Babel Novel
Chapter 2131
Nobody at The Strand Group wanted to see it go belly-up. If the company tanked, so did their livelihoods. They had all thrown their weight behind Sanderson because they believed in him, trusted he could turn
things around and keep their bread buttered.
But now, it seemed like a pipe dream, and Sanderson just didn't seem to have the chops.
Moreover, no matter how tight-lipped you are, there's no such thing as a secret in this town.
Whispers had been swirling for days. Rumors that Sanderson was looking to sell The Strand Group.
Looking at the half-baked projects Sanderson had been churning out, considering his recent do-nothing attitude, and coupling that with the gossip, the writing was on the wall. Things were shifting, even in the silence.
"Ms. Tesdal, if we're pointing fingers at who's not pulling their weight around here, surely it's gotta be Jacob, right?" Lawler stubbornly piped up.d2
"And why's that?" Rosalynn's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she turned to him.
"Well, sure, Sanderson might have lost us a pretty penny, but at least he's trying to do right by the company. Maybe his strategies aren't up to snuff, but The Strand Group is chock-full of talent. Sanderson's a humble guy; he just needs to listen to us more. But Jacob... what's he got besides living it up and riding his friend's coattails?"
"Hmm?" Rosalynn's gaze shifted to Jacob, her expression one of puzzlement. "Are you telling me that the folks here aren't aware that it was you who brokered the deals with The Jared Group, Bane Corporation, and even the past collaborations with The Silverman Group?"
Before Jacob could utter a word, Lawler was already screeching, "That's exactly my point-riding his friend's coattails!"All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
Rosalynn shot Lawler a withering look, the smile vanished from her face.
Seeing that, Lawler's expression froze.
"What a numbskull!" Rosalynn spat out contemptuously. "Do you think The Jared Group is some child's play company? Or Bane Corporation? We wouldn't touch a deal that wasn't profitable with a ten-foot pole. Not even when my mother-in-law and father-in-law ran their projects. Thinking the world operates like your little bubble... that's just idiocy."
No one expected Rosalynn to come out swinging like this.
"Jacob, this is what you get for not fighting for yourself. Look at the deals you've worked hard to secure. You've lined these ingrates' pockets, and they don't even recognize the hand that feeds them. Instead, they're licking the boots of those who owe them big time," she continued, her words cutting like a knife.
"Ms. Tesdal, don't you think that's a bit harsh?" Sanderson finally snapped, unable to take any more.
"Harsh? Maybe you should keep your people in check, Sanderson. They can take shots at Jacob if they must, but leave Bane Corporation and The Jared Group out of it. We don't stoop to such low levels," Rosalynn shot back, her commanding presence overwhelming. "If you really think partnerships with The Jared Group and Bane Corporation are so beneath you, then perhaps we should just stop doing business with The Strand Group altogether."
"Whoa, Ms. Tesdal, that's a bit much!" A neutral shareholder quickly stood up to mediate. "The Jared Group and Bane Corporation are titans of the industry. It's absurd to suggest they aren't top-tier. I had the privilege of collaborating with Bane Corporation myself, and their professionalism is unmatched. And The Jared Group? They've been setting the standard for years. Please, don't let the foolish words of the ignorant tarnish the strong partnership we've built."
"Yeah, please calm down, Ms. Tesdal! We value our partnerships!"
Sanderson and Rosalynn locked eyes.
Though Rosalynn seemed to be fuming, her beautiful eyes were as calm as a still pond.
Sanderson's heart skipped a beat, that's when he realized he'd been played.