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Mia observed Connie with a sardonic smile, noticing her lack of refinement and tendency to react impulsively, reminiscent of someone with no class.
Besides, Connie had never regarded Mia highly, so witnessing her frustration brought Mia a sense of gratification.
Connie stammered, “B-But didn’t Mia mention that she didn’t want our apology?”
“Whether Mia desires your apology is irrelevant. What matters is the sincerity behind it, which will determine the fate of the Bowen Group,” Caleb interjected.
Indeed, Connie and Lewis formed an odd pair, often abusing their authority to intimidate others yet faltering when faced with resistance.
Mia deliberately glanced at Connie and remarked, “Did you catch that? Can’t any of you from the Bowen family understand basic language?”
Although Mia wasn’t particularly interested in receiving an apology from the Bowen family, witnessing Connie in such a sorry state brought her some satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Lewis exchanged several meaningful glances with Connie, recognizing the need to tread carefully.
Despite her reluctance, Connie turned to Mia and said, “Ms. Lane, we admit there was a misunderstanding on our company’s part earlier, and we sincerely hope you can overlook it.”
Mia idly toyed with her nails and remarked, “So, you expect me to simply let it slide? Unfortunately, your family doesn’t wield that much influence.”
Gritting her teeth in frustration, Connie questioned, “What exactly do you want from us, Ms. Lane?”
Mia locked eyes with Connie and asserted firmly, “Your son has left a trail of three failed marriages, each resulting in the acquisition and subsequent bankruptcy of his ex-wives’ family businesses. It’s time to settle those debts.” “Why should we?”
“Don’t you lose sleep at night over all the money you’ve squandered?”
Upon hearing Mia’s stern words, a flicker of guilt briefly passed through Connie’s eyes, but she swiftly composed herself and countered, “Ms. Lane, our family affairs are private matters. They’re not your concern.”
Mia’s expression hardened as she retorted, “Then today, I’ll take matters into my own hands. If you refuse to comply, your apology means nothing to me.”
Internally, Connie simmered with frustration, silently repeating to herself. “Well, if she won’t accept it, then so be it. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about apologizing in the first place.”
Connie remained skeptical that a prestigious family from Bern City could truly stir up trouble in Nord City.
After all, the Bowen family had a longstanding presence in Nord City. Surely, the Barrett family wouldn’t dare to challenge them on their own turf.
Although Connie harbored doubts about the threat posed by the Barrett Group, she acquiesced due to Lewis’ potential business partnership with them.
Now that Mia had dismissed the need for an apology, Connie reasoned that it was no longer her concern.
In the next moment, Caleb turned to Timothy, asserting, “Since the Bowens refuse to apologize, there’s no need for leniency.”
Timothy’s tone was steely as he declared, “The collaboration between the Barrett Group and the Bowen family is hereby terminated.
“Furthermore, the Barrett Group’s acquisition team will arrive in Nord City tomorrow, and within a week, the Bowen Group will no longer exist in this city.”
Lewis’ face drained of color at Timothy’s ominous words, while Connie scoffed dismissively, countering, “You like to talk big, don’t you? Don’t forget, the Bowen family holds considerable influence here in Nord City. We’re not ones to cower here.”
Just as Connie voiced her defiance, Lewis forcefully pushed her aside, his anger evident. “Mom, if you can’t contribute anything constructive, it’s better to remain silent! Do you realize the predicament you’ve put me in?” Connie stumbled backward, falling flat on her back. Looking up with dismay, she protested, “Lewis, why did you push me? I was only speaking the truth. Don’t underestimate the Bowens’ influence in Nord City!
“While the Barrett family may be powerful in Bern City, here in Nord City, they’re inconsequential. Their subsidiary here is merely a minor entity, hardly worth mentioning. Why are you still fearful of them?”
Chapter 932
“Mom, please, just stay quiet! Our family’s partnership with them is already over. Do you want to make things worse for me?” Lewis cautioned.
“Who said anything about canceling the partnership between the subsidiary and the Bowen Group?”
Just then, a middle-aged man entered the hotel lobby. He addressed Lewis directly, saying, “Apologies for the delay. Traffic was a nightmare, and I had some last-minute tasks to handle. But just because I’m late doesn’t mean our collaboration is off the table.”
A wave of relief swept over Lewis as he caught sight of Ralph. “You made it after all. I was starting to worry you wouldn’t show up.”
When Lewis first encountered the CEO of the Barrett Group, he had mentally prepared himself for the inevitable collapse of their collaboration.
With the head office seemingly unwilling to cooperate, Lewis had little hope left. However, Ralph’s arrival sparked a glimmer of optimism.
Perhaps there was still a chance to reverse the situation, especially given the considerable investment Lewis had put into Ralph.
As Ralph entered the room, he wasted no time getting down to business. “Enough talk. Let’s proceed with signing the contract.”
Lewis was momentarily surprised by Ralph’s assertiveness. He hadn’t anticipated such determination from him to proceed with their partnership.
Pausing for a moment, Lewis glanced at Timothy before stating, “But the CEO of the Barrett Group mentioned his desire to cancel the partnership with the Bowen family.”
Ralph’s demeanor hardened. “We don’t need to heed outsiders’ opinions. I make the decisions regarding our collaboration.
“As the general manager of the subsidiary, it’s within my authority to manage this business. Even if he’s the CEO of the Barrett Group, he has no jurisdiction over today’s signing.”
