Julian never thought that Justin would agree so readily.
“Are you sure? It’s northern Riverdale.” Ive been in Burton Group for a longer time than you. I don’t need you to tell me that; I know what it’s like with the branch in northern Riverdale.”
Julian frowned as he looked at Justin, obviously suspecting him of some trickery. However, Justin spoke calmly. “You don’t have to read too much into it. I just want to retain the name of Burton Group. It’s no difference to me whether the branch is an empty shell or not.”
“You don’t have any other requests?”
“None.” Julian slowly relaxed his clenched fists. “I’ll announce that half of Burton Group will be given to you.”
During the shareholders’ meeting, Julian’s decision shocked everyone present, and the one who received the most shock was none other than Robin.
He had gotten used to being the president of Burton Group. Save for Julian, the entire company was under his command, and he could get everything he asked for. However, everything had changed with a snap of a finger.
Everyone voted, and it was agreed that Robin would be removed from the president position. Also, it was approved that Julian and Justin would become presidents of Burton Group’s branches in the southern and northern divisions of Riverdale, respectively. Everything happened so fast that it was unbelievable. After the meeting, the shareholders went their separate ways after voicing their congratulations.
Robin wanted to say something, but Julian stopped him with a look. Even though he was reluctant to comply, he could only stand by quietly as he waited for Julian to wrap up his work.
Julian took the initiative to call Justin, “Since you’re here anyway, are you staying back for the party tonight?”
“It’s okay, maybe next year.”
Justin looked at Julian, his gaze calm. “A happy new year to you in advance.”
“Happy New Year.” As Julian watched Justin leave the meeting room, his gaze gradually turned cold.
“President Peters, why did you just let him take half of Burton Group away? What right does he have? He didn’t even have any shares, so why-” “Because he’s a Burton.”
Julian didn’t even look at Robin as he clenched his fists again. Just because Justin was a Burton, he had to have a part in the Burton Group. Even if he didn’t come knocking today, he would come in the future. In reality, ever since Julian took over Burton Group, he knew very well that this day would come.
Robin carefully studied Julian’s expression, saying anxiously, “J-Julian, then what are we going to do now?”
Julian raised his brows and said in contempt, “Our branch in the northern part of Riverdale is just an empty shell. What can he possibly do even with the name of Burton Group? At least it’s better than nothing.”
It was only recently that Burton Group decided to expand into the markets of northern Riverdale. The branch there was in its early stages, and they were even lacking employees there. Burton Group had invested so much money in that branch every day, but it was all in vain.
If Justin hadn’t spoken up today, Julian was even thinking of removing their branch in northern Riverdale.
“It’s just trash. If someone wants trash, then let
them have it.”
Julian calmed himself down and gave Robin a look of indifference. “You don’t have to come to Burton Group anymore. I have other tasks for you.”
Robin fell silent. Meanwhile, Rachel and the others arrived at Victor’s home. The door opened to reveal Victor in an apron, with some flour smeared on his face.
Jolly grinned as soon as she saw him, teasing, “Hey, you weren’t just baking. Man, you even put on makeup. Are you going to perform for us?”
“Hey, watch your mouth.” Gloria glared at her in exasperation, then reminded Victor, “Go and wipe your face. You’re not a child anymore.”
Victor couldn’t care less about that. Instead, he smiled and led her into the house, greeting her and the two children, who were behind her. “Hi, Rachel. Come on in, everyone. It’s cold outside.”
As he spoke, he helped Gloria hang her coat, then fetched her slippers for her. Rachel couldn’t help sighing in contentment. “You do look the part after you got married. You finally learned how to pamper your wife.”
Gloria was changing her shoes as she held onto Victor’s arm as support, and she blushed when she heard that. “Rachel, why are you teasing us too?”
“I’m speaking the truth.” Rachel winked at her. Victor never took part in their banter, so he brought the two children inside and gave them treats and toys. He behaved like he did in school. Charlotte took the candy and smiled sweetly at Victor. “Thank you, Mr. Victor.”
As soon as Charlotte finished speaking, Jolly sat upright on the couch. “Hm? Why are you still calling him Mr. Victor? He’s married to your Aunt Gloria already, so you should just call him Mr. Victor.”
Charlotte nodded, unsure if she understood. Samuel, however, expressed his confusion about this familial relationship. He knew he should ask questions if he couldn’t understand something, so he asked Jolly, “But why not Mr. Victor and Miss Wade?”
It was Jolly’s turn to fall silent. Yes, why not Mr. Victor and Miss Wade?
Jolly looked at Rachel, asking for help. “Chris,
so how should Charlotte and Samuel address
them?”
Before Rachel could say anything, Gloria spoke up. “Of course, Aunt Gloria and Mr. Victor. Charlotte has been calling me Aunt Gloria since forever, and of course, she’d choose the person she’s more familiar with. Charlotte is more familiar with me, so is there any need to discuss this question?”
Jolly wasn’t convinced. “Then, by your logic, Samuel knew Victor first, and he’s used to calling him Mr. Victor, so there’s no need for Samuel to change how he addresses Victor too, right?”
“Why don’t they just address them separately? For Charlotte, it’ll be Aunt Gloria and Mr. Victor, whereas for Samuel, it’ll be Mr. Victor and Miss Wade.”
Rachel had just emerged from the bathroom after washing her hands. She was about to help prepare the food when she heard the two still arguing about this matter. So, she decided to intervene. Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, the two retorted simultaneously, “No!”
Fine, the two would probably argue about this for the rest of the day. Rachel exchanged glances with Victor, then silently went into the kitchen to continue preparing the meals.
Rachel said, “Victor, have you noticed a problem?”
“What problem?”
“Every time they argue, it’s almost always when they’re supposed to be helping out.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Do you think they’re doing it on purpose? That they’re shirking their responsibilities?” Victor glanced outside the kitchen. “According to what I know of Gloria, it’s plausible.”
Rachel agreed. “According to what I know of Jolly, it’s plausible as well.”
In the living room, Gloria and Jolly each took an apple as they argued on and off about how the children would address Gloria and Victor. However, for the most part, they were feasting while watching a variety show.
“Yes, that’s the one. I’m a fan of this male celebrity lately.”
“I know, right? Same! I think he fits my aesthetics.” “You already have Leroy, don’t you? He’s a national idol! How can you be so greedy with men you like?”
“But you’re married too, but you still look at handsome men yourself.”
The doorbell rang, interrupting their chatter..
“Who is it?” Gloria looked at the door, puzzled. “Is someone else coming?” Jolly raised an eyebrow, seemingly casting a glance toward the kitchen. She said meaningfully, “Sometimes there are things we really can’t foresee.”
