Chapter 422 - 422: Let Me Try_1
Chapter 422: Chapter 422: Let Me Try_1
Julius Reed didn’t know that as soon as Bryson Ridge and his group had stepped out the door, they had been beaten up.
But even if he had known, he would have thought it was normal; with their kind of personality, it would be strange if they weren’t beaten.
After having enough fun at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, Knox Ridge unusually didn’t curse Julius Reed on the way, but instead discussed with Quella Radcliffe how to make a spectacular appearance at this year’s annual meeting.
Although everyone knew that Quella Radcliffe’s Radcliffe Group was going bankrupt, Knox Ridge didn’t think so.
There’s only one chance a year for the family to gather, and in previous years, it had always been Zade Radcliffe leading everyone to spend it at the Radcliffe Family home.
This year, with no news from Zade Radcliffe and no signs of him returning to the Five-river Province, things were different.
Therefore, the family members were discussing going back to their own homes.
This was also the first time in over twenty years since Knox Ridge had married in that she planned to return to her maiden family for the New Year.
She wanted everyone to know that she was doing well.
Burl Radcliffe stayed quiet throughout the trip, focusing on driving safely.
The next day, as soon as it was light, Quella Radcliffe and Julius Reed drove to Bran Cook’s private club.
Following the earlier proposal, after the Willson Group joined the alliance, the business coalition would elect a chairman today to plan for future development.
So early in the morning, the club was filled with people, and the Willson Group had sent representatives over early as well.
“Julius, if Bran Cook gets elected, we’ll be in trouble,”
Quella Radcliffe said, colored with worry.
Everyone knew of the grudge between Bran Cook and the Radcliffe Group.
If Bran Cook became chairman today, he would likely start cleaning out the Radcliffe Group immediately.
The Radcliffe Group had just secured a loan and was currently in a period of recovery; funds were not yet in place, and it couldn’t withstand Bran Cook messing things up.
“Don’t worry, what if you become the chairman? After all, it was you who negotiated the business deals with the Willson Group,”
Julius Reed reassured with a smile.
How could Bran Cook possibly become the chairman?
He had already arranged his people, and once Ovidiu Cook and the Willson Group cast their two votes, would Bran Cook dare to utter a word of dissent?
As for the local businessmen of Gonzalez City, they had no influence whatsoever.
“Stop joking, who would vote for me? Dempsey Davenport has already looked into it, and Bran Cook had long given these people benefits. They will definitely vote for Bran Cook; I just hope they won’t come after the Radcliffe Group,”
Quella Radcliffe sighed. Bran Cook’s momentum was too strong, with more and more people joining him, leaving no means to compete with him.
And with such a grudge between Bran Cook and the Radcliffe Group, and with Julius Reed humiliating him multiple times, one of the two sides would certainly have to leave Gonzalez City.
But what did the Radcliffe Group have to use against Bran Cook?
“You even sent people to look into it!”
Julius Reed was surprised that Quella Radcliffe had started using such tactics, as in his mind, she had always been upright and disdainful of sneaky acts.
“Of course!”
Quella Radcliffe gave him a look: “I used to be an employee, naturally I didn’t like to resort to this, but now I’m a chairman! If I don’t understand how to develop the company well, how can I face the employees? I’ll also let you in on a secret, there are spies of mine in the Cook Family!”
She said, looking pleased with herself at Julius Reed.
“Impressive, my wife!”
Julius Reed gave a thumbs up; indeed, Quella Radcliffe was starting to change, no longer the meek little sheep she once was.
This was a good thing; the human heart can be treacherous, so it was always wise to have some defenses prepared.
“Let’s welcome Young Master Cook with a warm round of applause!”
Someone started clapping, leading others to follow suit, standing up.
Bran Cook walked in slowly through the main door; although his pace was sluggish, it was clear that he had recovered considerably.
This caused Julius Reed a moment of surprise. Had Bran Cook encountered a famous doctor?
Otherwise, it wasn’t possible for him to have recovered so quickly!
Bran Cook’s complexion was pale, but he made a great effort to maintain a smile, waving to the people on both sides.
Following behind him were two men.
One bald man wearing sunglasses. From a distance, he looked like someone with blood on his hands.
The other man had a grave expression, giving no indication of what was on his mind.
Most importantly, both of them were unfamiliar faces.
“Could it be they’ve found a new ally?”
Julius Reed could intuitively tell that these two individuals were no ordinary characters.
A moment later, Bran Cook passed in front of them.
“Young Master Cook seems to be recovering well.”
Julius Reed sized him up and concluded that at least he could now walk, which was no small feat.
“Just you wait and see, I’ll have the Radcliffe Group firmly in my grasp! The two of you, too, will kneel down and beg for mercy!”
Bran Cook spoke with venomous determination.
It was only after waking up yesterday that he learned his uncle Stacy Cook had returned.
And Stacy Cook brought back the news that Quella Radcliffe’s current boyfriend was actually her ex-husband, Julius Reed—not some Amos Davenport!
Upon hearing this news, Bran Cook coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood on the spot.
He had been played for a fool for so long!
And only now had he come to realize it!
Hence, seeing Julius Reed now made his heart itch with hatred!
“You will die a terrible death.”
As Stacy Cook passed by Julius Reed, he said coldly.
“So will you!”
Julius Reed responded with a faint smile, not taking the threat to heart.
There were plenty who wished him dead.
What was this guy but just another wannabe?
Bran Cook did not linger any longer and slowly ascended the stage.
The attendees also began to sit down, listening to his speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen, ever since Willson Group joined the fray, I have been restless, deciding to establish the alliance sooner rather than later. At the very least, the alliance should be operational by the new year!”
Having said this, Bran Cook was met with a thunderous applause from below.
“But starting something is always the hardest part. If we want to form this alliance, we must first elect a leader! Without a head, how can we cooperate as a united group?”
“Choose Young Master Cook!”
“Right! Young Master Cook is the most suitable candidate!”
“I wouldn’t be convinced by anyone else in that position, but with Young Master Cook, I wouldn’t utter a single complaint!”
The crowd immediately became boisterous.
This made Bran Cook very pleased internally, but he feigned indifference on his face, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not one to fish for fame or accolades. Let someone else take this position. Talent has always been the precursor to leadership, and I will work behind the scenes to support the future chairman in accomplishing this task.”
After his refusal, the shouts from below grew even louder.
“No way! The position is unbecoming for anyone but Young Master Cook!”
“Exactly! Who else could be worthy of it?”
“It has to be you!”
With the crowd’s urging, Bran Cook again demurred, “Since that’s the case, why don’t we have a democratic election? Let’s choose someone everyone is satisfied with.”
“Agreed!”
The audience echoed in agreement.
If they really voted, the outcome would still be Bran Cook. This way, he could avoid any behind-the-scenes chatter and appease his own ambitions rightfully.
“Very well, then I ask everyone to be fair. Those who wish to run for election, please come up to the stage!”
After Bran Cook finished speaking, everyone looked at each other, with not a single person stepping forward.
“Nobody? If that’s the case, then I…”
He spoke while keeping an eye on Quella Radcliffe, fearful of being disrupted by Julius Reed.
But from beginning to end, it seemed Quella Radcliffe had no intentions of coming forward.
Bran Cook finally breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear a voice: “I’ll give it a try. Don’t mind me, Young Master Cook!”