inside.
He slowly said, “I never thought about splitting up, nor who would inherit the company. Back then, we were strapped for cash, and all I wanted was to give our family a better life, so I worked like hell."
While he was burning the midnight oil, Kermit was partying in bars.
When he clinched his first deal, Kermit asked him for money to buy a computer to play video games all day.
He had wanted to bring Kermit into the business, but every time he was tired or frustrated and lashed out, Mom would tell him to rest, and would say to Sanderson, "Kermit is young, let him be. You go out and make us proud."
And that's how Kermit ended up the way he is now.
Sanderson felt responsible. Even though Kermit had never contributed to the company, he had willingly given him a quarter of the shares when they divided the assets!
He only took a quarter for himself!
Back then, Steward had entrusted him with his shares and money to run the business. Sanderson thought it was because Steward trusted him, but now it seemed more like Steward was just trying to keep him content.
How ironic.
He had thought that of everyone in the family, Steward treated him the best.
Wasn't it obvious? Only he was the workhorse!
"You feed the ox that plows the field," isn't that common sense?
But now...
It all made sense!!
He slowly said, "Dad, Mom, have I repaid whatever I owed you? Can I settle it with the company now?"
Steward's head shot up, disbelief in his eyes. "Son, what do you mean?"
Sanderson slowly said, "You want to give the company to Hobson, fine, I'll give it. Not just your shares, all of mine too."
At this, Steward's face lit up. "Son, are you serious? Of course, I won't let Cordelia be at a loss. I'll leave all my cash to her to ensure she never has to worry about a thing. What do you say?"
Sanderson lowered his gaze. "No need."
As Steward was about to say something, Laurinda piped in, "Son, you finally came to your senses! You know, girls eventually marry off, but Hobson will be the one to take care of you! Kermit, thank your big brother!"
Kermit, with a look of surprise and joy, said, "Big brother, hey, if we had cleared this up earlier, there wouldn't have been any misunderstandings, right? You're the best at business, I'll follow your lead in running the company, no second thoughts!"
Their flattery made Sanderson both amused and pity them.
He looked at Kermit, "No need, you want to be the chairman, right? I'll give it to you."
Kermit was stunned. "What?"
Sanderson continued, "Tomorrow, I'll submit my resignation. The project didn't go through, and as chairman, I should resign for not fulfilling my promise."
Kermit was dumbfounded, looking at Everard, "But wasn't the project about to be sealed? That was all a misunderstanding!"
Sanderson said, "After such back and forth, I have no face to continue with the project, and frankly, neither do you. Everard, since you speak Italian, maybe you can handle the apology."
Hearing this, Everard immediately turned to the two Italians, said a few words, and made way for them to leave.
Kermit tried to stop them, Steward wanted to say something, but Sanderson stopped them both.
Once the pair had left, Kermit roared, "Big brother, what are you doing? The deal was almost done!"
Laurinda scolded, "You, you stop being chairman and you start causing trouble in the company?!"NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.
Sanderson, with a downcast gaze, said, “This way, I have a reason to leave the company. Otherwise, my resignation would cause chaos.”
That silenced them.
Steward's eyes were red with emotion. He clutched Sanderson's hand. "Son, what do you mean?"
Sanderson looked up, his expression
sharp and cold, like a ruthless machine. don't need the shares anymore. Give them to Hobson, But I have one condition, my loyal staff, if they wish to leave, you must let them go."
Steward was startled, about to speak, but Sanderson said, "They would be just bodies without souls if they stayed. Useless." Kermit, thinking Sanderson was being too generous, quickly agreed, "Okay, no problem!"
But Steward objected, "Son!!"
He held Sanderson's hand tighter. "The company is only safe in your hands. You can't let go!"
Brian wasn't cut out for business, only Sanderson could truly manage the company, and Steward saw this clearer than anyone.
If Sanderson left, what would be handed to Hobson would be nothing but a shell.
Yet Sanderson's decision was firm. "Dad, let go."
Steward knew his eldest son was a man made for big things, someone with decisiveness and boldness. Take, for instance, the company he started from scratch, which he was ready to abandon at the drop of a hat if necessary.
He had made up his mind, and not even ten oxen could pull him back. So, Steward had always tried to bind him with the ties of family affection.
But now...
Steward, fuming, turned to Kermit and Laurinda. "You two, apologize to your brother! Make him come back!"
Kermit sneered, unimpressed.
Laurinda, on the other hand, was visibly angry Threaten who? If he wants to leave, let him leave! I heard
from Kermit that pretty boy offended Bill, and it's affected the company. Him leaving might actually be a blessing in disguise. It'll show him. what's what without Bill's protection. If he doesn't come crawling back to apologize, what good is he?"
"Besides, today's your birthday, and all the old timers from the company are here. It's the perfect time to see who's willing to stand by you!"