Chapter 999: Anger

Chapter 999: Anger

Horace raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise and curiosity flashing in

his eyes. His secretary had informed him early this morning that Ayan's

secretary had invited him to visit Simpson Group, and he had vaguely

guessed it might have something to do with Armstrong Corp.

However, he hadn't expected Ayan to ask such a direct question.

So, he was somewhat taken aback.

The two men locked eyes for a moment, but Horace hadn't given any

response yet. Ayan, with a casual tone, asked again, "Mr. Burris, does

that mean you're not interested?"

Horace finally regained his composure and replied in a low voice, "I

don't quite understand Mr. Simpson's meaning.”

Ayan chuckled, "Is it my expression that's unclear, or has Mr. Burris’

comprehension skills declined?"

Although Ayan's words carried a smile, there was nothing cheerful in

their eyes.

Horace pursed his lips and asked, his expression becoming more

serious, "Mr. Simpson, are you asking if I want to completely take over

Armstrong Corp?”

Ayan was straightforward, and Horace was equally straightforward.

When talking to honest people, there was no need for a lot of beating

around the bush or hiding anything.

With Horace's question, their eyes met again, and there was a hint of a

smile in both of their eyes. Ayan smiled lightly and took the lead,

saying, "Mr. Burris, what do you think?"

Horace picked up the coffee cup in front of him, and although he had a

faint smile, there was a hint of seriousness in his expression. He said,

"Naturally, I hope to change the current situation. After all, it's not easy

for a company to have two decision-makers. For Armstrong Corp,

changing the current situation is not a bad thing. I've invested so much

capital in it, naturally, I don't want it to drift along aimlessly. Besides, I

have genuine feelings for Grace."

Every word Horace spoke was straightforward. He didn't beat around

the bush, and he could even say things like "genuine feelings" directly.

It seemed that he truly felt that way.

Ayan squinted his eyes, a hint of hesitation and something unsaid

flashed in his eyes, which Horace noticed.

Horace asked, "Is there something Mr. Simpson wants to say?"

His expression had become more serious, and his brows slightly

furrowed. His voice was a bit deeper as he continued, "Since you have

genuine feelings for her, then I advise you to make plans as soon as

possible. The Armstrong family won't rest until their daughters are

extracted out every bit of value.”

Ayan's words made Horace's face stiffen slightly, and there was a hint

of concern in his eyes. He asked, "Mr. Simpson, are you suggesting

that if I choose to take control of Armstrong Corp, there will be

obstacles between Grace and me?"

“Isn't this a very obvious fact? The Armstrong family's goals have

always been clear. If there's no benefit, what do you think the

Armstrong family will do? Naturally, they'll choose the most beneficial

partner who serves their interests." Ayan didn't explicitly mention

Camille's situation, but his implication was clear to Horace. If Horace

was smart enough, he would understand what needed to be done in

this situation.

Their conversation on this topic ended there, and they returned to the

issue of Armstrong Corp.

Ayan said, "If Mr. Burris wants to completely take over Armstrong Corp,

then we also need to sign an agreement, a cooperation agreement that

will mislead the Armstrong family. Mr. Burris can consider it, and decide

after you think my proposal is good."

"No need to consider. I agree to your request.”

"Good. As long as you have made up his mind. So, let's do it tomorrow.

Tomorrow, you announce the nullification of his rights."

“Is Mr. Simpson in such a hurry?" Horace's voice carried a hint of

amusement.

Ayan didn't avoid the topic and said, "What the Armstrong family have

done have crossed my bottom line. Since you have chosen to stand on

the same side as me, I hope that you are trustworthy.”

Horace looked at Ayan and replied, "Naturally, let's hope for a fruitful

collaboration.”

They exchanged smiles.

Ayan immediately had Kian prepare the agreement. The content of the

agreement was not too complicated, with just a few simple and clear

clauses.

The most important point was that there should be no changes to

Camille's shares in Armstrong Corp. Only if Camille willingly gave them

up could they be transferred. However, for the time being and to deal

with the Armstrong family's situation, Ayan had to temporarily transfer

Camille's shareholding rights to Horace, as this was necessary to

outmaneuver Brody.

This was probably something Brody had never anticipated. After all, he

had never imagined that Camille would collaborate with Horace. He

had always considered Camille as being on his side, while Horace, no

matter how much money he had, was always an outsider.

Brody had always been like this; in his eyes, there was only profit, and

anything else didn't matter.

Thinking about this, Ayan's expression grew more unpleasant.

Naturally, this shareholding proxy agreement required the signature of

the party involved, Camille. It would only become effective after Camille

signed it.

Ayan didn't delay and immediately left for the Simpson's mansion with

the signed agreement in hand. The old Simpsons and others were

expected to arrive in the afternoon, so there were only Camille, Timmy,

and the housemaids at the Simpson's mansion.

It had been only about two hours since they had parted ways in

Franklin Bay.

So when Camille saw Ayan, she was a bit surprised. She casually

asked, "Are you that reluctant to leave me? Why did you suddenly

come back after going to the company? Are you worried that I've

prepared everything so well that it will make my parents and grandpa

even more pleased with me, making you feel jealous and want to come

back to cause trouble?"

Listening to Camille's playful words, Ayan was amused, at least she

hadn't let last night's incident affect her mood.

He looked at Camille with an increasingly gentle gaze and replied in a

tender tone, “Well, yes, I am jealous. So, I couldn't wait to come back.

Is that answer satisfactory?"

“It's quite satisfying, but what can you do? Even if you're jealous, you

can't change the fact that Grandpa and your parents are more fond of

me. In the Simpson's mansion, you have no status at all. Well, you'd

better grin and bear it!"

Camille said it as if she were serious.

Ayan was amused and muttered, “What if we change our professions?

I'll use all of Simpson Group's resources to promote you as a top

actress. How about that?"

“Is Mr. Simpson here to discuss work with me now? If it's work, you can

make an appointment, or you can contact my agent, Sienna. It's my

private time now, so I won't talk about work. Even if you're Mr. Simpson,

I won't give you any special treatment.”

Camille spoke earnestly, as if it were real.

Ayan rubbed his temples with his hand, sighing in resignation. Just who

had turned Camille into this? It seemed he needed to have a serious

talk with Rex and make sure he took good care of his wife, so Camille

wouldn't grow to resemble Sienna and become too accustomed to

acting.

Ayan, of course, wouldn't say this out loud, or Camille would give him a

hard time.

Instead, he went along with Camille's words and said, "I do have some

work-related matters to discuss with you."

Camille was slightly surprised and asked, "What kind of work? You're

not planning to buy my company, are you?"

Ayan smiled and replied, "Would you like to be bought out? You'd

become the largest shareholder of Simpson Group in exchange.”

"No, Simpson Group is too big. Being a major shareholder comes with

more responsibilities and pressures. Mr. Simpson, you can't just burden

me because you want to relax!"

Camille shook her head and refused without thinking.

Ayan let out a faint snort and said, "They say husband and wife should

be birds of the same forest. How come you're not willing to share some

of the burden with me?"

She pursed her lips and replied, "But aren't we divorced now?"

Ayan was almost driven mad by this statement. His facial expression

visibly cooled down.

If he continued to talk to Camille, he would probably get even angrier.

He said without emotion, "Alright, let's end this topic.”

Seeing his demeanor, Camille raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you

angry?"

Ayan remained silent, his face devoid of warmth as he looked at her.

Camille continued, "How can a small talk make you really angry?"

Ayan let out a soft snort and handed her the agreement, saying, "Take

a look at this."