Feeling awkward to be ignored, Ron sat quietly to the side. He glanced around the room but couldn't spot Joshua anywhere."Dad, hasn't Josh arrived yet?" Ron voiced his thoughts."I don't know what that brat is up to. He's late!"Ron thought for a moment before saying, "He must be caught up with company matters. Recently, there have been numerous urgent issues, so it's difficult for him to come on time."Philip frowned upon hearing this. "What happened at the company? What's so urgent?"Ron sighed before answering, "Rumors are circulating that Grayson Corp is on the brink of bankruptcy..."Philip became even more anxious and demanded, "What exactly happened? Explain to me!"He had only been ill for a while, so how could such a major issue have occurred at the company? How had it reached the point of bankruptcy without Joshua telling him anything?When Ron noticed Philip getting angry, he cleared his throat and continued, "Well, it's not that complicated. It's related to recent
Ron smacked his head in regret as his face was filled with remorse."You're right. I didn't think it through. Dad has only gotten better. I shouldn't have brought this up to make him angry, especially on such a joyous occasion. At that time, he must have thought Josh had potential and capability," Ron said, putting on a look of belief in Philip's judgment.Philip's expression remained grim, and he was unable to speak for a while.Standing on one side, Lorelei felt like she had been hit by a ton of bricks. For a moment, she couldn't process the situation.Was Grayson Corporation really facing bankruptcy? Were they going to repeat the mistakes of the past?These thoughts suffocated her.Ron leaned forward and patted Philip's back, adding, "Alas, I cared too much about our family's future. I can't bear to see our legacy decline during my generation, so I didn't think twice before telling you. But with Grayson Corp facing such a serious challenge, it's really over for us if we do not
Joshua stayed silent as he poured himself a glass of water, his expression indifferent and calm.After taking a few sips, he set down the glass. "Are you talking about the drug development or the authorization?""Both, duh!" Ron replied sharply. "The failure of the drug development combined with the expiration of the authorization means that the company is ruined because of you!"Joshua raised his gaze slightly and acknowledged the truth, saying, "The company has indeed encountered these issues recently."Lorelei felt like collapsing into her chair upon hearing this, while Philip's face was filled with anger.However, Joshua remained composed as he added, "But I'm certain that Grayson Corp will not repeat the mistakes of the past."To Lorelei, her son sounded like he was trying to be strong. Glancing at Philip, she advised, "Josh, don't be stubborn. If you can't solve it, tell us, and we'll all help you.""For the drug development, I've found someone with strong research capabil
Ron's eyes flashed with amusement as he watched Joshua get lectured."Dad, I think it's time for Josh to step down as the company's president. With all the problems happening at the company and the divorce, I doubt he can handle them," he chimed in, deliberately emphasizing the word "divorce".Ron remembered that one of the main reasons Philip had made Joshua take charge of Grayson Corporation was because of Natasha. Now that they were divorcing, Joshua couldn't continue in that role.Even though he didn't know why Natasha was involved, it didn't stop him from using this opportunity to bring Joshua down.Philip, still visibly angry, deadpanned, "And who do you think should take the position? Who else is capable besides Josh?"Ron's heart skipped a beat with excitement. "I believe I'm very experienced in this area. I've also run a pharmaceutical company before. You're aware of that, aren't you? Although it's not as big as Grayson Corp, it's still reputable in Oceanville."Finally,
The look on Joshua's face was complex as he fell into deep thought.Philip's attitude was straightforward, and Joshua knew him well. Since Philip had said so, there was no room for negotiation.His eyes narrowed at the thought of not divorcing Natasha. It was an impossible task, but perhaps he could consider not divorcing her temporarily.Over the years, he had accumulated quite a bit of influence in the company. Once the issue with Blenoxane was resolved, he would have more say in the company and could secure his position as the president.By then, he wouldn't be threatened by this ridiculous marriage anymore.Joshua still lacked the authority to surpass Philip's status in the company. If he refused to listen to Philip, there was a huge chance that he wouldn't be able to retain his position.Therefore, Joshua looked at Philip and spoke in a low voice, "I agree."Philip nodded. "Since you've made your choice, then stick to your promise."After that, he stood up and said, "Alrig
When Joshua's familiar face suddenly appeared before Natasha, her heart skipped a beat as she took several steps back.She noticed Joshua's eyes scanning her from head to toe without a hint of emotion, lingering on her white dress for about three seconds before turning unfriendly.He then strode back to his seat, leaving her standing in place.Natasha raised an eyebrow at Joshua's actions, but she paid no heed to why his gaze suddenly turned icy. Instead, she peered inside the room.Ron was engulfed in rage and had intended to say something. However, after hearing voices from outside, Joshua had bypassed him to open the door, leaving him behind.Moreover, Joshua's indifferent expression made Ron's anger seem ridiculous in comparison. Joshua seemed to pay no mind to the latter's rage, leaving him alone to fume like a clown.While Ron's fury intensified, Joshua's momentary departure left him with no outlet for his anger. In the end, he had to swallow his words abruptly.When Natas
Natasha looked where Philip was pointing at and frowned.She had come to the banquet to explain to Philip about her impending divorce from Joshua. She didn't want to involve herself too much with the latter and wasn't particularly keen on sitting next to him.Glancing at the seat beside Lorelei, Natasha briefly considered sitting there. However, she thought it might be better to address the divorce outright rather than have Philip question why she wasn't sitting with Joshua.Joshua caught the unwillingness in Natasha's eyes.As he watched her body shift slightly toward his mother before halting seemingly for no reason, he raised an eyebrow, and a barely noticeable smirk flickered across his face.Since they were both here at Grayson Villa, Joshua didn't see the point of Natasha's pretense. He assumed that her feigned reluctance to sit beside him was to pique his interest.Did she think she could succeed with such a coy act? He only found it laughable.If she pretended not to wan
"Today, I'm truly grateful for everyone joining us at the Graysons' banquet. Your presence means a lot to me," Philip conveyed his gratitude from the luxurious podium.Natasha, standing nearby, was silently contemplating how to approach Philip.Joshua stood next to Natasha, holding a glass of champagne. However, his demeanor seemed distant. Even though everything seemed fine, there was a sense of detachment in the air.Watching the two, Lorelei subtly eyed Natasha and then ushered Joshua aside. "Josh, I need a word with you."Lorelei's original idea was to get Natasha to attend the event, using the opportunity to strengthen her bond with Joshua. Given Natasha's strong feelings for him, she wouldn't have been so determined to divorce if not for Natalie.However, looking at Joshua's attitude, it seemed like he wasn't offering much of a chance for Natasha.Joshua frowned. "Go on."Lorelei pulled Joshua aside. "Let's find a quieter spot. We can't discuss this in front of every