Babel Novel
Chapter 2130
"How could this happen! The Strand Group would never stoop so low!" A senior member of the Strand Group, sprang to his feet, clearly incensed, "Sanderson, you're the project lead, your signature is on the dotted line, that project is yours. How can you blame it on Graham?"
"This is a shareholders' meeting, not some rowdy flea market, so cut the ruckus," Sanderson retorted with a smile plastered on his face, yet his eyes betrayed a ruthless glint.
"Mr. Sanderson, you didn't have the chops to join the Strand Group when you started. It was my grandfather who, against all advice, placed you by my father's side. You've always strived to prove your worth to the Strand Group, and in your zeal to land partnership deals, you've stopped at nothing - even if it meant sacrificing the group's interests." Jacob chimed in at a leisurely pace.
"These projects all looked promising two years ago. Fast forward and the Strand Group has been pouring money into them, it's like trying to plug a leaky roof." Jacob fixed his gaze on Sanderson, "If it weren't for my father constantly cleaning up your messes, you probably wouldn't stand a chance of challenging him at this shareholders' meeting."
"Jacob, are you targeting me today because of this?" Sanderson looked utterly heartbroken, "When your father was ousted, didn't you hear what happened? Because of your reckless affair with Ms. Lawrence, the Strand Group was thrust into the limelight for all the wrong reasons, with stock prices plunging for four consecutive days. Do you even grasp what that means?"
"It simply means that the money lost is but a third of what you've managed to squander over the years," Jacob said with a twinkle in his eye.d2
Sanderson's heart sank. He had played the Erica card to strike at Jacob's heart. Knowing Jacob, he was likely to lash out, but Jacob didn't.
Not only did he not retaliate, but he also turned the tables on Sanderson.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I admit I haven't handled my past relationships well, and that has adversely affected the group. I've let you all down," Jacob stood and bowed deeply to the room full of shareholders, "I, Jacob Strand, hereby vow that the money you've lost will be doubled and returned to your accounts before the New Year."
"All talk and no action!" It was Lawler, from Sanderson's camp, who retorted.
"At least I can articulate such promises. Can you?" Jacob countered.
"Talking's easy! I can do that too!" Lawler continued to agitate.
Jacob remained silent, merely watching him as if waiting for a pledge.
Lawler attempted to speak but knew all too well the current state of the Strand Group.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
Sanderson had planned to seize the Strand family's shares and then quickly offload the company to foreign investors. The deal was nearly done. He had calculated that he could pocket over forty million in cold hard cash from the sale - more than enough for a life of ease.
Then, out of nowhere, Jacob appeared.
"Mr. Graham doesn't seem as reprehensible as the rumors suggest," Rosalynn interjected just in time, deftly changing the subject, "While the projects he's facilitated might not have the buzz of Mr. Sanderson's they've mostly been profitable for the company. Although... the profits are insufficient to fill the gaping holes left by Mr. Sanderson's ventures..."
The boardroom fell silent at her words.
The Strand Group was massive, and how many allegiances could Sanderson truly secure?
Aside from his loyalists, the rest were fence-sitters, swaying depending on what served their interests best.
The stark numbers laid bare the truth - where the company's earnings came from and where the losses were incurred. And with that, the attitudes began to shift.