RISE OF BETRAYED SON-IN-LAW

8. A Big Trouble After Dad's Death

"Mr. Oliver, the investors have requested that we hold another investor meeting as the news of Mr. Liam's death is troubling them."

Oliver was just sitting in the car after returning from Mr. Liam's grave. Hearing the report from Michael made Oliver immediately frown in confusion.

"What do you mean, why do they feel uneasy about the news of Mr. Liam's death?" asked Oliver.

At that moment Oliver noticed the worried look on Michael's face as he looked at the tablet. Like something bad had happened to the tablet.

Michael, who was sitting in the driver's seat, slowly held out the tablet in his hand to Oliver. He deliberately showed a clearer view of the articles displayed.

"Many people are nervous about how Moore NYU Hotel & Resort will develop after Mr. Liam's death," Michael explained.  

Oliver was even more astonished after hearing Michael's words. On the other hand, Oliver tried to read the article on Michael's tablet.

All of the articles were about Mr. Liam's death. But not only that, but also almost all the articles doubted how Moore NYU Hotel & Resort would develop.

"They're afraid that I won't be able to continue the leadership?" asked Oliver, drawing conclusions from all the articles.

Oliver could not have expected the reaction of the residents to be like this. Oliver had just finished his hospitalization. Now, he even witnessed almost all the media rejecting Moore NYU Hotel & Resort led by Oliver.  

"That's right, Mr. Oliver. They think you still have no experience and doubt your identity as a descendant of Mr. Liam," Michael replied.

Oliver laughed sarcastically. He was just about to become the heir of Moore NYU Company, but now he was facing criticism and protests.

"I haven't started my tenure yet, but I'm already facing protests and criticism like this?" asked Oliver as he exhaled at the end of the sentence.

Michael was silent, and Raphael didn't dare to say anything.

"It's not just criticism and protests from social media users, but investors are also doubting you, Mr. Oliver."

"I've heard the criticism from investors who don't agree with Moore NYU Hotel & Resort being led by you," Raphael said.

Oliver fell silent. He had nothing to say because this had happened too suddenly. He was not ready and could not find a solution.

"Why did they suddenly refuse? Didn't they agree during the meeting with Mr. Liam?" Oliver asked.

"I heard because at that time they thought there was still Mr. Liam who could guide you. But now Mr. Liam is dead," replied Raphael.

"So, if they don't want me to hold the Moore NYU company including the Moore hotel, who will?" Oliver was getting annoyed.

"The only person the investors will appoint is Mr. Dandolf, Mr. Liam's brother. He will be more trusted to lead the Moore NYU company including the Moore hotel," Michael explained.

"Mr. Dandolf?"

Oliver had never heard that name mentioned since meeting Mr. Liam the father. When the name was mentioned, Oliver somehow realized Michael and Raphael instantly changed to radiate anxiety.  

"If he's so trustworthy, why didn't you give him the leadership?" Oliver expressed a nagging thought.

"That's because... Mr. Dandolf would only abuse his power," Michael said.

"Mr. Liam and Mr. Dandolf have been feuding for a long time because Mr. Dandolf tried to take over Moore NYU's company," Raphael chimed in.

Hearing that explanation, Oliver was somewhat taken aback. But Oliver did not say anything, choosing to listen first.

"At the time of the division of the inheritance between Mr. Liam and Mr. Dandolf, Mr. Dandolf protested against Moore NYU company being bequeathed to Mr. Liam. Therefore, during his leadership, Mr. Liam received many threats..."

Oliver felt that everything made sense. Starting from Mr. Liam's story about their family getting threats, many parties trying to destroy, and also Mr. Liam could not trust anyone.

Oliver was the only one Mr. Liam could trust.

"Therefore Mr. Liam can only trust you," Raphael continued to end his explanation.

Oliver immediately let out a rough breath after learning new facts about Mr. Liam's life. On the other hand, Oliver began to feel suspicion towards Mr. Dandolf appear.

"So, should we have another investor meeting?" asked Oliver.

"Yes, Mr. Oliver. They will most likely insist that the leadership of Moore NYU including Moore NYU Hotel be transferred to Mr. Dandolf," Michael explained.

Oliver's head was honestly starting to spin. This was more complicated than his routine as an office worker a few years ago.

"Set up a schedule for the meeting, Michael." Oliver said.

"But rather, we should do one important thing, Mr. Oliver," Michael said seriously.

Oliver stopped moving, then turned to stare at Michael in confusion.

"What?"

