The Combat Department possessed more detailed information about Eric.However, as Pierce delved into Eric's background, he grew increasingly puzzled. The available information suggested that Eric lacked a martial arts mentor, except for the late Orion, a holistic physician. This left Pierce questioning the source of Eric's formidable martial skills.In response to these doubts, the Combat Department's personnel visited the Celestial Sage Sanctum, but the answers they received were unexceptional. They attributed Eric's abilities to extraordinary natural talent.Eric was unaware of the Combat Department's discreet investigations and didn't care.After all, who would be concerned about something they had no interest in? Eric desired a simple and ordinary life.-Meanwhile, at the Innova Group.The company began training new employees, marking a mutually beneficial arrangement for Salt City University and the Innova Group. The university provided potential talented individuals to th
People who suddenly attained power were often a bit conceited, and Jacob was clearly one of themUpon learning that Andy had successfully founded a company, he almost failed several college courses and barely graduated. Finding a decent job wasn't too challenging for him, it seemed.However, Jacob's arrogance reached new heights upon joining the Innova Group. He attempted to get close to the attractive ladies in the company, even expressing a desire to barge into the CEO's office after hearing about her supposed beauty.Sylvia's assistant couldn't prevent him.Sylvia was on a call with Izzie when he burst in.Seeing Jacob, she told Izzie on the phone, "Hold on for a moment."She covered the phone speaker and turned her gaze toward Jacob."Do you have any business here?" Her tone was icy, and even her glance at the assistant held a touch of reproach. She didn't know Jacob, and even if it were Eric and Andy visiting, they'd have to knock or have her assistant announce their presen
"That's outrageous!" exclaimed Sylvia's assistant, grabbing the paper from the desk, crumpling it into a ball, and tossing it into the nearby trash bin."Ms. Williams, even if he were Mr. Bikman's son, he should behave himself. Besides, he's just his little brother! He shouldn't act like the Innova Group belongs to him!"Sylvia chuckled and reassured, "It's just a small matter. Don't worry about him."Jacob meant nothing to her after witnessing the events involving the Hamptons and Dorseys in Volpolis. Moreover, as Andy's sibling, it was only right to let Andy manage his own brother.Sylvia's assistant was indignant but also acknowledged that since Sylvia got married, she had changed entirely, even improving her temper.-At the end of the afternoon, Eric and Sylvia left work on time. Generally, the Innova employees rarely needed to work overtime.Despite being a technology company, Sylvia believed that tasks requiring more than eight hours couldn't be done well with an addition
The stark contrast between Andyi's successful career and his almost failed relationship due to his parents provided a vivid comparison. This influenced Andyi's decision to allow Jacob into the company.-After dinner at Elly's house, Eric and Sylvia returned to the Rosewood Estate.Meanwhile, Andy headed to a street-side bar where Jacob was already seated in a private booth.Andy was still angry with Jacob and refrained from drinking the glass Jacob poured for him.Jacob chuckled. "Andy! I'm your brother! You were just joking this afternoon, right?"Andy replied sternly, "Joking? Do you think I would joke about something like this with you?"Seeing Andy's expression, Jacob frowned—he was truly fired."Are you serious, Andy?" Jacob asked, "I've only been in the company for a few days, and you're firing me? I've already told my coursemates that I joined the Innova Group. If I go to work somewhere else now, they'll all think I was bragging and lying to them. You can't make me lose
The following day, Andy found numerous missed call notifications when he turned on his phone. Some were from his mother, and some from his father. Andy chose not to respond, anticipating what his parents would say.Andy arrived at the company after dropping off Elly's kids at school.Jacob hesitated to enter the building and waited outside. Spotting Andy approaching, he quickly greeted him, "Andy! Why aren't you answering Mom and Dad's calls?!"He had been furious all night. His coursemates would undoubtedly mock him if they discovered he got fired from the Innova Group.Andy glanced at him. "Do you think you can pressure me through Mom and Dad? You're mistaken. As I mentioned, do as you please!"Given Jacob's actions, Andy wouldn't let him create more chaos in the company. If Jacob had the capability and followed the company's rules, Andy wouldn't dismiss him.Seeing Andy ignoring him, Jacob grew anxious and called their parents again.-As soon as Andy entered his office, his
This industry demanded substantial investments in R&D, with labor costs being notably high. The Innova Group diligently managed expenses to uphold the competitiveness of its products. It wasn't just about quality and technology—they also aimed to sustain a competitive advantage in costs and prices for long-term survival.While the Innova Group had the option to easily raise funds, the Salt City authorities proposed taking the company public. Given the Innova Group's technological reserves and market size, going public could result in a conglomerate worth billions. Although individual shares, like Eric's, might be diluted, the financial gain would still be significant.Funds were not a pressing issue for the Innova Group, as companies like theirs often received support from larger entities. The Williams, Sonnexes, and Montgomerys were the Innova Group's backers.Sylvia favored industrial ventures over finance, whereas Eric and Andy leaned toward using technology as the backbone of th
Elly arranged a table filled with delicious dishes, clearly content with her current situation. She could see Andy's genuine care and love for her, and she was determined not to let his efforts go to waste.After taking a few sips of wine, Eric remarked, "Since you two are an item, I'll set aside time tomorrow to bring Mom to the Rosewood Estate."He had discussed this plan with Sylvia long ago.Initially, Sylvia hesitated about Eric's parents living in the Rosewood Estate permanently. However, with their improved relationship, Sylvia had no objections to Melinda staying with them.Moreover, Andy likely wanted Elly and her two children to move into the new house he had purchased. Elly couldn't entrust her children to Craig and had no intention of being separated from them, especially considering Craig's inability to raise them.Upon hearing Eric's suggestion, Andy said, "That's not necessary. My place has four bedrooms and two living rooms. Apart from our rooms and the children's
The new house was finished, and they planned to spend the upcoming New Year's there.-They gathered some things the next morning and drove two cars to Nutikiville.The village had transformed significantly, even establishing a place for the elderly to spend their time. Hank aimed to get the village recognized as a model village to improve everyone's lives, a goal requiring a substantial amount of money. The river channel cleanup alone cost over tens of of thousands of dollars, and Eric had provided all the funds.Sitting on the steps, Hank enjoyed the renewed village atmosphere.Nutikiville was gradually becoming the dream place for him and the villagers. The money spent was worth it, improving living conditions, boosting the village's economy, and providing income for many villagers.Exhaling a puff of smoke, Hank noticed a Mercedes-Benz and an Audi driving across the road."Isn't that Eric?" Hank exclaimed. He tossed away his cigarette, extinguished it with his foot, and revv