Chapter 564
564:
Her considerate demeanor only deepened Jeffery’s guilt. He frowned slightly. “Mr. Riley is devoted to his wife. He wouldn’t risk everything for just another designer in his company. Carol, don’t worry—I won’t let this slide.”
Carol’s heart leaped with satisfaction. This was exactly what she wanted to hear.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Jeffery’s phone rang abruptly. He answered it, and his assistant’s panicked voice came through. “Mr. Lawson, bad news! CR Corporation just announced they have terminated the partnership!”
Jeffery shot to his feet, his sudden movement startling Carol.
Carol stared at him in shock. “What’s the matter, Jeffery?” Unease settled in her chest.
He barely registered her voice. “What did you just say?” His pulse quickened.
CR Corporation had cut ties with them? That was impossible. His assistant’s next words crushed any lingering hope. “Mr. Lawson, it’s true. CR Corporation has already made an official announcement across multiple public platforms. On top of that, their representative personally reached out to finalize the contract termination.”
Jeffery pressed his fingers to his temple and muttered, “This doesn’t make sense. We just secured this deal. Why would they suddenly back out?” Frustration edged his voice, and his usual composure slipped.
From the hospital bed, Carol’s eyes widened in disbelief. She clutched his sleeve. “Jeffery, what’s happening? Why would they do this? There has to be a mistake!”
Her panicked voice only aggravated his irritation. For the first time, the sister he had always protected felt unfamiliar to him.
He yanked his arm free and turned away, his tone cold. “Something went wrong. I need every department to investigate immediately. I want to know exactly what happened. I’ll try to reach Mr. Riley myself.”
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His assistant hesitated. “Mr. Lawson, CR Corporation has already transferred the two-billion penalty fee to our account. And…” He paused.
Jeffery’s mind reeled. Two billion already transferred meant there was no room for negotiation.
In normal business dealings, even if complications arose, there was always a chance to renegotiate terms. But CR Corporation severed ties without hesitation or even a conversation—and they made it public. Lawson Group hadn’t just lost a partnership; they had angered CR Corporation’s founder.
“Mr. Lawson? Are you still there?”
Jeffery barely heard him. He staggered toward the wall, leaning against it as he fought for steady breaths. “Go on,” he forced out.
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