Andy couldn't take it anymore. This was pure torment.Eric patted Andy on the shoulder, "Andy, you've had it tough. Leave the rest to me and Vee."Andy nodded quickly. He knew he couldn't handle someone as influential as the mayor. He didn't want to burn any bridges and make things difficult for everyone. He was especially concerned about the Innova employees.Offending the mayor would mean the entire company was in hot water, and surely some people would be frightened.-As expected, the mayor arrived with several people before noon, making quite a scene! Andy arranged for them to meet in the conference room, as his office couldn't accommodate so many people. The work in his hands had been delayed for days because of the mayor’s frequent visits.After the mayor and his entourage had been seated for a while, Eric and Sylvia finally arrived.Seeing the three key figures of the Innova Group all present, Donald chuckled. "Ms. Williams, Mr. Johnson, I've been waiting for you for s
"In Salt City, there are other major companies like the Innova Group, Williams Corp., and Sonnex Corp. Yet, we don't see you sending people to take shares or even to take control of those companies."Why is it that you're targeting my Innova Group?"Just as Donald was about to speak, Eric continued. "Now, let me ask you, Mr. Ford, under which regulation are you demanding shares of the Innova Group and even planting people into the Innova Group?"If there was such a regulation, I imagine it wouldn't apply solely to the Innova Group, would it?"Donald had no chance to respond.After Eric finished speaking, Donald finally said, "Mr. Johnson, your sense of awareness is seriously lacking!"Eric waved his hand dismissively. "Don't talk to me about awareness. Do you know how many employees we have at the Innova Group? Do you know how many families depend on them?"Do you know what the employees are thinking, what they want to do?"Do you know the future strategic goals of the Innova G
Eric raised his voice. "Mr. Ford, there's no need to bring this up again. Everything you're suggesting is completely impossible! Andy, show him out!"Andy smiled. "Gentlemen, this way, please."Eric had chosen to confront them head-on, leaving nothing more to be said.Over the years, he had learned that some people would never be satisfied with a compromise. Giving them an inch would only make them take a mile, becoming increasingly unreasonable.Donald left with a gloomy face.The first thing he wanted to do in Salt City was to rectify the Innova Group and start his campaign with a strong impact.Unexpectedly, instead of starting the fire, he ended up burning himself.He raised his hand and told his secretary, "When we get back, immediately increase the taxes on the Innova Group! All the money they've saved over the years, we want it all back!""But..." The secretary was troubled. "The Innova Group is quite special. To increase their taxes, we need to pass a resolution in the
Having indulged in more than enough coffee, Robert finally called it a day. Donning his hat, he addressed Eric, "Mr. Johnson, while you might not care about him, I must show him some respect. I apologize for any inconvenience over the past couple of days."Eric responded with a smile. "No worries. There's plenty of good tea to go around."With that, Robert left, and Eric and Sylvia clocked out. As they got into the car, Sylvia voiced her concern. "I have a feeling Donald won't give up easily.""Of course not," Eric replied, starting the car. "Robert spent the entire afternoon here, putting on a show for Donald. We didn't agree to his demands, so now he's sent Robert to investigate problems with the Innova Group. This is just the beginning."Sylvia nodded firmly. "We mustn't yield to him!"When they arrived home and parked the car, they saw Ruth and Amelia returning with Yvette. Sylvia was utterly stunned. She knew her mother had a particular dislike for Ruth, yet there they were
Lora’s name flashed just as Eric was about to make a call. It wasn't about anything else—just this issue. Not only did Yvette’s kindergarten face this issue, but even Cody and Max's primary school faced it!Naturally, the task fell squarely on Lora’s shoulders."Don’t worry," Eric said, sensing the urgency in Lora’s voice. "I’ll look into this."Lora felt reassured by these simple words. She had indeed received the ridiculous consent form but had withheld it, neither distributing it to students nor informing parents to sign. She knew this wasn’t something that could be done.What did "voluntary" even mean in this context? If signing the form was required, could it still be considered voluntary? Moreover, could students and parents truly act voluntarily under such circumstances? Most likely, they would be pressured from all sides.Consider the issue of schooling, for example. Refuse to sign? Fine. But don’t expect your child to be treated fairly at school. Refuse, and your child ha
Sylvia picked up the paper and saw that it was the same consent form Yvette had brought home yesterday for signing.At that moment, several other parents arrived as well. They hadn't signed the forms, which was why they had been called in.These parents were not as courteous as Sylvia and Eric. They immediately questioned what their children had done wrong.One woman, hands on her hips, came forward and demanded, "Ms. Talapia, what on earth are you doing? My son is so young, and you’re asking him to donate his organs? Does he even understand what organ donation means?"Oh, they don't understand, so you push the responsibility onto the parents? My son came here to study, not to supply you with organs!"How can you, as a principal, not consider the children’s well-being? Asking children to donate organs? Why don’t you donate yours? Why don’t you get your whole family to donate theirs?"She unleashed her anger, her words sharp and fast, almost overwhelming. In the past, people might
She stormed in with a group of parents, demanding resolution. This matter couldn't be brushed aside—it required an outcome, or it would escalate.Lina was equally distressed. This directive from above insisted that all parents must sign. If they refused, the school must create circumstances that would compel them to comply. Naturally, the pressure would fall on the children. In a school, what leverage did one have over parents if not their kids?Eric and Sylvia left as well. There was nothing more to discuss amidst the uproar. No one was willing to sign, as it concerned their children’s well-being.If one thought about it in the worst way, signing today might mean something terrible happening to the kids tomorrow. Then someone might come around with consent forms, demanding their organs. This was not an impossible scenario.Eric’s mind wandered to darker possibilities—if such conditions existed and he needed an organ to save his own life, he might resort to the same measures. M
The meeting commenced with much fanfare. The speaker on stage was fervent and impassioned, but the parents seated below were fighting off drowsiness.Ordinarily, they might have shown some respect, given that he was someone authoritative. However, now that their children's futures were at stake, patience was wearing thin.The speech was long-winded and tedious, extolling the virtues of the proposal without offering much substance. When the speech finally ended, volunteers began distributing consent forms to the parents.Eric glanced at the form and stood up, declaring, "We can consider signing, but have signed for your own children? And what about the children of employees and figureheads from the agencies in Salt City? Have they signed too?"Eric was known for taking drastic measures. When Salt City introduced pre-packaged meals, he ensured that those responsible ate the meals themselves for several days. Many couldn't stomach it and claimed the stuff was inedible. Occasional cons