Chapter 14 Taker Over the Family Business

After leaving the bar, James headed to Megan's apartment. Finding no one there, he proceeded to the hospital. Upon entering the lobby of the inpatient department and spotting Megan emerging from the elevator, he swiftly concealed himself out of sight. Once she departed, he sought an audience with Joseph. Joseph had anticipated James's visit but did not expect his arrival to be so precipitous. "What can I do for you?" Joseph inquired. James's gaze settled upon the pallid man laid upon the hospital bed, his eyes brimming with icy disdain. "Megan has twice been your savior, yet you force her into marriage. Where is your conscience?" Joseph's mouth curved into a smile. "I'm the one being forced into it." "Were it not for your refusal to provide the antidote, would Megan be driven to such desperate straits as to marry you? You are utterly unworthy of her!" "Unworthy I may be, but do you consider yourself her match?" "At the very least, our family is safer than yours." James posed his query, "What must be proffered for you to relinquish the antidote to Megan? I can offer you that project, is that enough?" Surprise flickered in Joseph's eyes. "Do you comprehend the significance of that project to your company? As one who abstains from corporate management, can you truly helm the project?" He was well aware that the project had taken Moore Holdings nearly a year to secure. It was not only the largest of their recent endeavors but also one into which considerable resources had been invested. To part with the project would surely undermine the very foundations of Moore Holdings. Though James was not actively involved in the family business, as its sole heir, he was intimately acquainted with every development within the company. "Of course. So, what do you say?" "An unequivocal no!" The finality in Joseph's words left no room for negotiation. "Regardless of what you are willing to concede, I shall not be swayed. Dragon Seal holds extraordinary significance for me, beyond the measure of wealth." James fixed his stare upon Joseph, "Do you love Megan?" Joseph had initially intended to declare that his dealings with Megan were purely transactional. But upon opening his mouth, he altered his retort. "That is of no concern to you." Unwilling to divulge the truth, as his relationship with James was nonchalant at best and their families were competitors, Joseph said no more on the matter. James inhaled deeply, "Protect Megan well. Shield her from the internal strife of the Martinez family. I ensure you that I shall expedite my efforts to stop you from marrying." With those final words, he departed. Joseph observed the closing of the ward's door and smiled. It seemed that the erstwhile carefree James, was at the brink of venturing into the realm of commerce for Megan's sake. "Megan," he murmured, as the memory of the awkward incident where Megan had tended to his wounds in her apartment replayed in his mind. Do I love her? Perhaps it was merely a natural reflex sparked by an unguarded touch. Dismissing his thoughts, Joseph closed his eyes to rest. *** Upon Megan's return to her apartment, the scandal of Sophie's involvement in an indecency case had erupted. Though the Johnson did not rank among the elite in Sledeshly, Sophie was adept at self-promotion. Innocent girl-next-door, musical prodigy, and the most beautiful maiden amongst the socialites—these labels clung to her persona. Her notoriety was substantial, with no shortage of admirers. Yet following her disheveled image being captured by paparazzi as she was escorted away by the police, Sophie's "fame" skyrocketed. [Innocent girl-next-door? She's screwing in the bar!] [Laugh to death. The dream of millions of guys was caught by the police.] [Not looking for a boyfriend because you want to focus on your career? Liar! Because you sleep with different guys everyday!] [Wait, who is the prostitute now?] The internet overflowed with contemptuous and unsavory conjectures, many infused with the worst intentions. Megan harbored no sympathy toward Sophie, for she had reaped what she had sown. Setting aside her phone, Megan opted to bathe and rest instead. The next day, as Megan prepared to deliver breakfast to the hospital, her cellphone abruptly rang. Assuming it concerned "Dark Phoenix", the hacker organization she had founded—mainly involved in information gathering and brokering—she answered the call. It was Rebecca on the line, having taken the reins of "Dark Phoenix" while Megan was preoccupied with her grandmother's care. "Why are you calling so early, Rebecca?" Megan asked. "Big event." Despite her words, Rebecca's tone bore no urgency. Megan's initial concern eased, "What?" "James has returned home to take over the family business." "Rebecca, your joke isn't funny." "I assure you, no jest. He's presently at a press conference at Moore Holdings. Witness it yourself on the Internet." Rebecca inquired, "Do you know what prompted this?" Megan knew it. "I'll talk to him later." Rebecca said, "Once I've cleared my current assignments, I need a vacation." Understanding her fatigue, Megan instantly agreed, "Come to Sledeshly sometime, we should gather." "I miss your cooking." "I'll cook for you." Ending the call, Megan promptly launched a search on her mobile phone, typing "Moore Holdings". What she saw was the ongoing press conference. James, clad in a black suit with tie affixed and hair combed back, epitomized the successful businessman— a far cry from his typically jovial, sunny disposition. As the conference neared its conclusion, the current chairman, David, addressed the whispering journalists, "Though James will inherit leadership of Moore Holdings, the time is not now. He shall begin at the grassroots level and, upon earning the recognition of all shareholders, ascend to the chairmanship." The livelihoods of the tens of thousands of employees were no trifling matter. If his son lacked competence, David would rather support him in leisure than allow him control over the company. Journalists, initially skeptical of James's capability, treated it as a wealthy heir's playful job experience. No one took it seriously. Yet it still granted James prolific coverage since the announcement of an heir was, indeed, significant news. Megan, having viewed the conference, did not immediately reach out to James but instead continued towards the hospital with the prepared breakfast. Upon arrival at the VIP floor, she was greeted with the irate bellowing of Emily. "Who are you to bar my entry? I am the one who has paid for this ward!" "Megan, I will end you!" The nurse attempted to soothe her, "Madam, please refrain from creating a disturbance or I will be compelled to summon security." "Do it then! Who has afforded you the audacity to permit the detention of an elderly woman!" "These guards are under the employ of the patient's family. The hospital has no authority to intervene." "I am part of the patient's family! Who are you trying to deceive?" Emily's tirade was abruptly curtailed by the arrival of Megan.