Chapter 8 The Company That's Going Bankrupt?

• Edward lounged casually in his chair, a chilly grin playing at the corners of his lips.
• Snapping up a company wasn't child's play, especially not Paramount Real Estate, which had been steadily raking in profits for the past two years under his watch.
• But money talks, and if the price isn't right, just sweeten the deal.
• In his pocket, Edward had the Bauhinia Card loaded with 150 million, which was more than sufficient to buy out Paramount Real Estate.
• Still, having Robert handle the takeover was apparently faster than doing it himself.
• Peter picked up the phone with a fawning smile. "Hey, Cliff. When are you swinging by the office? I need to set things up and fill you in on how I handled a tricky situation."
• Since he'd already given Edward the boot, he planned to pin the blame for the pricey contract on him.
• After all, a sacked employee couldn't defend themselves, could they?
• But Peter's smile quickly faded to shock.
• "What? The company's been sold?"
• His outcry startled the office, leaving everyone speechless.
• Paramount Real Estate had been thriving; it made no sense for a sensible owner to sell it!
• Then, they recalled Edward's words from earlier.
• Could it be true?
• All eyes turned to Edward, filled with disbelief.
• Even Peter stared at Edward, horror etched on his face. "H-How did you pull this off?"
• "The company's mine now," Edward declared confidently, rising from his seat.
• He was surprised by Robert's efficiency, but it also proved his ability.
• After all, Edward was familiar with Paramount Real Estate's big boss. It would take more than just money to seal the deal on a 15-million company in minutes.
• "No, this can't be happening," Peter spluttered, his face flushed with rage.
• He howled at Cliff through the phone, desperation seeping into his voice. "Why did you sell the company without consulting me? We were about to go public!"
• "Click."
• The call ended, shattering Peter's last hope.
• Edward smirked. "You're out of luck. Even God won't help you keep your job," he taunted, throwing Peter's past words right back at him.
• Peter trembled with anger. Edward's words were like a slap in the face.
• How could someone who used to take the fall for him now have enough money to buy the company?
• Under the employees' mocking gazes, Peter felt a surge of humiliation and fury.
• His emotions roiled within him, threatening to consume him.
• Suddenly, Peter's gaze landed on the contract on his desk. He burst into crazed laughter.
• "Haha ... So you bought the company, Edward? Impressive! Almost makes me respect you!"
• Peter pointed at the contract, laughing hysterically, but his eyes gleamed with malice. "But you shouldn't have overlooked this contract. The shantytown redevelopment project—it's 4.5 million over budget! Now that you own Paramount Real Estate, this problem's yours to deal with. It's enough to sink your new venture!"
• Initially, he was troubled by his drunken error, but now, with Edward publicly humiliating him, the extravagant contract felt like a stroke of fortune. It provided a sense of satisfaction, at least.
• Paramount Real Estate, valued at a maximum of 15 million, faced ruin with a contract inflated by 4.5 million.
• Edward's acquisition of the company was like stepping into a minefield. He was risking everything just so he could show off a little.
• This contract alone could bankrupt Edward.
• "4.5 million?"
• Edward's eyes narrowed, his expression turning grim. "You're unbelievably stupid!"
• The employees outside the office turned pale and gasped in disbelief.
• Is Peter insane?
• He's the general manager of Paramount Real Estate. What level of foolishness led him to sign such an absurd contract?
• All eyes then shifted to Edward, filled with uncertainty and suspicion.
• Seeing Edward's demeanor, Peter felt even more smug, relishing his apparent triumph.
• "Didn't expect that, did you? If you take over Paramount Real Estate, I might lose my position, but with my brother-in-law's companies, I'll find another job easily! But you? You'll be left to clean up after me and lose everything. Gosh, how the tables have turned!"
• "Are you done? If you are, leave the company immediately."
• Edward exhaled, rubbed his face, and glared at Peter.
• Edward knew Peter was incompetent, and while he anticipated the pricey contract, a 4.5 million overcharge exceeded his expectations.
• "Sure, I'm leaving now."
• Peter laughed triumphantly and headed for the door. Before leaving, he arrogantly glanced at the employees. "You heard it. I've been your boss for a while, so here's your chance.
• He stuck out two fingers. "Either join me for better prospects or stay with Edward and witness the company's downfall."
• But there was no response.
• The employees understood who truly led Paramount Real Estate and the disparity between Edward and Peter in terms of character and abilities.
• Edward scanned over the crowd with resolve. "You know what I'm capable of. If I can buy Paramount Real Estate, 4.5 million won't be a problem."
• The employees exchanged glances, showing confidence in Edward.
• Then, they made way for Peter.
• Peter's face flushed with anger. Although he knew he wasn't their favorite, he expected some to follow, but no one was willing.
• "You shortsighted fools! You think he's a savior? Stay and await your fate!" Peter cursed as he stormed out.
• Moments later, an employee asked, "Edward, can you really handle 4.5 million?"
• "Have I ever lied to you as your superior?"
• Edward smiled reassuringly. "Get back to work. We're focusing on the West City shantytown renovation project."
• Meanwhile, chaos unfolded at the Thomas family's home.
• "Mom, Dad, when will you gather the dowry money for me?" Randy's voice thundered, his face flushed with frustration.
• "Beatrice is on my case again! Do you even want me to tie the knot with her and carry on the Thomas family legacy?"
• He'd been coddled his whole life, accustomed to getting his way with his family.
• His parents, previously indecisive, panicked at the mention of 'continuing the family legacy'.
• "Don't worry, Randy. We're already working on getting the funds," his mother, Juliet, assured him urgently.
• "Exactly, ensuring your marriage to Beatrice is a priority. Your mother and I are more anxious than you!" his father, Daniel, chimed in.
• "Then get a move on with the money!" Randy bellowed, hurling a cup to the floor.
• "I'll give you a week; I need the dowry for Beatrice within a week! I have to propose to her!"
• "Randy!" Olivia couldn't contain herself anymore, scolding him. "Is that how you talk to Mom and Dad? We're all concerned about your wedding. Smashing things won't solve anything!"
• "Shut it, Olivia! This is none of your business!" Juliet snapped, leaving Olivia bewildered.
• Sensing the tension, Daniel intervened swiftly. "Juliet, you were too harsh. I told you not to rush Olivia and Edward's separation. Edward is the assistant general manager of Paramount Real Estate and could have contributed more. Now we've taken the 30 thousand he set aside to save his mother, and they're getting divorced."
• "How is this my fault?" Juliet shot back, glaring at him.
• "Randy needs to marry Beatrice. If we didn't take his money, should we borrow money instead? Borrowed money needs to be repaid!"
• "But we're borrowing anyway! We need 75 thousand for the dowry, a house, and a car. Even Edward's contribution isn't enough," Daniel sighed.
• Juliet, furious, turned to Olivia abruptly, pointing her finger at Olivia's forehead. "This is all your fault! You married that inept Edward, and now you can't even help your brother. What kind of sister are you?"
• Olivia trembled, tears brimming in her eyes.
• After venting, Juliet's expression suddenly brightened. "I've got it! Olivia, you need to go on a blind date! Your father and I will find a wealthy suitor for you to marry. That way, we'll have enough for Randy's dowry!"
• Olivia was shocked. "Mom, do you see me as just a pawn?"