[95]
Leonel won’t let go of Josh that quickly. He has set up many things to ensure the man can’t escape anymore. Plus, this meeting is not at the Mountain office but at the Jena Group. Nevertheless, Leonel has assigned many people to monitor their surroundings. The police have also been contacted in case there is an uncontrollable situation. They rely on them to move; as long as money is involved, they will comply.
There are also guards working under Chris’s instructions. They are skilled individuals.
However, since last night, Leonel hasn’t been able to close his eyes. His worries are immense, but he restrains himself from taking impulsive actions. If this meeting fails, Josh will indeed plan something even more prominent. He might even flee abroad after leaving chaos behind.
Upon arriving at the Jena office lobby, Chris and Robby follow shortly. Their cars’ convoy is close. It’s intentional because there are many guards following, although not visibly. They walk through the lobby as if nothing is happening. The meeting proceeds as usual with Josh, who has encountered failures several times.
Remember the numerous journalists who have been waiting since earlier, but Leonel doesn’t care. Most of their questions revolve around his relationship with Ester. He will handle that after dealing with Josh because Josh is at the root of everything.
Before entering the elevator, Leonel briefly glances at his watch. It’s almost ten-fifteen. He arrived earlier than the scheduled meeting. It doesn’t matter; he can talk to the Jena Group first, creating a situation where Leonel appears foolishly compliant with what Josh wants.
But there’s one thing he’s eagerly waiting for. His heart beats faster because this is the moment of truth.
Perhaps Chris understands Leonel’s anxiety. “He’ll give us news, Leonel. I’m sure of it.”
“I feel like I should just go after him.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
“You’re the one Josh is targeting. If you’re not there, it’ll be even more dangerous for many parties involved.”
Leonel nods softly.
“Papa believes everything is under control.”
“Even so, Dad, I still have significant concerns because Josh never hesitates to strike down his opponents.”
Robby sighs softly. “Dad believes we can get through this.”
Leonel frustratedly rubs his face. “I can’t wait to teach Josh a lesson.”
“We need to know our limits, Leonel. Refrain from creating new problems. Don’t provoke him to give orders we can’t imagine.”
What Chris says is true. Leonel has been restraining himself from leaving the room, grabbing his car keys, and rushing to chase someone. “If Josh dares to touch Chloe, I won’t be able to hold back, Chris. You know, I owe her a lot of apologies.”
Chris pats Leonel’s shoulder gently, offering support without words. At that moment, the elevator doors open. Some of the people Chris recognizes from their name tags are Jena employees, welcoming them.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning,” Chris, the first to exit the elevator, says. His eyes survey the surroundings, noticing that only a few people are on this floor, their destination. “Are we late?”
One of them shakes their head. “Not yet, sir.” Accompanied by a forced chuckle to lighten the tense atmosphere. “But I think the Director wants to talk to Mr. Leonel first.”
Leonel gives a faint smile. “That’s fine. As long as we wait for Mr. Josh’s arrival.”
“Coincidentally, Mr. Josh has already arrived. He’s having an important discussion about a new project with the Director.”
Josh briefly glances at Robby, who nods, understanding their situation. They also follow the staff’s lead. Chris chooses to walk at the back because he has to ensure one thing.
Daniel: Everything is secure, Boss. We’re at the building exit.
Chris breathes a sigh of relief. Then he slightly smiles, following Leonel and Robby, who casually ask questions as if nothing is happening. He also prays that God protects them all. Josh’s crimes must be stopped. They won’t let Josh breathe the free air. Many charges can be brought against him, and Chris will relentlessly pursue justice as the Grisham family’s lawyer, who is also one of Josh’s targets.
They entered a spacious room, resembling the meeting rooms that Chris and Leonel often visited when they went to their client’s offices, just like this one. The facilities were quite comprehensive. At the end of the table in the middle of the room, the leaders of the Jena Group were already present, and beside them was the man they wanted to crush.
Moreover, without a hint of guilt, the man smiled widely, as if everything behind him, including his actions over the past few months-no, not just a few months, but since Chloe’s accident-didn’t bother him. His smile grew broader and undisturbed.
No one knows what’s in this man’s heart. Perhaps the devil has clouded his conscience to the point where he can commit acts on the brink of normalcy that involve taking lives. He doesn’t hesitate to plan evil things for his benefit. Leonel, staring into those eyes, can’t comprehend what goes on in his mind.
Although, if Leonel may speak honestly, Josh is exceptionally skilled in managing his business affairs. Unfortunately, he doesn’t utilize his intelligence correctly. Or maybe it’s because it’s only directed towards Mountain? As far as Leonel has gathered information about Josh’s activities, everything seems fine. There have been no complaints, and Josh’s negotiation skills for Josh Corp are commendable.
