C6 The Big Investment

Thud!

Cedric's heart skipped a beat, and he tumbled off his chair in shock.

"Ten billion, just for kicks?

Who is this person?

What kind of monstrous entity have I managed to provoke?

"Mr. Hartwell, no—Master Mu! I've made a terrible mistake. I beg of you, please show me mercy!"

Cedric fell to his knees, his forehead thudding against the floor as he begged for forgiveness.

In this critical moment,

he knew his job was the least of his concerns.

The real issue? Someone who could nonchalantly fork over ten billion could easily crush him like an ant.

"Sorry, too late for apologies."

Lachlan's voice was icy as he settled into Cedric's vacated chair.

That's when the office door burst open, and a swarm of people poured in, neatly aligning themselves on both sides of the room, scarcely daring to breathe.

Power at Global Investment had shifted, and these top executives had hurried over at the first notification.

"Esaias sure knows how to get things done," Lachlan observed, eyeing the anxious crowd, all handpicked by Esaias.

"Let's skip the formalities," Lachlan declared.

"I want a comprehensive investigation into Cedric. In one week, I expect results that will satisfy me."

Lachlan, towering both in stature and status, delivered his orders with commanding presence.

"Understood, sir. The task will be completed."

The point person affirmed, without a trace of hesitation.

Cedric felt as though he'd been struck by lightning. During his tenure as General Manager, he'd played fast and loose with the rules.

An investigation like this was tantamount to a death sentence.

"And you, what's your name? How long have you been with the company?"

Lachlan turned away from the defeated Cedric to the poised woman serving him tea.

She was the same receptionist who had led him into the office earlier.

"Sir, my name is Lavinia, and I've been here for five years."

Her heart pounded with nervousness, yet she was inwardly relieved she hadn't crossed the new chief.

"Very well. From now on, Lavinia, you're the new General Manager. Everyone else, your salaries will double."

"But make no mistake—if anyone challenges the new General Manager or causes trouble, they can pack up and leave immediately."

Lachlan's voice was firm yet commanding, ensuring that everyone was thoroughly convinced.

He had appointed Lavinia as the general manager for two reasons: he recognized her potential, and she would facilitate future collaborations with Belinda.

"Thank you, sir!" Lavinia said, her eyes shimmering as she bowed deeply in gratitude.

A graduate from a prestigious international university, her exceptional abilities had been underutilized at the reception desk for five long years, all because she refused to play by Cedric's unwritten rules. Now, her time to shine had finally come.

Lachlan acknowledged her with a slight nod.

Once the office was cleared, leaving just him and Lavinia, he imparted his instructions: "This investment with Murphy Group is crucial. You'll liaise directly with Belinda and Belinda alone. And remember, she must not find out that I am the owner of Global Advisors. Is that clear?"

He emphasized the importance of these directives repeatedly.

"Understood," Lavinia affirmed with a decisive nod, secretly admiring Belinda's luck in having such an outstanding husband.

With everything set in motion, Lachlan left Global Advisors.

…

"Honey, I'm right here!" Lachlan called out, standing beneath the Murphy Group building, one hand on his electric bike, the other waving energetically.

"What are you up to? I'm on my way to the bank to see about securing a loan," Belinda said, her voice revealing her determination to face the company's skepticism head-on.

"Ha! Who would dare laugh at my wife?" Lachlan retorted with a twinkle in his eye. "Come on, I'm taking you to a big investment meeting."

He chuckled and gestured to the back seat of his electric bike.

"Always joking around," Belinda muttered, her annoyance bubbling up at the sight of Lachlan's carefree attitude. She turned to leave.

But in an instant, Lachlan swept her off her feet and onto the bike before she could walk away.

"You!" she exclaimed, her face blushing. This was the closest Lachlan had ever been to her since their marriage.

Half an hour later, they arrived at their destination.

"Off you go, darling, we're here," Lachlan said as he helped Belinda off the bike and parked it.

"Lachlan! You don't mean to say you're taking me to Global Advisors for business, do you?"

Belinda's gaze locked onto the gleaming golden letters above the building's entrance, her question laced with gritted determination.

Global Advisors, with a market value in the billions, was an undeniable behemoth in the financial world of Virenthia.

Even more impressive, it stood as one of the top ten investment powerhouses throughout all of Flinten.

"Exactly, I've already had Esaias set up a meeting with their managing director. Go on, you've got this! I'll be right here waiting to hear the good news," Lachlan encouraged, eager to see her take action.

"Esaias... Alright then!"

The mere mention of Esaias's name reignited a flicker of hope in Belinda.

"Lachlan, if you're playing me, you're done for," she half-threatened, half-joked, her anticipation barely contained.

With a deep breath to steady her nerves, Belinda crossed the threshold of Global Advisors.

At that moment, a gentle, welcoming voice reached her ears.

"Hello! Are you Miss Belinda Murphy?"