Playtime's Over, CEO: She's Really Done With You-Chapter 417: She Didn’t Bring It Up, You Came Looking for Trouble Yourself
"Go ahead," Silas Hawthorne said, looking at Desmond Wyatt.
Desmond Wyatt swept his gaze across those present and said, "During today’s meeting, the company’s intention to invest externally was mentioned." He continued directly, "Aether Group was one of the topics."
As soon as Desmond Wyatt spoke, he captured everyone’s attention.
This issue had actually been quietly discussed within the Hawthorne Group for a long time.
The memory of everyone in the meeting room pressuring Silas Hawthorne not to involve Serena Sterling or invest in Aether Group was still vivid.
Today, June Hawthorne was also present, sitting just below Silas Hawthorne.
She squinted at Desmond Wyatt, then looked towards Silas Hawthorne.
Everyone’s gaze was also focused on Silas Hawthorne.
Silas Hawthorne’s expression remained unchanged; he simply gestured for Desmond Wyatt to continue.
"After the last evaluation update on Aether Group, the Group sent people to negotiate a partnership, but ultimately couldn’t invest. Now, Aether Group’s valuation has skyrocketed, partly due to the involvement of the Ford Group."
"According to our latest information on the Ford Group’s movements, they will strongly support Jasper Ford, so Aether Group will rapidly expand in Aeston, domestically, and even internationally."
Desmond Wyatt singled out this matter to discuss.
No one present objected.
Because it was the current reality.
When he got to this point, Desmond Wyatt paused and simply looked at Silas Hawthorne.
Silas Hawthorne calmly looked at the table.
"So?" Silas Hawthorne’s voice was indifferent. He asked, "What is Director Wyatt trying to say?"
Desmond Wyatt was infuriated by Silas Hawthorne’s question.
He said, "So, I think we only have two options now: join or resist."
He didn’t elaborate, but everyone present knew what he meant.
To join was to get on board with Aether Group.
To resist was to squash Aether Group in the cradle.
But as of now, Aether Group had already secured a large order collaboration with overseas TT Company, and couldn’t be easily taken down, especially with the Ford Group’s backing.
After all, the Ford Group was one of the three major players in Aeston, with substantial influence.
"Currently, the company’s research shows that joining is better than resisting," Desmond Wyatt said.
This was also the consensus among those in the meeting room.
Silas Hawthorne nodded and signaled, "Continue."
"So, I believe Serena Sterling should be sensible and proactively hand over her Aether Group shares to the Hawthorne Group," Desmond Wyatt said.
In that moment, the entire meeting room became tense.
It seemed that everyone collectively held their breath, only their eyes darting between Desmond Wyatt and Silas Hawthorne.
Desmond Wyatt was also watching Silas Hawthorne.
Silas Hawthorne’s expression didn’t change; he didn’t even glance at Desmond Wyatt.
He merely asked flatly, "Why?"
"There’s no particular reason," Desmond Wyatt’s voice carried a hint of anger.
"The main issue now is the priority rights. The Ford Group can invest through its subsidiary, Ford Entertainment, but we don’t have priority rights. If Serena Sterling gives us her Aether Group shares, the Hawthorne Group will also be a shareholder and have priority rights."
That was the plan Desmond Wyatt had in mind.
Moreover, he was particularly dissatisfied with Serena Sterling.
He said, "Initially, we led the team there from the Hawthorne Group, but Serena Sterling used her priority rights to prevent us from investing, shutting down the Hawthorne Group’s opportunity! Since she closed off the Hawthorne Group’s chance, she should compensate!"
"Compensate?" Silas Hawthorne repeated the word, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"Exactly!" Desmond Wyatt said confidently, "Aren’t you planning to marry Serena Sterling? Since she’ll be the future Mrs. Hawthorne, she should prioritize the Hawthorne Group. Besides, her small company, Aeon, is no match for our Hawthorne Group. In the competition following Aether Group’s involvement, she’ll be at a disadvantage, possibly marginalized."
"Since that’s the case, she might as well hand over the shares to the Hawthorne Group now."
Desmond Wyatt’s voice echoed throughout the meeting room.
No one else spoke up; they all just looked at Silas Hawthorne.
Silas Hawthorne had always been gentle and elegant, but this time, he suddenly laughed.
The sarcasm in his laughter was unmistakable.
Desmond Wyatt was infuriated by the laughter and demanded, "Do you think I’m wrong?"
Silas Hawthorne lifted his gaze, sweeping over the others present.
"What do you all think of Director Wyatt’s proposal?" Silas Hawthorne asked.
Those who had already discussed it with Desmond Wyatt immediately voiced support —
"I think Director Wyatt is right; Serena Sterling should be sensible and give up her Aether Group shares."
"Yes, she won’t last long in the Aether Group. It’s better to hand them over."
"If she doesn’t behave, she’s in no way fit to marry into the Hawthorne Family!"
...
Those who faced reduced dividends and bonuses due to missing out on the Aether Group project also supported this idea.
As long as Serena handed over the shares, everyone would still receive dividends.
June Hawthorne looked at these faces and spoke directly, "Shameless!"
With the support of others, Desmond Wyatt felt emboldened.
He said, "Miss Hawthorne, I’m simply considering the company’s interests, considering the Hawthorne Group’s interests. How is that shameless? Serena should hand over the Aether Group shares!"
A chorus of agreement erupted.
A noisy commotion ensued.
"Clink."
A small sound.
It was the sound of Silas Hawthorne laying his pen down on the table.
Everyone immediately quieted down, looking at Silas Hawthorne.
Desmond Wyatt too.
Silas Hawthorne looked at the pen on the table and said, "Indeed shameless."
"Silas Hawthorne, you!" Desmond Wyatt’s face turned crimson in an instant.
Silas Hawthorne wore a smile, but it was a cold one.
"Didn’t I mention long ago that Serena had great foresight, that the Aether Group had significant potential, and that it was a low-capital risk worth investing in for the Hawthorne Group?"
"And at the time, the Hawthorne Group still had a chance."
Silas Hawthorne’s voice resonated through the meeting room, but no one dared to make a sound.
"At that time, I even said that if the Hawthorne Group was unwilling to use corporate funds, I, Silas Hawthorne, could finance it privately."
"And what did you do?"
Silas Hawthorne laughed.
"You refused."
"Now, discovering the project is indeed a good one, you want to blame Serena?"
"Use the Hawthorne Group to pressure Serena?"
"Use terms like ’sensible’ and ’behave’ to corner Serena?"
Silas Hawthorne’s voice was light, without much emotion.
But speaking so calmly, it left many unable to lift their heads.
"For days now, Serena told me not to trouble you because you were acting for the company’s benefit, so I didn’t mention it, but..."
"She didn’t bring it up, and you came to her instead!"
Silas Hawthorne paused slightly, speaking coldly, "This is how you bully her!"
