“Anger won’t get us anywhere. We should brainstorm strategies,” Aloysius said. Jet was already struggling with injuries. The mental strain only added to his burden. However, they were bold to run multiple business ventures all at once. The Frosts were able to keep the operation going with the support of business partners. Unfortunately, when it rained, it poured. If one project had issues, Jet and the Frosts could still weather through, but the problems in various projects proved too much to handle. “Do you think I don’t want to? Our hands are tied right now.” Jet was hurt, and he could not even rest. As if things were not bad enough, the shareholders did the unthinkable. “Maybe we should give up on getting the films released. We can sell that business off. “We can abandon the piece of land near the port or offer those old people some compensation.” Aloysius believed the issues with these projects were easy fixes. Most importantly, they were able to sustain the losses.
“We are facing a minor issue, but it’s no biggie. With some alterations, we will see profits in no time. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Plus, when have the Frosts ever let anyone down when doing business together?” Aloysius continued to persuade Murray. For some reason, Murray was determined to pull out anyway. How did Murray find out about the issues regarding the projects? Jet had blocked any news from leaking out. No one would have known. “As you said, no one knows what tomorrow will bring, so you better give me back my money. I want to cut my losses.” Murray’s mind was set. Aloysius was disappointed. From the meeting, Aloysius could see that Murray had made himself clear. “That reminds me. You have five days to return the investment, or I’ll spread the news and ruin your business.” Murray understood that intimidation would get what he wanted. Integrity was important to businesspeople, but without the right strategies, it was hard to stay on top. “We have
Even though Aloysius saw it coming, he was surprised to learn the truth from Murray. “It’s not what you think. We were simply trying to find out if someone was sabotaging those projects since problems came all at once. We were also trying to gather intel.” “So what? It’s my money, but you and the Frosts don’t seem to appreciate that fact. I don’t see a point in working together.” Murray made up his mind to cut business ties with the Frosts, and nothing they said or did could change his mind. More infuriatingly, the ninety million dollars was taken out of the business account for investors. Jet sure took the investors for a ride. “I can offer an explanation for this. You don’t have to be mad about this. It was just to keep it in the books, but the money will be put back.” Aloysius was not there to upset Murray. His intention was to iron out issues in a peaceful manner. However, Aloysius just made Murray angrier, and they were nowhere close to solving anything. “I don’t
Fuelled by rage, Jet smashed his phone. He thought by sending Aloysius over, everything was a done deal. Yet, Murray remained firm in his stance. Aloysius stood outside the ward, hesitant as to whether he should enter. “Why is nothing going my way?” Jet banged his fists on the bed frustratedly. He knew he needed rest, but trouble just kept him awake. “Are you back yet, Aloysius?” Jet shouted. He just yelled for an enquiring nurse to get out. “I’m back, Mr. Frost.” There was no way to hide. Aloysius stepped into the ward. “Mr. Frost, I just learned that Mr. Gwake is pulling out because he has been tipped off.” Fearing his employer’s criticism, Aloysius blurted an update. “What’s going on? Who’s out to get me by making this public?” Jet had a splitting headache. He had no leads when investigating the matter. He thought he had it under control, but the perpetrator came on fast and strong, leaving Jet no room to breathe. He could deal with the minor disturbances bef
“I gave you an answer. It’s just really bad timing.” Ryker would not lend money to Jet. Even though they got along well, Ryker was cautious when it came to money. “Why did your shareholder back out all of a sudden? This is not normal. Did something happen?” Ryker asked, sensing something amiss. “My projects are suspended, and the shareholder thought I was in trouble. Talk about a superiority complex.” Jet ran his mouth. Ryker knew that the insult was meant for him too. Despite his displeasure, Ryker was aware of the Frosts’ position in society. No one could disrespect the family until their downfall. “That’s some shitty luck you got there, but I honestly have nothing to offer. I’ll ask around on your behalf, though,” Ryker said courteously. It was hard to get angry at someone who spoke nicely. “I’m not asking for much. Can’t you even do this tiny favor?”“I had money. I didn’t just put money into the business. I gave a loan to a friend too. I need to keep some for mys
“They are all a bunch of ungrateful losers.” Jet saw red. He was about to blow up. He had never been so humiliated. With emotions running high, he smashed his phone to the ground. Aloysius made a face, unable to believe what had happened. “Are they refusing to lend you money, Mr. Frost?” Though things were to be expected, Aloysius could not say that he was not surprised. “Those idiots think that my glory days are over. They believe I’ll never make it again. They are avoiding me.” Jet was livid, throwing anything he could find. He needed rest to get better, but he just could not have any peace of mind. The recent events left him feeling helpless. “What do we do now? If we don’t meet Mr. Gwake’s demand, the shareholders will circle us like sharks.” Aloysius understood the severity of the matter. He needed to see if Jet came up with any ideas. “Maybe we can call the Frosts to get a loan. I’m sure your family members will help us.” Aloysius suggested a proposal.
