Chapter 117: Issue Originating from France
“France branch?” Patrick’s handsome face grew cold, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Jane nodded, furrowing her brow. “The test results just came in. Some of the products produced by the French branch indeed contain radioactive elements.”
Patrick rubbed his temples, his voice icy, “We’ve neglected the French branch before. Now it seems someone took advantage and sabotaged it.”
Jane’s mind raced.
Indeed, compared to the headquarters, the management at the French branch was much laxer. After all, it was far away, making it much easier for someone to tamper with things over there.
Jane contemplated as she spoke sternly, “We need to investigate immediately what went wrong in France, where the radioactive elements infiltrated. Even though it’s the French branch, tampering shouldn’t be that easy. It’s highly possible we have a mole within our company.”
“I’ll send someone to investigate right away,” Patrick said, squinting slightly in agreement.
Jane pursed her lips, determined, “I want to go to France myself.”
To thoroughly understand what happened, Jane believed it was necessary for her to visit France. After all, the person capable of tampering with the Pansy Group’s factory was not to be underestimated. As the person in charge of “Ice and Fire,” she had an obligation to uncover the truth.
“I’ll go with you,” Patrick almost instantly offered.
Patrick going himself?
Jane was somewhat surprised, glancing at him. “Don’t you need to stay here and oversee things?”This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“I’ll go in person. Firstly, it shows our Pansy Group’s seriousness about this matter. Secondly, it’s a deterrent to those scheming behind our backs,” Patrick’s profound gaze fell on Jane, his voice grave. “As for things here, let Morton handle it.”
In truth, there was another more crucial reason; Patrick didn’t trust Jane to go alone. After all, France was far away, and Jane was unfamiliar with the place. He worried she might struggle.
Seeing Patrick’s determination, Jane didn’t insist. If he personally went to France, it would undoubtedly be more effective.
“There’s still one more important and urgent matter.”
Jane lowered her gaze, contemplating, “We must immediately retrieve all ‘Ice and Fire’ produced by the French branch and negotiate compensation with those affected by the poisoning incidents. We must meet their conditions to prevent further damage to Pansy Group’s image.”
Due to the impact of the radioactive elements in “Ice and Fire,” Pansy Group’s stock prices had been continuously falling for several days. The immediate priority was to quickly recover the losses.
Jane voiced what Patrick had in mind as well.
Patrick’s brows lightly furrowed, “Alright, I’ll have someone take care of it right away.”
After a pause, he turned to Morton, “Arrange a press conference this afternoon.”
“Yes, President,” Morton turned and left.
“I’ll get back to work then,” Jane said, “Shall I help you book tickets for tomorrow’s flight to France?”
Patrick shook his head nonchalantly. “No need. We’ll take my private jet tomorrow.”
A private jet… alright.
Jane shrugged and turned to leave the CEO’s office. As she walked out, she collided with a man coming from the opposite direction.
Raising her eyes, she realized it was Winston.
“Mr. Sidney,” Jane nodded in greeting.
Winston, however, gave her a cold glance, bypassing her to stride directly into the CEO’s office.
Hearing footsteps, Patrick looked up.
Seeing Winston approaching, Patrick casually greeted, “Uncle Winston, something you need?”
“Patrick.” Winston pulled out his phone, placing it in front of Patrick, his tone carrying a hint of reproach. “Pansy Group’s stock has dropped ten points in the past few days. Are you aware of that?”
Patrick smirked, his voice low, “I’m aware. I’ll handle it.”
“How will you handle it?” Winston frowned at Patrick. “We all know why Pansy Group’s stock is falling. Actually resolving this matter is quite simple.”
“Oh? Uncle Winston, any suggestions?” Patrick leaned back in his chair, casting a casual glance at Winston.
Winston, Old Pansy’s adopted son and two years younger than Bradley, had grown up alongside Bradley. He had assisted Bradley in managing Pansy Group, taking care of many responsibilities.
After Bradley’s death, Winston temporarily took over as the acting CEO of Pansy Group. However, Old Pansy eventually handed over the reins to Patrick, appointing Winston as the Vice President.
In recent years, under Patrick’s leadership, Pansy Group had flourished, and Winston gradually took a back seat.
“Set an example. Fire Jane,” Winston said in a stern tone. “As the project leader, Jane neglected her duties, resulting in such a major oversight. We can only restore Pansy Group’s reputation by firing her.”
“Is that so?” Patrick’s gaze turned cold, his handsome face suddenly becoming stern.
Winston’s suggestion was to shift all the blame onto Jane, making her the scapegoat.
In the current situation, this might be a quick solution to the urgent matter. However, it wouldn’t address the root of the problem.
Even if Jane wasn’t in charge, Patrick wouldn’t, or rather, disdain to do such a thing.
Seeing Patrick silent, Winston directly handed a document to him. “Firing Jane. This is the unanimous decision of several members of our board. There are signatures on it.”
Patrick’s slender fingers took the document. As he glanced down, he saw several shareholders’ signatures, with Beatrice’s prominently at the top.
“Is this my mother’s idea?” Patrick furrowed his brow slightly, speaking calmly.
“It’s Mrs. Pansy’s idea and everyone’s idea,” facing Patrick’s powerful aura, Winston rubbed his temples and continued, “We need to be accountable to the shareholders. We must quickly resolve this matter to recover the losses.”
Patrick’s fingers tapped on the table, his long legs crossed casually. Although seated, he exuded an intangible pressure, a commanding presence overlooking everyone.
He narrowed his eyes at Winston, his tone sharp and cold. “Uncle Winston, I fully agree that we need to be accountable to the shareholders and that we must quickly resolve this matter. However, firing Jane is absolutely not the solution.”
“Patrick, you…” Winston couldn’t conceal his disappointment when Patrick outright rejected his suggestion.
Before he could say anything, Patrick impatiently cut him off, “Uncle Winston, I’ll handle this matter myself. It’s none of your business here. You can leave now.”