"Thank you, Grandfather." Gloria bowed deeply with gratitude, then sat down again, her face, hidden beneath the black veil, beaming with joy.
Upon hearing this, Cyril's previously dejected expression brightened, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he glanced at Gloria, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"It seems that Father never intended to hand over the Morton family to a woman." Cyril thought to himself, feeling a little more at ease. The Landai Fabric Shop was the first shop the Morton family started with, an old shop that had been in Aden Square for decades.
However, the value of this fabric shop now lies in commemorating and remembering the rise of the Morton family. Among the Morton family's numerous businesses, it is the most inconspicuous shop. In the past two years, due to poor management, it has been operating at a loss and has only continued to operate at Jeffrey's request.
Now Jeffrey has put Gloria in charge of this fabric shop. How can a little girl who's barely left the house possibly turn things around? She'll probably waste a few years there and still not make a splash.
"Sis, you're amazing! Are you the boss now?" Miji looked at Gloria with admiration and whispered.
"Shh, let's eat." Gloria whispered, but her voice couldn't hide her joy.
"My daughter has really grown up. She dares to speak like that in front of her grandfather, just like her father back then." Debra looked at Gloria with satisfaction.
"Although it's a difficult start, but at least it's a start. If she can find happiness in it, that's good too." Lance picked up his knife and fork. He knew about the situation at the Landai Fabric Shop, but Jeffrey's decision was already surprising enough.
Whether it was a test or a doomed candidate from the start, as long as Gloria was happy, that was enough.
…
"President, this is information on the Catering Association incident and the Basti Prison incident, along with recommendations from the think tank. Please take a look and decide whether to proceed according to the discussion results." Madner, who replaced Ma Er Si as the new Secretary General, gently placed the two documents in front of Jeffrey, who was sitting behind his desk.
"Read it to me." Jeffrey leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and his face betrayed his exhaustion.
"Yes." Madner quickly picked up the documents again and read both sets of references aloud.
"Just do as the Catering Association says. This matter shouldn't be the responsibility of our Merchants' Union, nor should it be the responsibility of our members. Since Warren and his vice presidents have already been arrested, let them take the blame as well." Jeffrey opened his eyes, glanced at the second document in Madner's hand, and said with a slight sneer, "These guys, we spend so much money supporting them, and sometimes their suggestions are completely unreliable. The Aden Square Merchants' Union does have the strength to contend with any force in Chaos City, but arm wrestling is a physical activity, and we might get injured. If we lose, we'll lose face, if we win, we'll create a difficult grudge to resolve. Behind Basti Prison stand the City Lord's Mansion and the Gray Temple. If we offend both of them, we'll have nowhere to stay in Chaos City."
"President, how should this matter be handled?" Madner asked Jeffrey, somewhat puzzled.
"Cooperate with the investigation at Basti Prison, hand over all the information about Goodinia and Devo to them. As for the infiltration and bailouts, leave that responsibility to them. Separate the Aden Square Merchants' Union from this matter. Make Cyril return whatever amount he took, and then send it all back." Jeffrey said calmly.
"However, the think tank's analysis suggests that if the Merchants' Union cannot protect the safety of its members or even its directors, it will have a certain impact on the Merchants' Union's cohesion, and may even cause some members to side with the Buffett family." Madner said with some concern.
"Ha, I never said that the Aden Square Merchants' Union was anyone's protector, much less would I tolerate those who break the rules. People should have fear and learn to use the rules, not think about how to change them. If that little girl from the Buffett family dares to take those guys in, she doesn't have the right to challenge me." Jeffrey sneered.
"Yes." Madner's expression changed slightly. He bowed his head in response, picked up the documents, and strode out.
The Aden Square Merchants' Union had faced countless challenges and threats. Each time, Jeffrey demonstrated his unique insight and methods, turning the tide for the Merchants' Union and securing its place on the Nolan Continent.
This is a man who has stood at the pinnacle of the Chaos City, and even the entire continent's business world, for decades without falling.
"If the battle between Morton and Buffett turns into a fight between two women, that would be rather boring, Cyril. I hope you won't disappoint me this time." Jeffrey tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, gazing out the window in deep thought.
…
"Starting today, Robert will be your new president. He will take over all of Warren's work and reorganize the Catering Association to establish a more just and transparent new Catering Association. The City Lord's Mansion will attach great importance to this and assist in establishing a third party oversight body. We hope that the Catering Association can become the true guide to the cuisine of Chaos City."
In the main conference room of the Catering Association, an official representing the City Lord's Mansion announced the appointment of the new president of the Catering Association and shook hands with Robert, who was standing to the side.
"Everything for the sake of delicious food! What I hope is that you all can work with me towards this goal, and that everyday you can hold your heads high and face the words on the door." Robert looked at the crowd below the stage, his eyes full of sincerity.
A round of applause erupted from the audience, but the expressions on the faces of those present varied.
"Great! Vice President Robert has become President! Before long, the Food Ranking will definitely regain its popularity among the guests!" Luther clenched his fist excitedly, his face unable to hide his elation.
"Yes, I never expected the president and vice presidents to be arrested overnight. The Catering Association finally sees hope of being welcomed again." Alvin nodded, equally excited.
"If that's the case, there must be a major change, right? Will we lose our jobs because of it?"
"Besides, won't what the president and the others did implicate us? This morning, a lot of the city lord's guards came, and all kinds of documents were sealed up. After doing this for so many years, who doesn't have a few weaknesses?"
Many others were filled with panic and worry.
"This irregular handover will not result in any accountability for ordinary staff members, so please don't worry. Just do your jobs well and maintain the normal operation of the Catering Association. A new round of promotions will be announced soon. I hope everyone can contribute to getting the Catering Association back on track." Robert said loudly to the crowd, and then announced the end of the meeting.