“I wonder what Jet’s next move will be. He needs money desperately, and Murray is on his case. I doubt he’d hang on for long. “It’s funny, though. The guy was pretty cocky before. You gave him a head trauma, and he stopped harassing you.” Arthur knew that Jet was an influential member of the Butterworth society. Jet was ruthless in his ways, executing every matter with perfection. Most regular folks looked up to him for his supposed achievement in business. However, those who truly knew Jet understood his violent and cruel side. Jet always acquired a favorable project and quickly sold it back out for the highest price.Jet could turn a profit in a short amount of time. His business approach piqued the interest of many businesspeople to work with him. Jet was an exceptional talent.However, no one would lend him money despite his pleas. It was plain to see that Jet was not a very good friend. “I guess the people have spoken. They can tell the good from the bad. Of course
“Got it. Let’s go.” Despite his personal feelings, Jet had to accept himself as he was. Aloysius heaved relief. He took Jet out of the hospital. Katie was taken aback by the call from Jet. Since the crashed party, Katie and Jet had not been in touch. Katie felt embarrassed at the time. Worried that Jet would think little of her daughter, Katie did not want to be where she was unwelcome. Yet, Jet extended an invitation to her to meet. Apparently, it was about business. Though Katie was confused, she asked Jet to meet at the Northborn Group. Katie was at work. No one would question her for tending to a guest. The point was, she had no idea why Jet wanted to meet her. If it were to talk about him and her daughter, Katie did not oppose the idea at all. Katie had been stressing over her daughter’s marriage since the birthday celebration. Perry ruined Leah’s beautiful birthday party. Leah was now a subject of ridicule in Butterworth. Perry was the one who slipped up,
Aloysius looked at the business venture at hand with a mix of emotions. Jet was supposed to make a comeback with the project, but the defeat was a huge slap to his face. “Can I ask whether Kaze was behind this?” Aloysius braced himself to ask the question. Even though Aloysius had an inkling, he feared receiving confirmation of his suspicion. “Chairman Lee helped me. If Jet hadn’t hurt my mother, I wouldn’t have rushed back to take his place. “He did this to himself,” Snow said blatantly. “How did you know about the island project? We have been discreet about it.” Aloysius was eager to find out. The question would burn on his mind unless he got some answers. “You can’t keep anything from the Viper’s Den, but this is the end of the matter. If you’re interested in the project, I can put you in charge of it.” Snow could not be bothered to explain herself. Aloysius played it smart. He had been carrying out Snow’s orders without a hitch. Snow was happy to honor her prom
“Tell them that the company is expecting funding, and all the projects will be launched in a few days. Everything will be back on track. It’s a good thing that the higher management is gone. We will be opening the positions for internal employees to apply.” Snow got the right solution to handle the situation. She had to give these employees hope to gain their dedication in return. Aloysius was surprised. “Who would pour money in when our finances are in a mess?” Having worked with Jet, Aloysius had a good understanding of the company’s ins and outs. Several business ventures were up in the air, and the company was bleeding money. Even with a relaunch, these projects would not bring in much of a profit. Most importantly, the relaunch had to be backed up by some funding. The business got a loan from the Viper’s Den. If payment was not made in time, the company’s shares would be used to make up for the loss. The whole thing spelled trouble. Snow just joined the company.