Is such a big name at stake to bring down Mountain?
Truly insane.
“Now that everyone is gathered, shall we start this meeting?” one of the Jena executives asked, taking a position across from Josh.
“Please,” Josh confidently replied. “Maybe Mr. Leonel would like to prepare the meeting materials first?”
“No need,” Leonel replied with a slight smile. “We are all ready. I will present them myself.”
Josh nodded slowly. “Let’s begin, then.”
The discussion they had was still business-related. Leonel paid close attention because Jena had great potential for him. The cooperation between Jena and Mountain had been relatively smooth, although Leonel remained cautious with Jena. Everything related to Jena and Mountain went well without any obstacles.
However, the involvement of Josh Corp made Leonel extremely anxious.
One by one, they discussed various matters until it reached the point where Leonel voiced his objections regarding his collaboration with Josh.
“From where did Mr. Leonel draw this conclusion? When I have tried my best?” Josh asked with an incredulous expression. His eyes stared sharply at Leonel, who explained several things. In this meeting, why was Jena involved? One of the projects they were currently working on included Jena. They also needed to know why Mountain was seeking compensation.
“Your best?” Leonel asked with a dismissive look. “Is this your best?” Leonel pointed to several presentation slides where many irregularities were discovered during their events. Unusable booths also tarnished Mountain’s reputation among the wider audience.
Although Leonel took great care in ensuring the quality during the exhibition, not just regarding the products but also the supporting facilities, the procurement of goods, and the competitive brands from Jena and Josh, each had their share according to the agreement. Both brands were presented as best as possible, while Mountain… Leonel was furious at the time, but the event still went on.
They had to incur additional expenses to cover all the losses.
“Is it true? Is it Josh’s doing? Isn’t Mountain also responsible for this problem? Or maybe, Mountain is jealous because our event was considered successful while theirs wasn’t?”
“In business, there are ups and downs in consumer trends, how we sell properly, and create satisfaction with loyal customers. But if, from the start, it was intended to undermine the opposing party with whom we have a mutually beneficial partnership, that is detrimental.”
“And are you accusing me?”
Leonel didn’t need to answer the seemingly challenging question. He stared at Josh without interruption. The anger in his heart grew, especially as the man’s face showed immense contempt.
“If you carefully read the contract, everything is stated there. Our party was indeed taken advantage of by Mountain itself. You can check the stipulations in the-”
“I have studied it already.”
Josh applauded cheerfully. “So, you understand the limits, right?”
“I cancel all the contracts with Josh Corp.”
“Wow!” Josh looked shocked but then laughed in satisfaction. He even rubbed the corner of his eye because of how absurd Leonel’s statement sounded. “Are you ready for the compensation? Don’t think I haven’t prepared for that.” Josh appeared busy retrieving the contract document, then flipping through the pages with a triumphant gleam in his eyes.
Little did he know that Leonel would surrender so quickly.
“A compensation of 20 billion because our contract is bound for the next two years, with a busy event schedule. I have also suffered losses in this matter.”
Leonel grinned. “Prepare the contract cancellation letter, Chris. We’re canceling all existing collaborations.”
“But, Sir,” Chris quickly stood up. He approached Leonel and whispered, occasionally glancing at Josh, who looked cunningly satisfied.
“We’ll bear the losses later. Don’t worry about Mountain’s financial situation.”
“Don’t act recklessly!” Robby interjected, almost shouting. “Twenty billion is not a small amount. Mountain’s finances could be shaken to pay the compensation.” Robby immediately approached Leonel. “We’re here to find a way out in this meeting, not to drown ourselves in mistakes, Leonel.”
Josh watched all of this with a joyful heart.
“Yeah, Dad. But what if Mountain can’t generate profit from the big events that have been planned? What do you call that, just a waste of time?”
Josh let the commotion happen. Meanwhile, the Jena executives appeared puzzled, examining how skillfully Josh manipulated this collaboration contract. They had to prepare for the worst-case scenario as well.
Josh allowed the argument to go on for a while until… “How long do you want to keep debating? Do you want to cancel or continue this collaboration contract? With the existing rules, or can I clarify them?” Josh leaned slightly forward. “The rules that I want.”
Leonel applauded softly. “Congratulations. You’ve succeeded in making us follow your desires. You’re truly a cunning man. I salute you. And yes, as you heard, we need to discuss the contract again. You deliberately made Mountain follow your will.”
Josh chuckled happily. “You learn quickly.”
“But you forgot who the real owner of Mountain is.”
Josh continued to laugh, and this time his eyes continued to look down on Leonel with contempt.
“I won’t let Mountain follow your desires.”
“Oh? How? You’re bound to me. Or will you hand over 20 billion dollars as compensation?”