Chapter 923: Given For Free

Chapter 923: Given for Free

Dan and Horace exchanged glances and responded respectively, "I

agree with Mr. Simpson's idea.”

"I also agree with Mr. Simpson's idea.”

Dan's expression of his opinion wasn't much different from what Ayan

had said.

Horace added his own perspective, stating, “If we really proceed with

this publicity approach, given the speed of news spreading nowadays,

it's likely to spread across the internet quickly. This will leave an

indelible mark on all of us. Therefore, Mr. Bell should think carefully

before making a decision.”

Horace's words clearly outlined the extent of the negative

consequences of such an approach. The expressions of Mr. and Mrs.

Bell weren't looking good. Both of them seemed burdened, but the

thoughts in their minds were unknown to the others in the room.

Mr. Mikkola couldn't help but let out a scoff, his voice tinged with a hint

of amusement, as he said, "Aren't you all pressuring Mr. Bell a bit too

much? Mr. Bell is the initiator of this charity project, so naturally, he

should be the one to decide everything. While the reasons you all

mentioned have some merit, charity also requires financial support. We

can't simply give everything away, can we?"

Mr. Mikkola's words cast a heavy atmosphere in the meeting room.

Preston, on the other end of the call, chimed in, "Since Mr. Bell has

already made a decision, let's proceed with the publicity for Modest

Temple Hotel according to his plan. We shouldn't let everyone wait for

the results for so long after so much hard work. We can't keep making

Mr. Bell step back just for someone else's own interests, right?"

"Mr. Baxter, are you sure you're not trying to provoke a discord among

us?" Dan sneered.

Preston remained unfazed and responded, "I'm just speaking the truth.

How can Mr. Tucker have a misunderstanding? Is it because you have

a better relationship with Mr. Simpson that you are united against me?"

Preston's words contained a hint of a smile, and there was a touch of

grievance in his tone. It was as if he genuinely believed that Dan and

Ayan were conspiring against him.

This statement caused Ayan to burst into laughter, although his

expression remained icy. Preston couldn't see it, but everyone in the

room could, and the slight curve of his thin lips, almost imperceptible,

was evident. The laughter was clear in their ears.

All eyes turned to Ayan, and he spoke in a cold and indifferent tone,

"Mr. Baxter, please tell me, what have you done to deserve my efforts

to be against you?"

Ayan's words were extremely arrogant, clearly showing that he didn't

consider Preston a significant threat.

Ayan's words implied, "Why would I pay attention to you?"

Preston fell silent immediately, and the atmosphere cooled to freezing

point. But Ayan had no intention of stopping there. He continued in a

casual and mocking tone, "You're free to express your thoughts and

decisions, but there's no need to belittle others. While it's true that

everyone has put in some effort, Mr. Baxter is merely benefiting from

others’ work. Therefore, talking about your hard work isn't appropriate,

considering there haven't been any hard work from you to begin with."

"What do you mean, Mr. Simpson? Aren't you being a bit overbearing?

Just because Simpson Group is the main responsible company for this

project, does that mean you can act however you want?"

Preston retorted with an agitated tone, clearly provoked by Ayan's

words.

In contrast, Ayan remained much calmer.

His demeanor was nearly unaffected, and his words didn't cause any

ripples. He chuckled softly and said indifferently, “Who's being

overbearing and who's playing dumb? As for the notion of “acting

however I want,’ so what if I do?"

"You..."

"Since opinions are divided now, to show respect for Mr. Bell and Mrs.

Bell, let me express my stance as well. I don't agree with Mr. Mikkola's

proposal. However, if you insist on it, I have nothing more to say. But

Mr. Bell and Mr. Mikkola, you both need to sign an agreement with me.

Is this request unreasonable?"

Ayan looked at Mr. Bell and Mr. Mikkola, his gaze faint, with a hint of a

shallow smile that could barely be seen. It was a smile that left people

slightly puzzled, yet they couldn't voice any questions.

On the other end of the call, Preston, frustrated by Ayan's words,

couldn't speak, and now hearing this new request, he chimed in, “Is Mr.

Simpson trying to make Mr. Bell sign an unequal treaty? While Simpson

Group is the main responsible company, you can't do that?"

With a slight stretch of Ayan's arm, the conversation abruptly ceased,

vanishing into thin air.

After ending the call, Ayan casually flipped his phone face-down onto

the desk. A hint of elusive amusement danced in his deep eyes as he

uttered, "Too noisy. It's better to shut it off. Besides, he's hardly

essential to this project.”

Clear and concise, Ayan showed no intention of sparing Preston's

feelings.

Motioning Kian to distribute the pre-prepared agreements, Ayan

directed, "Everyone present, except those absent, take a good look at

this agreement. If there are no objections, feel free to sign and stamp it

in your designated spots.”

Ayan had a copy before him, but he barely glanced at it. He swiftly

picked up the pen Kian handed him and scripted his name followed by

his thumbprint.

Afterward, he leaned back in his chair, his entire weight supported by

the genuine leather. His tone remained casual as he spoke, "This

agreement is just a formality, a procedural necessity. Any clauses

mentioned can be amended if they seem inappropriate. Remember, it's

all for the sake of the project. Don't assume I'm taking advantage just

because Simpson Group is a major player here. So, take your time to

review."

Ayan fell silent, absorbed in his phone's screen, his thoughts

elsewhere.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell examined the agreement, exchanging a glance with

Mr. Mikkola. From every angle, the terms appeared reasonable. If there

was an issue, it was precisely what Mr. Mikkola had raised.

And now Mr. Mikkola brought it up.

He inquired, "Mr. Simpson, the agreement states that if negative

consequences arise from our decisions, unrelated to Simpson Group or

parties who disagrees with us, what does “unrelated’ mean? Are you

planning to distance yourselves in case of an unforeseen incident, or

are you entirely pulling out of this project?"

Ayan's gaze shifted towards him, yet it was Kian who responded.

Kian's voice remained low as he explained, "Mr. Mikkola, the intent isn't

to withdraw from the project. You and Mr. Bell's decisions differ from

those of Simpson Group, Mr. Tucker and Mr. Burris. If you choose to

proceed with your plan, any negative outcomes will be borne by the

consenting parties. If everyone agrees with your proposal, we'll face the

consequences together. But if they don't, they shouldn't be held

accountable.”

"Hmm, Mr. Simpson, isn't that a bit selfish? You're unwilling to share the

burden yet still want a piece of the pie?" Mr. Mikkola sneered. He was

referring to Ayan, Dan, and Horace's reluctance to share the risks but

still benefit from his proposal. He found it unequal and unacceptable.

Ayan echoed the sentiment with a faint smile before calmly stating, “To

ensure fairness, those who have signed won't partake in profit-sharing.”

"Mr. Simpson, do you really think Simpson Group, behind your back,

would agree to this? To forsake any profits?" Mr. Mikkola's skepticism

was evident; he was growing agitated.

Ayan responded, "I've mentally prepared myself for this project since its

inception. So, I never considered profiting from it."

Furthermore, Ayan continued, "Mr. Mikkola, your concerns are

addressed in the agreement. Additionally, there's one last point. Should

unforeseen negative consequences arise due to this decision, decision-

making authority will solely belong to Simpson Group and all

businesses who signed against this decision. Mr. Bell, perhaps it's time

for you to reconsider?"