***

"Liam John Hermingways, you are the heir of the Moore NYU company that just appeared, right? Why did you want to see me?"  

Oliver sat in front of the burly man whose intimidating aura radiated so strongly. When faced like this, Oliver knew why this man was called the most influential investor in every company.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet, Mr. Richard. I know I'm interrupting your busy schedule," Oliver said with great care.

Richard chuckled at Oliver's words. From the expression on his face, he seemed put off by the pleasantries.

"Why are you making small talk? I know you really need me in the midst of your difficult situation," Richard said with a chuckle.

Oliver was secretly a bit offended by Richard's words. But Oliver tried to restrain himself from getting annoyed.

"That's right. I'm so glad you understand my condition of distress and grief. I hear you have a good relationship with my father, Mr. Liam," Oliver said.

"Yes, besides me also investing money into Moore NYU's company, Liam and I were business partners. That's why I'm very sorry to hear about his death."

Oliver nodded in understanding. He was actually looking forward to making an important point. But he didn't want to be too hasty.

"The accident that happened was not something I predicted," Oliver replied in a calm tone.

Richard nodded. "Of course it was. Who would want to have such a tragic accident? Moreover, you received a lot of protests and criticism after the hospitalization."

"You know about that?" asked Oliver with an enthusiastic look in his eyes.

"The news was so busy today, how could I not know?" quipped Richard. "I was actually thinking the same thing as all of them. Can you hold the leadership of Moore NYU's company well?"

Hearing Richard's question left Oliver speechless. Oliver was somewhat taken aback, he hadn't asked Richard yet but had already heard the doubt.

"I came here because I wanted to talk about it, Mr. Richard," Oliver said. "I don't think you're one of those people who would doubt me."

"Do you think I can also trust you because I trust Liam?" Richard asked with a lopsided smile.

Oliver became wary after Richard gave him such a lopsided smile.

"Mr. Oliver John Hermingways, it seems that you are too innocent to think that way. The reason I don't trust you is precisely because I trust Liam too much."

Oliver calmly curved a thin lopsided smile. He slightly straightened his sitting position and looked at Richard with a stern look in his eyes.

"Are you trying to test my mentality, Mr. Richard?" Oliver asked.

Richard flinched for a moment, he felt interested in hearing Oliver's question.

"What do you mean?"

"I completely understand that you don't trust me. Who would trust someone with no experience to manage a large company. That's how you think, isn't it?"

Richard was now unable to say anything.

"If you can't trust me, that's fine with me. But, who do you think can manage the Moore NYU company including Moore NYU Hotel if its not me?" Oliver asked.

"You must already know who to appoint for that," Richard replied casually.

"Right..." Oliver nodded. "They'll all side with this trusted person. But what if Mr. Liam trusts me? Would your instincts not follow Mr. Liam's side?"

"If you can prove yourself worthy of trust, other people's instincts will follow that."

"The most important first point is that I've earned Lord Liam's trust, which is the center of leadership. Isn't that enough for you?" asked Oliver.

Richard's index finger tapped on the table during the momentary silence between them. Richard seemed to be thinking about something seriously.

"I am very interested in the way you speak, Mr. Oliver. But unfortunately Moore NYU Company requires action, not just words."

"Are you indirectly trying to urge me to step down and give up my position that Mr. Liam already trusts?" Oliver was deliberately challenging.

"Then if you don't trust me, and if you do trust someone that the investors will choose, then explain what that someone's strengths are," Oliver said again.

With a big smile that felt challenged, Richard explained about Mr. Dandolf. Although he did not mention the name in detail, Oliver had guessed that the person in question was Mr. Dandolf.

"Of all the points of merit you mentioned, don't you realize there are more points of arrogance?" Oliver quipped.

Richard was silent, he was again stunned by Oliver's argumentative ability.

"After all, all those points will lose absolutely if there is no point of trust from Mr. Liam. Isn't Mr. Liam the leader?" Oliver asked again.

"Well, I admire the way you negotiate," Richard praised. "I see Liam in you, Oliver. Did you prepare for that?"

"I prepared myself by finding out who you are, Mr. Richard. I expect you to come to the investors' meeting tomorrow and tell me whose side you're on."

After saying that, Oliver stood up from his chair. Oliver had bowed briefly to pay his respects.

"You know your opinion is very important to the other investors. You have to choose between me leading Moore NYU's company or Mr. Dandolf."

Oliver walked for a while, then his steps stopped again.

"Moore NYU will be ruined in the wrong hands."