CHAPTER 113: CHAPTER 113: ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE

"Speak, what do you need from me?"

Desmond Fairchild was always impatient with matters that didn’t concern Seraphina Sinclair, and his tone was quite indifferent when talking.

"President Fairchild, I’m Austin White, and I won’t beat around the bush. I asked you here today to find out if your previous offer for me to join anytime still stands?"

"So, you’re planning to work at my company?"

Austin White’s easy concession surprised Desmond Fairchild; he had thought Austin was the kind of talent that would need to be wooed with great effort.

Because of this, Desmond couldn’t help but be slightly cautious of Austin.

"Yes, I’ve thought it through. If Bayside City’s largest company invites me, why would I refuse? I just wonder if President Fairchild’s previous words were mere formalities."

"Of course not, Cloudsea Group welcomes you at any time." Desmond Fairchild extended his hand and shook Austin’s. Beneath the calm surface of the two men’s expressions lay another fierce competition.

On the other side, the Lloyd Family’s situation was actually pretty dire.

Melanie Lloyd’s previous scandals had already struck a severe blow to the Lloyd Group, which was already in decline. Then Seraphina Sinclair stepped in and created further chaos with the company’s stocks.

Since Melanie Lloyd’s incident was exposed, the Lloyd Group’s stocks plummeted and directly halted trading, losing nearly ten million.

To say that the Lloyd Group is still in existence because it’s scraping by on old resources would not be an exaggeration.

Because this large company has not generated any revenue for nearly half a month.

"Boss, today Summit Department Store and Radiance Plaza officially proposed contract termination with us."

Early in the morning, Ethan Lloyd’s personal secretary Avril was already on duty, briefing him on the current state of the Lloyd Group.

Everyone was well aware that the Lloyd Group was on the brink of collapse. If Ethan Lloyd didn’t come up with a way to restore the company’s influence, bankruptcy was imminent.

"How many partners does the company have left?"

When Ethan Lloyd asked this, his voice carried a hint of impatience, clearly very dissatisfied with the current state of affairs.

After hearing his question, Avril hesitantly replied, "In fact, since the media coverage of President Lloyd’s matters, the company’s deals have been consecutively breached, leaving us with only three brother groups willing to stand by us. But boss, you know, relying on these three deals alone cannot solve the current problems."

"Alright, let’s not talk about this now. Come here, let me see if you’ve lost weight recently."

The more Ethan Lloyd listened, the more frustrated he felt, as if a heavy stone lodged in his heart. If he didn’t find something else to distract himself, he feared he wouldn’t be able to endure.

And right now, the best distraction for Ethan was the exquisite beauty, Avril, in front of him.

After hearing Ethan’s words, Avril’s cheeks immediately flushed. She quickly extended her delicate hands, gently hitting his arm, and said coquettishly, "President Lloyd, why are you so annoying? There are so many employees watching outside, you... ah!"

Before Avril could finish her sentence, her hand was grabbed by Ethan Lloyd, and she fell into his arms.

"So what if they see? You’re my woman, aren’t you?"

The reason Avril could rise to this position was primarily due to her improper relationship with Ethan Lloyd.

In fact, Ethan had taken a liking to this new employee three years ago, personally promoting her to ensure she became the woman closest to him at work.

Of course, due to Melanie Lloyd’s presence, the relationship between Avril and Ethan was never made public, remaining a secret affair.

"Ethan, why don’t we hold a charity gala? It could not only raise some funds but also boost the company’s influence. What do you think?"

Even though Avril was promoted by Ethan, she was actually a very ambitious woman, hoping that the man she depended on was influential and could have a say in this city.

Therefore, the current Ethan Lloyd didn’t really meet Avril’s standards for a partner.

"That indeed is a good idea. A charity gala, which can raise a lot of funds, is indeed very suitable for the current situation of the Lloyd Group." Upon hearing Avril’s words, Ethan Lloyd suddenly had a flash of inspiration and saw the necessity to carry out this plan.

Currently, the Lloyd Group was like standing at the edge of a cliff, not yet fallen but already precarious.

"Ethan, as long as you nod, I’ll arrange this immediately."

Seeing Ethan’s interest, Avril immediately extended her delicate hands around his neck, gazing affectionately at him.

Ethan Lloyd was not someone with strong self-control, and having a peerless beauty like Avril in his arms naturally swayed his decision. He immediately agreed to Avril’s suggestion.

Even Ethan Lloyd himself felt that this was indeed the last method to save the company.

"Avril, when sending out the invitations, make sure not to forget one for Kevin and Cloudsea."

Although the Lloyd Family was facing a crisis, Ethan Lloyd refused to admit defeat.

He intended to show Seraphina Sinclair and Desmond Fairchild, who were waiting to see him fail, how he could resuscitate the ailing Lloyd Group.

Bringing down the Lloyd Group would definitely not be that easy!

On the other side, when the invitation reached Seraphina Sinclair, she and Desmond Fairchild happened to be at home.

Looking at the meticulously crafted invitation sent by Ethan Lloyd, Seraphina didn’t hesitate and reached out to throw it away.

If it hadn’t been for Desmond Fairchild’s quick intervention, stopping Seraphina, this invitation would have likely ended up in the trash can.

"Why are you stopping me?" Seraphina asked, curious as Desmond firmly held the hand that intended to discard the invitation.

Seraphina had absolutely no interest in such a tedious charity gala. Anyone with a bit of intuition could tell that Ethan Lloyd had no charitable intentions; the gala was merely a means to collect funds.

But Desmond Fairchild saw it differently: "You must attend this gala, and you need to go with me and the child."