“This is the financial report you submitted today. Any intern can do a better job than you.” Snow mocked Jack. She was disappointed in his performance. A finance director who could not even get his basics right should not be working in finance in the first place. “Who do you think you are, doing this to us?” The others are only out to save their own asses. They did not sympathize with Jack. “I’m sure you are well aware of what you have done.” “You’re on your phone all day at work. You put your daily expenses on the company card, and we’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars a month. You only bought stuff for your personal use. “Let’s not forget about you. Your so-called business trips are to take your mistress out for expensive hotel stays and vacations.” Snow looked at each one of them while detailing their deeds. She shamed them in public, utterly humiliating them. “Why were these allowed before? Why are you stopping these practices now? If you can change
“No, Ms. Frost. I can do it,” Aloysius said right away. He did not want to miss out on a good opportunity. “I gave you a chance. It’s up to you to seize it.” Snow looked at them with a smile. “I’ll get right to it, Ms. Frost.” The HR manager nodded and took off. He had to prepare the paperwork. Those in upper management were on a higher pay grade with a cut of the shares. Following a termination, the HR manager had to calculate the final pay. There had to be a valid reason for the discharge from duties too. Though things were a little complicated, the HR manager was experienced in this aspect. The only issue was that the staff involved were not the low-ranking employees. They held high positions. Despite his unrest, Aloysius did not wear his heart on his sleeve. He had a good read of the situation. Snow was impartial in carrying out business. Those who contributed to the company would stay while the ones who bled the business dry would be sacked. Anyone would p
Sure enough, the mean would gather around the individual at their fall from grace. It was sad to grasp this reality. “I promise you to have everything in order. Don’t worry. You will get a nice promotion.” Snow knew when to give her employee encouragement. Only then would Aloysius feel motivated to work. Aloysius departed in dejection, but Snow did not mind it at all. He served the wrong person. Snow took on the leadership role the same day Jet left. Since she assumed the responsibilities without much experience, the employees did not take her seriously. The people doing the grunt work felt nothing toward the change of leadership. The upper management may experience shifts, but they were still obliged to finish their usual tasks. The only thing they hoped for was to be paid more for their overtime. Following the change of leadership, some leaders may receive a promotion or be transferred out. The employees at the bottom of the pyramid wondered if they could compet
Despite her unease, Snow trusted that Jet would not have the chance to hurt her. Hence, she put the matter aside. The dynamic shift within the Frosts caught the eye of elite families across the business world. They kicked Jet while he was down. Some even tried to get a piece of the pie. However, most of them stayed on the sidelines, observing. A fallen giant was still a giant. Even if these families were greedy, they had to assess the situation before moving in. These businesspeople were skeptical about Snow taking Jet’s place. They did not know what Snow was made of. Consequently, they tried to approach her. Snow had been kept busy in the office, dealing with the problems left behind by Jet. She worked late into the night every day. While being buried deep in paperwork, Snow refused to meet anyone. She had lived in Butterworth before, so she had peers from school and friends around. Snow’s sudden return caught many off guard. Everyone wanted to get close to he
If Jet had detected the problems early on, he could have prevented things from escalating. Yet now, everything was too late. Jet did not regret his actions, though. “Just sign this, Jet. At this rate, the shares will drop beyond the point of redemption,” Talon said. The Frosts were terrified at the stock market’s dropping numbers. They did not have time to lose. “I will sign the papers. I lost.” Jet did not want to give in just yet. However, he had to comply with the family elders’ pleas. Snow was relieved. The contract was quickly drawn up, and Jet signed the papers to give up the proprietorship. “Relax. I won’t do you wrong.” Snow made a promise. At least, Jet would still have a home to go back to. “Don’t get too cocky. I didn’t lose to you. I lost to Kaze.” Jet knew that he would face much resistance if his rival were Snow. It was a shame that he was up against Kaze, a strong and mysterious man. “Just sign the papers. I will take over the family empire, and
“Don’t project your filth on everyone else.” Snow was angry, but she knew that she had to keep her head cool. By jumping straight to defense mode, Snow would give others the wrong idea. She had been there before. Kaze sat still without a word. He furrowed his brows in annoyance when Jet painted his relationship with Snow dirty. “I’m not here for the drama.” Kaze looked at Talon. The senior members of the Frosts should back down before Kaze did something about it. “Who do you think you are? This is a family meeting. Why are you getting involved?“If you are unrelated to Snow, you shouldn’t be here in the first place.” Jet took out his anger on Kaze. Kaze was not part of the family anyway, so Jet did not have to consider his feelings. “Watch yourself, Jet. He’s a visitor.” Talon was smart enough to read the room. Despite the air of mystery shrouding Kaze, he managed to screw with most of Jet’s business ventures. The Frosts stood to lose more by crossing Kaze. Ta
Following Snow’s lead, Kaze entered a big conference room. The centerpiece of the conference room was a long, solid wood table, drawing out an air of solemnity. Various notable and valuable paintings hung on the wall. The expansive floor-to-ceiling window brought light into the room. Sunlight bounced off the window that displayed a picturesque view outside. “There you are.” Jet had been waiting. With the pair slowly making their way in, Jet could not hide the rage in his eyes. “Long time no see, Jet,” Snow greeted him and pulled a chair for Kaze. “It’ll take a bit of time, Chairman Lee. The senior members of my family are on their way.” Snow contacted the family elders while getting to the venue. Jet had not produced much results lately, and the Frosts were utterly humiliated. Since Jet would soon be replaced, the senior members of the family wanted to be kept in the loop. These family members had their own ideas. However, they would be happy to appoint the lea