C3 Take a Step Back!
Flinn spoke with a hint of regret, "Third Young Master, acquiring the company and presenting it to you would be a simple matter. However, the Old Master stipulates a condition: you must agree to marry into the Edwards family. With your consent, we can proceed immediately."
Rollins, visibly agitated, retorted, "Doesn't he realize I'm already married?"
"Master is well aware," Flinn replied, "yet he insists you divorce your current wife. He believes the Ramirez family is no match for you. Agree, and the entire Lewis family's resources will be at your disposal. If not, my hands are tied."
Rollins fell silent, pondering, "If I can't overcome this obstacle and my father-in-law ends up in jail, Zoie will be devastated. I've been her husband for three years, yet I've done nothing to help her. I can't just stand by this time."
He decided on a delaying strategy. "Tell the Old Master I'll agree, but not immediately. Give me a year to help Zoie through this tough time."
Flinn's face lit up with joy. "Very well, Young Master! We've already waited four years; one more won't hurt."
Without missing a beat, Flinn continued, "I'll initiate the takeover of Wandos Company from its parent corporation. You can head to Wandos now to begin the handover. I'll be waiting for you."
Surprised, Rollins inquired, "You're in Lincrin?"
"Ever since you arrived in Lincrin, Young Master, I've been here," Flinn confirmed.
"Alright, I'm on my way," Rollins said, knowing Flinn to be efficient, straightforward, and dependable.
Otherwise, he never would have risen to the position of chief steward for the Lewis family.
With his expertise, the acquisition of Wandos Company was sure to be resolved swiftly.
Rollins turned to Tracy and said, "Mom, just wait here for a bit. I'll figure something out!"
Tracy scoffed with contempt, "You? Come up with a solution? My advice? Get out of here and don't bother coming back!"
Without engaging in a dispute, Rollins hailed a cab and instructed the driver as he settled in, "Head to Wandos Company, please."
In Lincrin, Wandos Company's reputation was unmatched as the largest corporation in the city, and its parent company was a global powerhouse, ranking among the world's top 500 multinational corporations.
Yet, even this parent company seemed insignificant compared to the Lewis family, whose influence and wealth spanned the globe, rivaling that of entire nations.
Within ten minutes, Rollins arrived at the entrance of Wandos Company.
A plainly dressed middle-aged man approached him rapidly, his eyes brimming with tears, "Third Young Master, it's an honor to see you!"
This was Flinn.
As the Lewis family's representative, Flinn commanded respect even among the elite of the top 500 companies. But before Rollins, he was deferential, not daring to stand fully upright—a servant's proper respect to his master.
Rollins inquired, "Morris, is the Wandos Company ours now?"
"It is!" Flinn confirmed, "Just three minutes ago, our Hong Kong manager finalized the deal with their chairman. Wandos Company is now exclusively yours."
Rollins's brow furrowed as he sought confirmation, "The chairman of Wandos Company, is he Archibald, with a son named Wensel?"
"That's correct," Flinn confirmed, "Archibald is the acting chairman of Wandos Company. He's been exercising the chairman's duties, but he doesn't own any shares."
Rollins's eyes flashed with determination as he declared, "I want him and his son gone. I want them out of Wandos Company today!"
Seeing Rollins's resolve, Flinn reassured him, "As the owner of Wandos Company, you have the full authority to dismiss them. You could even take over as the company's chairman yourself."
Rollins furrowed his brow at the suggestion. The idea of becoming the chairman himself didn't appeal to him.
"Me, as chairman? No, forget it."
He had no desire to reveal his identity.
Even though his actions were for Zoie's sake, he didn't want her to discover his true identity.
Over the years, he had grown accustomed to being seen as a nobody. The days spent by Zoie's side were uneventful, and though he was occasionally scorned by others, it was this simple life that truly resonated with him.
After a moment's thought, he inquired, "Who's the vice president of Wandos Company?"
Flinn responded promptly, "The vice president is Heyden."
"Good!" Rollins said decisively, "Find this Heyden. I want to support him in becoming the chairman of Wandos."
They took the elevator up to the top floor, designated for the senior executives' offices.
As Rollins and Flinn stepped out, they were approached by a woman wearing a provocative, short OL uniform.
She scrutinized the two men, noting Rollins's counterfeit Adidas and Flinn's modest attire, clearly out of place in this area. With a frown, she confronted them, "Hey, who are you two? This is the executive office area. Who let you up here?"
Rollins gave her a measured look. She was attractive, but her garish style and mannerisms failed to impress him.
Catching Rollins's cool gaze, she snapped, "What are you staring at? Have you no shame? Are you here to cause trouble at Wandos Company? Leave now, or I'll have security throw you out!"
This woman's face twisted in revulsion at the sight of Rollins and Flinn. Typically, the individuals gracing this floor were impeccably dressed, exuding wealth and status. What brought two apparent failures here today?
Rollins's brow furrowed as he spoke with a chilly edge, "I'm here to see President Heyden. Where can I find him?"
The woman sneered, "Are you an idiot? Heyden is the vice president. Our president is Archibald! You don't even know who runs this company!"
Emily's mood soured instantly.
As Wandos Company's administrative director, she oversaw all internal affairs, boasting an annual salary upwards of two million. Her arrogance was well-known, fueled by the fact that her rise to power was secured through a clandestine affair with Archibald. She was utterly devoted to him, as loyal as a dog, constantly seeking his favor.
Archibald and Vice President Heyden were known adversaries within the company, with Archibald always seeking to oust Heyden and replace him with his son, Wensel. Emily, as Archibald's staunch ally, shared his animosity towards Heyden, often disparaging him to other employees.
Hearing Rollins refer to Heyden as the president irked her deeply.
Rollins, now visibly irritated, shot back, "If I say Heyden is the president, then that's who he is. Got a problem with that?"
Emily's disdain bubbled over as she retorted, "And who do you think you are? You can't even afford a genuine Adidas outfit. Noticed the four stripes on your knockoff? Get out before I call security!"
Flinn, unable to hold back any longer, stepped forward with a stern look, "Do you have any idea who he is? You—" But before he could finish, Rollins raised his hand to silence him and said, "Don't bother. Call Heyden and let him handle this foul-mouthed woman."
Emily's anger erupted, "Who are you referring to? You think Heyden can do anything to me? Just so you know, Heyden means nothing to me!"
With Archibald's backing, Emily felt emboldened and didn't give Heyden a second thought.
Flinn had already made a call to Heyden, stating bluntly, "This is Flinn from the Lewis Group. I'm right at the elevator entrance. Get over here, now!"
Heyden, who had just learned about the Wandos Company's unexpected acquisition by the Lewis Group, was still processing the sudden takeover when Flinn's call came through.
He rushed out of his office and was immediately confronted with the sight of Emily, hand on hip, berating Rollins, "You just wait. I'm going to have security teach you a lesson, you fools!"
Heyden's anger flared as he bellowed, "Emily! Is this the way you, as the administrative director, speak to our guests?"
Unfazed, Emily turned to face him and retorted coldly, "These nobodies disrespected President Wilson right in front of me. As an executive, it's my duty to discipline them on behalf of the company. What business is it of yours?"
Heyden's voice rose with fury, "You've tarnished the company's reputation. You're fired, effective immediately! Leave now!"
Emily sneered, "Fire me? And just who are you to do that?"
Without hesitation, she whipped out her phone and dialed Archibald, her voice dripping with sycophantic sweetness, "President Archibald, Heyden is trying to fire me, telling me to get lost right away."
From the phone erupted a gruff male voice, "Heyden's got a death wish, huh? Tell me where you are. I'm on my way!"
