Chapter 1089: Loss

Chapter 1089: Loss

Preston smiled friendly and looked at everyone present, saying: "Look

at our Mr. Burris, he's easy to talk to. It's a blessing for all of us to work

under such an agreeable executive!"

Preston's words sounded somewhat sarcastic and nobody dared to

agree with him; they all lowered their heads and held their breaths.

On the other hand, Horace didn't seem bothered by it at all. He calmly

glanced over at Preston before saying: "Manager Walker cares about

my attitude and mood. I understand his concern but since we're in a

meeting right now, can we discuss this later when it doesn't take up

everyone else's time?"

Horace's words were undoubtedly a slap in the face for Preston who

didn't even look back after Horace finished speaking before moving on

with the main topic of the meeting.

The purpose of this meeting was mainly to address recent events that

had occurred due to Armstrong family issues. Many projects related to

Armstrong Corp were put on hold temporarily. Some companies which

had been collaborating with them suspended the contract.

Therefore, Armstrong Corp was currently facing some difficulties. Brody

made it worse by bringing Preston into the picture intentionally.

Since there is nothing that can be done about Preston being brought

within Armstrong Corp now; Horace could not continue fighting Mr.

Armstrong over this issue as it would only waste more time.

Horace stated the current situation of Armstrong Corp then looked

towards Preston, asking: "Manager Walker, do you have anything else

they'd like to add?"

Preston wasn't prepared for being called out suddenly, so he took two

seconds before responding slowly: "Mr. Burris, I'm new here, so I don't

know much about what has happened within Armstrong Corp yet.

Therefore I'll follow Mr. Burris’ arrangements, since these problems

arose before my arrival here."

"Whatever you decide will have our full cooperation,” added Preston

while looking around at everyone present in an attempt not wanting

anyone feeling left out or ignored during his response.

Preston intentionally said that everyone present should cooperate fully,

just to make Horace sick. He wanted to tell Horace that his lack of

ability had led to the current situation at Armstrong Corp.

The atmosphere in the conference room suddenly became heavy, and

everyone looked at each other without any response.

But Preston's attitude always conveyed a provocative meaning,

especially his eyes seemed to say to Horace, "What can you do?"

Preston thought he had won because Horace didn't dare say anything

more.

Horace's voice slowly sounded again in the next second, and Horace

said, "Since Manager Walker also asked me to arrange, then Manager

Walker will lead our company's project team to buy the interior

decoration materials of the new Hance City Museum!"

He glanced at Preston with a plain expression without any extra

emotion. He continued: "Manager Walker works for Mr. Simpson, so I

think he is capable of handling this important task. I believe that after

managing so many companies under the Walker Family and being

responsible for projects related to museums before, Armstrong Corp

will definitely be able to complete this project perfectly.”

After Horace finished speaking, he did not give Preston a chance to

speak but directly let his secretary announce the members of Project

Team and pushed the list in front of Preston after taking attendance.

Horace said: "Manager Walker, thank you for your hard work."

Preston's face was gloomy; he did not speak but just looked at Horace

indifferently. The two men stared at each other like this; naturally

Horace was not afraid of him.

Instead, because he didn't speak up again when given an opportunity

by Horrace , Horrace asked: "Manager Walker, do you have anything

else they want to say? If not, then we can adjourn now. Later on please

get familiar with your team members if needed or talk directly with my

secretary if there are any needs."

After saying this, he stood up first . He looked towards everyone and

said:"The meeting ends here today. Although Armstrong Corp has

encountered some difficulties, it will never be defeated. Everyone

should take responsibility for their own projects. If there are any

problems, I will directly turn to your project leader.”

Naturally, the last sentence was also spoken specifically for Preston.

He could enter Armstrong Corp using whatever means necessary, but

once inside, Armstrong Corp would have follow his arrangements as

well .

Horace glanced at Preston, who didn't respond, and left the conference

room without delay.

He returned to his office, and his secretary closed the door behind him.

The secretary was puzzled by Horace's recent arrangement and asked,

"Mr. Burris, won't it be disadvantageous for us if you let him compete

for the museum project? Even if he wins it?"

"Whether he wins or not is beneficial to us. Winning the museum

project will undoubtedly benefit Armstrong Corp's development and

make those companies that terminated their contracts with us

reconsider continuing to work with us. In addition, Ayan has already

talked to me about recruiting Armstrong Corp into Simpson Group's real

estate project next quarter. Everything we are doing now is naturally

aimed at keeping Preston busy, so that he doesn't have time to

participate in Simpson Group's projects.”

The secretary was one of Horace's trusted employees.

After hearing what Horace said, she understood his intentions. If

Preston could win the interior decoration project of the museum, it

would also be good for Armstrong Corp. If Preston tried to do

something detrimental to Armstrong Corp through this project, it

probably wouldn't work out anyway because he didn't have that

opportunity.

Instead, if Preston couldn't win this project, then everyone in Armstrong

Corp would know that his abilities were limited.

So neither outcome would result in any loss for either Preston or

Armstrong Corp.

Horace reminded his secretary: "Preston probably won't keep using his

current secretary forever; if he wants to hire someone new. no matter

who they are. remind him of HR procedures before bringing them into

Armstrong Corp; furthermore don't let anyone break our internal rules.”

The secretary nodded her head: "Mr. Burris, rest assured, I've arranged

our people on this matter; as for Mr. Simpson's previous secretary, he

mentioned wanting a transfer from working under Preston. Because

Preston just came to the company today, I was worried about

transferring someone at this time, and Preston would blamed you, so I

refused for the time being, and I can only appease him and ask him to

wait."

Horace had a calm expression on his face and he approved of the way

his secretary handled things. "Just pacify him, and if Preston brings in

his own people, we can assign him to another department,” he said.

"l understand," the secretary replied softly.

After Horace finished speaking, he let the secretary leave. He sat alone

in his office staring blankly out of the floor-to-ceiling window at the sky

outside. At that moment, he missed someone very much and without

hesitation picked up his phone to send a message.

"Wake up and call me back. I miss you." Because of time differences, it

was likely that the other person was still asleep at this hour so Horace

put down his phone after sending the message.

At that moment there was a knock on Horace's office door.

He didn't seem surprised but instead adjusted himself slightly before

saying calmly, "Come in!"

The door opened from outside and Preston walked in with a cold

expression on his face. He went straight to sit down on one of the

chairs by Horace's desk and looked directly into Horace's eyes as he

asked: "What did Mr. Burris mean by just now? Did you intentionally try

to push me out of Armstrong Corp?"

Preston's words made Horace pause for a moment too. His expression

turned cold. He furrowed his eyebrows slightly before saying

indifferently: "I'm sorry Manager Walker, but I'm having trouble

understanding what you're trying to say here. Could you please clarify?

Are you suggesting that my job assignment is making things difficult for

you or are you accusing me of deliberately trying to force your

resignation?"