Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
“So you’re saying that Mr. Guajardo’s the reason our stock price has been falling for several months, and we have to reward him, right?” Shane’s cold laughter echoed throughout the conference room, showing everyone how much he disrespected Halston and Guajardo Enterprise. He was afraid of no one, and only respected those who were capable and could help him earn money. However, he felt that Halston’s glory days had passed, and he had become an incapable leader, so he had gathered the other shareholders to figure out how to remove Halston from his position.
“Everyone, please stop fighting. After a thorough analysis, I found two reasons for the recent fall in our profits. The first is that the bad economy is making it hard to do business, and the second is… Mr. Guajardo’s absence due to his health. Although he’s almost recovered, I think it’s a bit hard for him to hold a high-pressure job like company president. He doesn’t have the energy for it, so naturally, his recent decisions haven’t been the wisest.” Wesley Jennings was on Shane’s side, and after a meaningful look from Shane, he decided to speak. Immediately, a few of the shareholders protested, firm in their support for Halston.
Meanwhile, Halston sat in the middle of the conference room, his expression inscrutable.
“We’re all giving our opinions, so what about you, Mr. Guajardo? Why don’t you say something? Are you still feeling sick? You can take a short break, if you like,” Shane faked a smile and suggested to Halston.
“No one can comment on my health except me, gentlemen.” Halston sat upright, speaking calmly with a powerful aura. His body might be weaker now, but he had become warmer. He was decisive and dictatorial in the past, but now he had a greater outlook and perception of things. He realized the company wasn’t everything, and it was only his sense of responsibility that controlled his decisions. He no longer felt that one solution could resolve everything. Unfortunately, his kindness had indirectly given a lot of his competitors the chance to make a counterattack, and Guajardo Enterprise had been affected as a result.
“Why do you say that, Mr. Guajardo? The purpose of this meeting is to identify problems. We’ve got many competitors, and the internal conflicts in this company are getting serious. Also, many of our talents have resigned. If we don’t come up with something, it’s only a matter of time before the company crashes and burns.” Wesley added fuel to the fire, nearly exposing his idea of dismissing Halston.
Halston glared at Wesley coldly and sneered, “So, Mr. Jennings, what do you think is a good solution to this?”
“Well… I can’t bring myself to say it!” When Wesley met Halston’s gaze, timidness got the better of him. He kept his head low and didn’t dare to speak.
Shane then took over and said boldly, “His idea is simple- he wants you to rest and get better, and we’ll appoint someone else as the president of Guajardo Enterprise.”
The conference room instantly became silent.
However, Halston remained calm. He smiled and said, “Mr. Jennings, is that what you meant?”
Wesley waved anxiously. “I… No, I didn’t mean that. I just want what’s best for the company and your health, Mr. Guajardo.”
“Thank you for being so thoughtful, Mr. Jennings.” Halston’s tone was dangerous, and Wesley’s face paled.
“I think Wes’ idea is good, but no one else can lead Guajardo Enterprise except Mr. Guajardo. We’d better not appoint another president and get a worse one!” Another shareholder plucked up the courage to express his thoughts.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Isn’t Mr. Jovan Guajardo, the former vice president, pretty talented? Wasn’t the business department in North Amentia making great profits, second only to the profits made by the headquarters? Now, it’s actually on par with the headquarters. I think he’s a rare talent,” Shane quickly said.
“Did all of you forget what he did? How can we let such a reckless and cunning man lead Guajardo Enterprise?” Jimmy smacked the table and objected indignantly.
“He did that for the sake of the company because he thought something had happened to Mr. Guajardo. I think it’s understandable since he just took the position as leader during a time of crisis,” Shane explained casually, avoiding the main point.
“But I heard that his health isn’t good, and he’s living on medicine. Plus, he’s blind too, and resigned ages ago. I’m afraid he can’t replace Mr. Guajardo,” Jimmy scoffed. He always looked down on Jovan.
“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wright, but my eyes are fine now.” Jovan’s voice came from the door as he strode into the conference room in a suit, looking refined.
All the shareholders looked at Jovan in shock.
“What? Isn’t Mr. Jovan Guajardo blind?”
“He was demoted from vice president because he looked frail, but he seems very energetic now!”
“I’m glad he’s back. There’s hope for Guajardo Enterprise after all!
Everyone welcomed Jovan’s return and hoped that he could replace Halston to help Guajardo Enterprise out of its predicament.
Smiling, Jovan walked over to Halston. “Halston, I’m sorry you had to manage Guajardo Enterprise alone all this while; it must have been tough on you. But I’ve recovered now, so I’m here to help you.”
Halston stared at Jovan coldly, and when he saw Jovan’s eyes, his heart skipped a beat. An unsettling theory emerged in his mind, but he didn’t want to think about it. “Work well for Guajardo Enterprise then. We’re in the same boat, so if you can help revitalize the company, your return is more than welcome.”
