B Pearls
Chapter 125 Root of the Problem
My thoughts raced, sharp and relentless.
It became clear; Fostrau’s factory was less tightly controlled than the main office. Its distance from headquarters made it a prime target for tampering.
I paused for a moment, weighing the situation, before speaking. My voice was calm but firm. “We need to determine exactly where things went wrong at Fostrau. We need to uncover how the radioactive elements made their way into the products. While Fostrau may be smaller, that doesn’t justify how easily it was compromised. There’s a strong chance someone inside the company is leaking information.”
Caden’s gaze sharpened, and his voice held resolve. “I have someone investigate immediately.”
I tightened my lips, my decision clear. “I’m going to Fostrau myself.”
If we were going to uncover the truth, I knew I had to be there.
Whoever was behind this had to be skilled to tamper with products under such tight surveillance.
As the head of Ice and Fire, it was my responsibility to find out what happened.
I’ll come with you,” Caden said, without hesitation.
I blinked, surprised.
Caden was coming?
“Don’t you need to stay here?” I asked, still processing his words.
Caden considered this for a moment, then replied. “By going with you, I’ll show that Eclipse Group is taking this seriously. It’ll also send a message to whoever’s behind this that we won’t back down.”
He met my eyes with sincerity. “And honestly, I’m not comfortable letting you go alone. Fostrau is too far, and it’s an unfamiliar ground for you. I don’t want you facing anything you can’t handle.”
Caden’s POV:
I didn’t hide my thoughts. Rosaline’s ability to handle this alone had me genuinely concerned.
She noticed my unease and gave me a brief, appreciative smile. She didn’t turn down my offer.
After all, having the big boss by her side would certainly make things run much smoother for her.
“There’s something more urgent we need to take care of,” Rosaline said, her tone serious. “We need to recall every Ice and Fire product from Fostrau, and we must reach out to those affected by the radiation. We can’t let this further damage Eclipse Group’s reputation.”
I understood the gravity of the situation instantly. The radiation incident had already caused the stock to plummet for days. Our top priority now was stopping the financial hemorrhage.
“I’ll take care of it,” I replied, my voice firm.
I turned to Yale. “Set up a press conference for this afternoon.”
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Chapter 125 Root of the Problem
“Yes, sir,” Yale responded quickly, then left to carry out the task.
+8 Pears
“I’ll get to work too,” Rosaline said as she stood. “Should I book a flight for you to Fostrau tomorrow?”
I shook my head. “No. I’ll take my private jet.”
She shrugged and walked out, the sound of her footsteps echoing down the hallway.
I was just about to get back to work when the office door suddenly swung open. I looked up to see Donny Lowe, the VP standing in the doorway.
“Donny,” I said with a polite nod, “what’s on your mind
Without a word, he pulled out his phone and showed it to me. His voice was sharp, almost accusatory. “Caden, did you know that Eclipse Group’s stock has dropped by 10% over the last few days?”
I kept my composure. “I’m aware. I’m handling it.”
He raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “And how exactly are you handling it? We all know why the stock is falling. The solution is simple.”
I leaned back in my chair, meeting his gaze. “Oh? And what do you suggest, Donny?”
Donny had been my father’s closest friend, a man who had always stood by him through thick and thin.
After my father passed, he temporarily took over as president of Eclipse Group.
But when my grandfather handed the company reins to me, Donny was relegated to vice president.
Since then, the company had grown under my leadership, while Donny had slowly receded into the background.
“Fire Rosaline,” he said bluntly, his voice cold. “She’s the project leader. Her negligence is why we’re in this mess. We need to fire her if we want to fix this and restore our reputation.”
“Is that so?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. He was trying to shift all the blame onto Rosaline, making her the
scapegoat.
From his point of view, this might seem like the easiest way to resolve the crisis.
But I wasn’t fooled.
Even if Rosaline hadn’t been in charge, I still wouldn’t or rather, couldn’t–go down that road.
Only a coward would look for someone to blame.
When I didn’t respond, Donny slid a file across the desk. “This is the unanimous decision of several board members after discussing the matter. They’ve all signed it.”
I glanced down at the file. The signatures at the bottom were from a handful of key shareholders, and at the top, my mother’s name stood out.
“This is my mother’s idea?” I asked, my voice steady but pointed.
“It’s Eleanor’s idea and it’s the consensus of the others Donny replied meeting my gaze. “We have a
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Chapter 125 Root of the Problem
responsibility to the shareholders. This must be resolved quickly to prevent further damage.”
348 Pearle
I clenched my fist, tapping it lightly on the table. My mind raced as I thought through his words. After a long pause, I finally met his gaze, my voice cool and unwavering. “Donny, I understand our duty to the shareholders, and I agree that we need to act fast. But firing Rosaline is not the answer.”
“Caden, you-” Donny’s face twisted in surprise, clearly not expecting my rejection.
He opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off. “Donny, I’ll handle this. This isn’t something you need to be involved in. You can leave now.”
For a moment, he was silent, his brows furrowed in frustration. Then, in a heavier tone, he spoke. “Caden, both your mother and I are acting in the company’s best interest. I hope you won’t regret this.”
I gave a brief, indifferent response. “I won’t.”
Without another word, Donny turned and left, clearly angered.
I stared at the door as it clicked shut behind him. Once I had held a great deal of respect for him. Now, he felt almost like a stranger.
Was he really acting in the company’s best interest when he, along with my mother and the shareholders, was so quick to push for Rosaline’s dismissal?
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