“That’s not enough!” Mr. Carter Sr. snapped. “If you don’t show up in person, no one will believe it. Everyone thinks you’ve been arrested!
“I’m in Birkham right now,” Leo replied. “I’ll handle it when I return.”
“You’ll handle it now!” Mr. Carter Sr. barked, furious. “Do you even realize how much the company is losing every minute because of you?”
Leo wanted to stay in Birkham to search for Tara. “I’ll sort it out once I’m done here. I’ll cover the losses myself.”
Mr. Carter Sr. paused, taking a deep breath to steady his anger. “Cover the losses? With what money? Don’t make empty promises! Even if knives are falling from the sky, you must prioritize the company’s interests.
“If this stirs up backlash among the shareholders, your uncles, and your siblings, I won’t be able to stop them from cutting your shares and benefits.”
Leo’s tone was indifferent. “I’ll record a statement clarifying everything and post it online. Let’s see how things go from there.”
Mr. Carter Sr. sighed in disappointment. “I had hoped you could take the helm as the next leader of the company. But it seems you’re still too immature.”
Leo pressed his lips together, lowering his gaze.
He knew the company’s success impacted the family, shareholders, and countless employees. He couldn’t afford to be reckless.
But right now, all he wanted was to find Tara, win her back, and propose to her.
After recording a video denying any
volvement in Nina and Wesley’s crimes and stating he
wasn’t detained but had traveled to Birkham, Leo uploaded it online.
The public, however, didn’t believe him. Speculations swirled that he had fled to Haven State to escape the scandal.
Leo had orchestrated countless social media campaigns to stir public opinion for his
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Chapter 19
company’s artists, but now he was on the receiving end of that same fury.
He didn’t bother arguing with the trolls. Instead, he decided to take a walk.
Birkham, the fashion and shopping capital, was Tara’s favorite place to explore. Perhaps he might stumble upon her.
The streets were bustling, alive with crowds, but there was no sign of Tara.
Standing at a street corner, Leo felt a pang of loneliness and heartache.
A massive LED screen on a nearby store displayed breaking news:
“The heir to the world’s wealthiest man is set to marry the daughter of the tenth–largest development corporation. The monumental union has sent both companies‘ stocks soaring.”
A bitter smile tugged at Leo’s lips.
Meanwhile, Carter Corporation’s stocks had plummeted because of him.
Mr. Carter Sr.’s call interrupted his thoughts.
“I just received an invitation to the wedding of the global tycoon’s heir and the CEO of Keystone Group’s daughter. It’s being held in Haven State.
“Tomorrow, you’ll hold an online press conference and announce that you’re here as my representative to attend this union–not to escape the scandal,” Mr. Carter Sr. instructed.
Leo agreed half–heartedly. “Got it.”
He was well aware of the tycoon’s heir–a 28–year–old aristocrat from Haven State, highly educated, and a standout among the world’s young elite.
But who was the daughter of Keystone Group?
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