After confirming that Michael was not Shadow, Eric chose to place his trust in him. Moreover, Michael demonstrated capability."The situation..." Eric sighed. "I'm afraid it won't be that simple."He then redirected his focus in response to the detention of a CEO, recognizing its significant impact on a company.Michael was well aware of this consequence and assumed the role of interim CEO. Promptly, he informed the International Marketing Department to establish a specialized team to address the issue.The primary task involved retrieving the Innova Group's tax records in the country and dispatching them to the negotiation team.Simultaneously, a legal team was formed to delve into the country's tax laws, ready to offer legal support to the negotiation team when necessary. Additionally, the team was prepared to travel to the country if required.-Despite these joint efforts, Michael's countenance remained troubled.Andy asked, "Mr. Ortega, we've done so much, and it's still n
Under various parties' scrutiny, Eric needed assistance from the Montgomerys. They facilitated the reception of both the executives and the Lockes in King City before organizing their direct return to Salt City.An unsettling emotion gripped Eric as he gazed over Salt City through the floor-to-ceiling window."Andy, pass me a cigarette," he requested from Andy behind him.Andy warned, "You better not smoke this thing. It's hard to quit once you're addicted.""No worries," Eric dismissed.Handing the cigarette and lighter to Eric, Andy sighed.After taking a puff, Eric coughed violently. He confessed with a mocking smile, "I used to be repelled by people who smoked this stuff. Now, I understand.""There has been progress today. Sylvia will surely be back soon," Andy comforted.Eric smoked the cigarette to the end, exhaling a plume of smoke. "I hope so."-Back at the Rosewood Estate, Eric prepared a meal. Sitting alone in the dining room felt uncomfortable. As he surveyed the
The executives clarified, "There hasn't been any mistreatment. Since our detention, we've been well taken care of with food and drinks. The only discomfort is the restriction on using our phones or communicating with the outside world. The guards at the exits make it impossible to leave."Eric sighed in relief, and Michael offered words of encouragement.After a lengthy meal, everyone dispersed.Michael advised the executives to rest for a few days before returning to work.After leaving the restaurant, Eric lit a cigarette, and Vince expressed concern, "Mr. Johnson, why are you smoking? It's bad for your lungs.""No big deal," Eric replied. "Vince, help me with something these two days.""What do you need, Mr. Johnson?" Vince asked.Eric said, "Help me buy a private jet, the kind that can fly directly on international routes."Lacking knowledge about where to acquire a private jet, Eric sought Vince's assistance.At this point, Vince realized Eric didn't own a private jet. He
Andy and Michael nodded. In reality, Eric didn't have much responsibility in the company. Usually, they only sought him out for technical problems they couldn't solve.-After work that afternoon, Eric called Pierce to explain the reason for his upcoming trip abroad. Pierce reassured him, "They don't know your identity yet, so it shouldn't be a big problem. The sooner you go, the sooner you can return."Ending the call with Pierce, Eric contacted Grace. "Mom, help me ask if Sean can arrange a meeting with Sylvia. I want to go over there."Grace readily agreed, recognizing that her son and daughter-in-law were rarely apart.Acting swiftly as usual, Sean called Eric in the evening with everything arranged.-Early the next morning, Eric flew to King City. Only on the plane did he manage to close his eyes for a brief two-hour nap.The tickets were booked in advance, and the passport was ready. Eric didn't even have time to meet Grace before leaving King City.-At Phoenix Airp
As Eric approached, his heartbeat quickened. The captain guided him to the second floor and stated, "Surveillance and listening devices will be temporarily disabled for two hours."With that, the captain turned and left.Eric was taken aback—he hadn't expected the captain to be so fluent in his language.Turning back, he calmed his excited heart.Sylvia sensed someone's presence and remarked, "Don't worry. I won't run away. You don't need to keep an eye on me all the time."Her words carried bitterness, and Eric felt a pang of sadness. These days must have been tough for her. Eric's lips parted. At that moment, he realized he hadn't figured out what to say as the first words to Sylvia."Honey…"Sylvia turned around, joy flooding her face at the sight of the person she could only see in her dreams for the past few days."E…" Before she could finish, she lowered her voice and suppressed her joy. "Eric, why are you here?"Dropping the box in his hand, Eric rushed toward Sylvia.
Facing those who detained her, the negotiation team from her country, and the executives of the Innova Group, Sylvia hadn't shed a tear. Even when detained, she comforted the executives with overly optimistic attitudes.However, she couldn't hold back any longer in Eric's presence. The yearning for Eric, persistent day in and day out, turned into tears.Hearing Sylvia's cries, Eric felt his heart stabbed. He briefly considered switching places with her, but he knew it was impossible. The military wouldn't allow it, and there were too many factors to consider.Sylvia wept bitterly, releasing all the grievances and yearning for Eric that had accumulated during this time. After a long while, she finally pulled away from Eric's embrace.Wiping away the tears on her face, Eric reassured, "We're working on a solution. Stay here and wait for me. I'll pick you up as soon as possible. And when I come, you mustn't have lost any weight!"Sylvia nodded, understanding that few problems or peop
Eric quickly joined the negotiation team in a temporary office dedicated to addressing the detention issue.The team leader, Braydon Murphy, had received a call before Eric's arrival, explaining Eric's various identities. Upon seeing Eric, a hint of respect flashed across Braydon's face. If Eric were just the Innova Group's CIO, there would be no need for such a call to reach him.While the others in the room were engrossed in their tasks, Eric couldn't help expressing gratitude to Braydon for their hard work for the Innova Group.Braydon poured coffee and invited Eric to sit. "Mr. Johnson, the situation is quite challenging. I've dealt with similar cases before, but what Ms. Williams is facing is the most difficult."Their goal is clear—to detain Ms. Williams and undermine the Innova Group. I must admit, until now, we haven't identified the mastermind behind all this. From this perspective, our progress hasn't been substantial."We initially considered taking the initiative to in
Besides, Eric was also a holistic physician, and the holistic medicine community would step in.Scott stared fixedly at Eric. As far as he knew, Eric held the CIO position at the Innova Group. However, it seemed that his role was not as significant as Sylvia's.The Innova Group had achieved its current status entirely due to its outstanding CEO.Smiling, Scott said, "You really are cunning, Mr. Johnson, even more cunning than the people I have encountered from your country! Whether we release Ms. Williams or not depends on your sincerity.""What sincerity?" Eric asked calmly.Scott continued. "I assume that you are pretty capable, given that you could establish the Innova Group on your own. The reason our people detained your CEO should also be clear to you."I'll cut to the chase. We can release Ms. Williams, but you must agree to sell 51% of the Innova Group's shares. At the same time, the two founders must relinquish control of the Innova Group. As long as we get the shares, w