Lewis paused, considering Ralph’s words carefully. “But our collaboration ultimately depends on approval and funding from the head office. Without their consent, our partnership can’t proceed.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Ralph reassured Lewis. “Timothy won’t be able to hinder our collaboration, regardless of his position as the CEO of the Barrett Group.”
Upon hearing this, Lewis’ expression shifted to surprise. Could it be that Ralph still wielded influence over Timothy? There were rumors that Ralph had been demoted from the head office to the Nord City branch. Suddenly, Timothy’s voice cut through the tension, cold and authoritative. “Unless I give my approval and sign off on this deal, your signatures today will carry no weight whatsoever.”
Ralph’s expression twisted with a mixture of anger and humiliation. He pointed accusingly at Timothy and retorted, “Timothy, I’m your uncle, for crying out loud!
“This collaboration is a lucrative opportunity. You have no right to terminate the partnership between me and the Bowen family!”
Lewis was pleasantly surprised to learn about their relationship. “Mr. Hopkins, you’re Mr. Barrett’s uncle?”
How had he missed this crucial detail before?
This newfound revelation sparked a glimmer of hope. With Ralph being Timothy’s uncle, his opinion carried considerable weight as an elder family member.
If Ralph were to advocate for their partnership, Timothy would undoubtedly find it challenging to oppose his uncle’s stance.
With a smug demeanor, Ralph adjusted his tie and remarked, “Well, I refrained from mentioning it earlier to avoid unnecessary complications. Plus, I didn’t want anyone to presume that my success was solely attributed to my nephew.”
Lewis nodded eagerly, a glimmer of surprise in his eyes. It seemed that today’s collaboration could indeed proceed smoothly after all.
Observing Ralph’s audacious behavior, Mia couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
Was he truly making such statements in Timothy’s presence? Did he believe that Timothy was oblivious to it all?
Chapter 933
Standing nearby, Timothy stated firmly, “I’ve made it clear before—there’s no possibility of a partnership between the Barrett family and the Bowen family.”
Connie quickly stepped in, saying, “Mr. Barrett, please remember that this contract was set by your uncle. As a younger member of the family, it might not be suitable for you to go against his decision.”
Without missing a beat, Timothy pressed on, “Since you all seem so keen to work with Uncle Ralph, he will no longer hold the position of general manager at the Barrett Group subsidiary. I’ll instruct the HR department to issue his dismissal notice immediately.”
Ralph responded with a cold scoff, “Timothy, don’t think for a moment that threatening to dismiss me will have any impact. The position of subsidiary general manager was never my ambition anyway.
“Remember, I entered into these negotiations after careful consideration. If you fail to see the value in this opportunity, there are plenty who will.”
Lewis hesitated before speaking, “But, Mr. Hopkins, what the Bowen Group values is the societal impact and influence that the Barrett Group provides. Without the backing of the Barrett Group, our project simply cannot proceed.”
Lewis’ cutting words struck Ralph hard, bruising his pride. Furious, he lashed out, “Without my efforts, would the Bowen family even have had this collaboration opportunity?
“This contract could have succeeded independently, without relying on your family’s support. Your lack of vision is staggering.
“It’s no surprise the Bowen Group remains a small entity. If you’re not interested in our partnership, there are plenty who are eager to collaborate with me!”
Ralph began to turn away, but Lewis halted him, insisting, “Hold on. If you’re no longer interested in working with our family, perhaps you should return the stuff I previously gave you.”
Ralph’s expression soured instantly, erupting in anger, “You’re spouting nonsense! What gifts did I receive from you? It was your family who begged for this partnership and sent trivial tokens. I didn’t even pay them any attention.”
“If you truly have no regard for them, then it’s only fair to return everything,” Lewis countered firmly.
“I already told you, I had no use for those items; I got rid of them ages ago. If you want them, feel free to search through the garbage,” Ralph replied defiantly.
Nevertheless, Lewis refused to back down. “Did you also discard the cash I gave you?”
Ralph’s anger flared, his embarrassment evident. “How dare you speak to me like this! Do you have any idea who I am? I’m the uncle of the Barrett Group’s president. Watch your words, or you’ll regret it,” he threatened. Lewis’ demeanor hardened. “Enough with the bravado. Sure, you’re Mr. Barrett’s uncle, I’ll give you that. But in terms of our partnership, you’ve contributed nothing.
“So, what’s the point of flaunting your connection? Without the backing of the Barrett Group, you’re nothing to me.”
Despite Ralph’s relation to Timothy, it held no sway in this situation since Timothy didn’t approve of the collaboration.
Pushing Lewis aside, Ralph declared, “I don’t see the point in continuing this discussion. Since our partnership is terminated, I’m leaving!”
“Hold it right there. You can’t just walk away like that. You must return everything I gave you, including the money. If you refuse, this issue won’t be settled today!”
Lewis had a reputation for being cunning and opportunistic. If he managed to deceive his ex-wives out of their fortunes, it was evident he had ulterior motives.
With the partnership now dissolved, it was only logical for him to seek to reclaim whatever he had given as a bribe to Ralph.
However, Ralph, accustomed to his own authority and privilege, was hesitant to let go of what he had acquired.
Instead, he launched into a barrage of insults at Lewis, sparking an immediate physical altercation between the two.
Chapter 934
Observing with concern, Connie exclaimed, “Why are they fighting? Are all of you guards useless? Can’t you step in to help Mr. Bowen? What if he ends up with severe injuries?”