“You’re a generous and insightful man, Halston. Don’t worry—I won’t let you down. If it’s necessary, I might even take up your position to save Guajardo Enterprise!” Jovan smiled widely, boldly announcing his intentions.
Everyone drew in a breath, but nobody disagreed.
“Sure, as long as you’re capable,” Halston narrowed his eyes and said coldly.
Jovan pulled a chair out and took a seat in front of Harry York, his assistant, and elaborated on his ideas and plans. The shareholders felt enthused listening to him.
“Mr. Jovan Guajardo’s business is centered on the market in North Amenia, which is rather open-minded. If his plan can be carried out effectively, I’m sure our company will be saved!” Shane was the first to stand up and clap enthusiastically.
Seeing that, some of the other shareholders clapped too. Although it was awkward for Halston, he remained calm.
Icily, Elijah said, “So, Mr. Jovan, you’re saying that the company should work harder to expand its projects in the next season, right? However, the company’s profits have been cut down by thirty percent, and we’re currently facing the risk of a shortfall of funds. If we expand the projects blindly and burden the company, we might face the danger of bankruptcy, right?”
Shane glared at Elijah and scoffed, “What would an assistant like you know? The fall in profits is because of the low market share. If we don’t expand our projects now, the decline in profits will continue. Plus, there are so many new companies nowadays, and if we just sit back and do nothing, our company won’t be in the top spot for long. We’ll lose our position in the industry if that happens!”
“I agree with Mr. Jovan’s idea. It’s better to be bolder and take risks during this critical period. If we win the battle, we’ll keep our top position…”
“Yeah, our company has always been famous for our bold and decisive means. Why should we be so conservative?”
Everyone agreed with Jovan’s plan, but eventually turned to Halston.
’Mr. Halston Guajardo, you’re the president of Guajardo Enterprise. What do you think? After all, you’ll make the final call,” a shareholder said to Halston respectfully.
“I share the same opinion as Elijah-I think Guajardo Enterprise should play safe instead of expanding its projects,” Halston said finally.
“Mr. Guajardo, why have you become so conservative? Do you want this company to be knocked off its pedestal?” Wesley said to Halston rudely.
“Calm down, gentlemen. I know why Halston’s become like this…” Jovan explained to the others, “You know that he was down and out for the past six months, and his body has become quite fragile. That’s why his character has changed a lot, and he’s become conservative. However, what you don’t know is that he’s had two brain surgeries, which would be a huge blow to anyone… Harry, send Halston’s medical report to all the shareholders.”
“Okay, Mr. Jovan.” Harry nodded and sent Halston’s check-up report to the shareholders.
Enraged, Elijah snarled at Jovan, “What are you doing?! Mr. Guajardo’s medical report is meant for his eyes only! What gives you the right to hand it out?”
“Mr. Young, calm down. I agree that medical reports should be confidential, but he’s the president of Guajardo Enterprise. He’s leading the company, so his health plays a major role in the fate of the company. Plus, aren’t we discussing why our profits have dropped? I think this report can provide the answer,” Jovan smirked and said coolly. He had obviously come prepared.
After reading Halston’s medical report, the shareholders were in shock.
“Mr. Guajardo’s health is so bad…”
He’s suffered brain damage, and has also experienced memory loss. No wonder his leadership style has changed!”
“I knew it! So the reason the company is facing issues is a problem with its leader!”
Elijah felt sorry for Halston who had to face their criticism.” Mr. Guajardo, should we end this meeting early?”
Halston shook his head and looked at the others calmly. “I understand your concerns, and I have to admit that my health isn’t as good as it used to be.”
“So, are you still planning to keep this up knowing you’re no longer suitable to lead this company?” Jovan sneered, hoping Halston would resign.
Naturally, I’m willing to resign if someone capable can replace me. However, I don’t know if you’re that person, Jovan. If I remember correctly, your health isn’t so good either, especially your sight. I wonder why you can see again all of a sudden.” Halston had expected the shareholders to attack him during the meeting, but he hadn’t expected Jovan to return so quickly. Truthfully, Halston was unconcerned about being president of Guajardo Enterprise-all he wanted to know right now was why he felt like he had seen Flossie’s eyes the moment he saw Jovan.
“You don’t have to worry about that, Halston. Someone willingly donated their eyes to me, just like how I willingly donated my eyes to you…” Jovan’s gaze was fierce as he spoke.
Jovan’s words struck Halston speechless. Halston had only learned much later that it was all because of Jovan’s eyes and blood that he had survived. Technically, he owed Jovan his life, so he couldn’t argue with him about this.
“If that’s the case, we can experiment with your plan in the next season, Jovan. Well see the effects after the expansion, ” Halston sounded regal and dignified as he spoke and all the shareholders present listened to him attentively and dared not object.
“You’re insightful, Halston, and it seems like you truly care for the company… but there’s something I’m curious about.
What’s your next step if the profits of the company do skyrocket after the next season?” Jovan faked a smile as he asked Halston slyly.
“What do you want me to do?” Halston boldly met Jovan’s gaze, staring him down. The atmosphere became tense.