Chapter 7 Buy the Company

• "Why are you laughing?"
• Peter scowled, his tone brash. "You were meant to handle this. I assisted you, and now you're expecting me to shoulder the blame?"
• He distorted reality with his words.
• Edward shrugged, his rage simmering. He retorted with a chilly grin, "Sorry, but I'm not taking the rap for this."
• Huh?
• Peter was taken aback. Is this guy out of his mind?
• Previously, he's always agreed to such arrangements without hesitation.
• Seeing Edward's unwavering resolve, Peter grew anxious. This project's contract was 4.5 million over budget. That was a huge sum. If the shantytown redevelopment project proceeded, it wouldn't just fail to generate profit—the company could go bankrupt.
• His brother-in-law was due to inspect the company that afternoon. If he discovered the truth, he'd be livid and would likely dismiss Peter.
• Peter had become accustomed to his comfortable position as general manager, where he exploited his authority. If he couldn't find a scapegoat, he'd struggle to secure a similarly cushy job elsewhere.
• Edward, as the assistant general manager, was the perfect scapegoat.
• For years, Edward bore the blame while Peter took the credit, which made Peter complacent.
• However, Edward's reaction caught him off guard this time.
• "What's with your attitude, Edward? Do you value this job or not?"
• Peter was furious, leaping to his feet and jabbing his finger toward Edward. "I've looked out for you all these years. You're in this position because I vouched for you with my brother-in-law. Otherwise, given your skills, you'd barely be a mid-level project manager!
• "You should be grateful and repay favors. Instead, you're turning against me?"
• Edward replied icily, "Why are you twisting facts? Over the years, you've been ingratiating yourself with your brother-in-law and taking all the credit. Whenever something goes wrong, I'm left to clean up your mess. If we're discussing repaying favors, why don't you extend some to me?"
• Slam!
• Peter slammed his hand on the desk, his tone harsh. "Today, you'll take the fall, whether you like it or not! Consider your sick mother in the hospital. Without this job, how long do you think your mother will have to live?"
• Edward's anger surged.
• Previously, Peter's words would have wounded him deeply.
• He would have swallowed his pride and accepted the blame for his mother's treatment.
• But circumstances had changed.
• Seeing Edward silent, Peter assumed he was feeling remorseful and felt inwardly satisfied.
• Peter altered his approach, attempting to sound like a caring elder brother. "Edward, I know you're devoted to your mother. I'll offer you 15 thousand if you shoulder the blame. That should give her some time."
• Peter knew how to mix coercion with incentives.
• He was sure that Edward would give in for his mother's sake.
• He had thoroughly investigated Edward's situation, which was why he had repeatedly exploited him over the years.
• "Come closer," Edward said, squinting with a smile.
• "I should express my gratitude for your assistance."
• Peter felt assured and grinned contentedly. He thought, I knew he wouldn't say no to 15 thousand!
• Without hesitation, Peter approached and patted Edward on the shoulder. "We're like brothers, so you don't need to thank me. Just as long as you—"
• Thud!
• Before he could finish, Edward punched Peter squarely in the face.
• Peter cried out in agony, staggering back with blood trickling from his nose.
• In a panic, he shouted, "Edward, have you gone crazy?"
• "I might as well have! You can mess with me all you want, but don't you dare curse my mother. That's a line you don't cross!"
• Edward's face burned with anger as he lunged forward, knocking Peter to the ground once more. "You've got a lot of nerve!"
• "You're insane! You're done here! Get out!" Peter yelled back, but his body, weakened by years of exersion, couldn't summon the strength to retaliate.
• "You're fired! Leave now! I hope you end up in the same hospital as your mom!"
• Thud! Thud! Thud! Edward advanced and kicked Peter forcefully again.
• For three years since graduating, Edward had toiled tirelessly, even taking blame for Peter's mistakes, all to fund his mother's medical care.
• Insults hurled at him were one thing, but insults aimed at his mother were a whole different story.
• Peter's cries echoed through the office, catching the attention of the employees outside.
• They peered in through the window, shocked into silence.
• What's happening?
• Has Edward finally snapped?
• But no one intervened. Peter had earned the ire of many among the staff, so seeing Edward retaliate gave them a strange sense of satisfaction.
• Edward only ceased when exhaustion overtook him.
• Peter lay on the floor, battered and bloody, still glaring at Edward with hatred. "You're done for! You've sealed your fate. Even God can't save your job now!"
• Edward smirked coldly, a glint of resolve in his eyes. "I was going to quit today, but I've had a change of heart."
• Peter froze.
• Edward pulled out his phone and, consulting a note, dialed a number. The call connected swiftly.
• "Robert, I'm interested in buying Paramount Real Estate," Edward stated clearly.
• Peter, initially shocked, erupted into laughter.
• "Ha! You almost had me fooled! You? Buying the company? You're broke—your money's all gone to hospital bills. How could you afford a company?"
• Outside, the employees were equally taken aback, their murmurs growing.
• "Did I hear that correctly? Mr. Raine said he wants to buy Paramount Real Estate?"
• "That's absurd! He's just bluffing to scare Peter. He couldn't possibly have that kind of money. Even a small company like ours would cost at least 15 million."
• "Edward's earned a decent salary as assistant general manager, but most of it went to his mom's medical bills or his wife's family. There's no way he has 15 million."
• ...
• As the employees speculated, Edward remained composed, sitting back in his chair, waiting.
• Peter, meanwhile, rose unsteadily, spitting blood and sneering. "Even the staff know the truth. Who are you trying to fool? Buying the company, you say? You should save that money for your mom's funeral!"
• Edward's piercing gaze silenced Peter, who took a step back, intimidated.
• Peter returned to his chair, about to sit down, when his phone rang.
• It was his brother-in-law, Cliff Schwartz.
• Since Cliff was due to inspect the company later that afternoon, an early call wasn't unusual.
• Peter spat out more blood, glaring at Edward, and gestured with his phone. "It's my brother-in-law. Want to talk to him about buying the company?"
• Then he answered the call.