Chapter 898: Nonsense

Chapter 898: Nonsense

Horace's handling of the situation was appropriate, winning applause

and praise from the media, but it didn't sit well with Brody.

Brody only learned of the incident after Horace's media reception when

he saw a video of Horace's remarks online.

He immediately came to Simpson Group to question Horace, "Mr.

Burris, your actions are harming Armstrong Corp. Our principle at

Armstrong Corp is to not make enemies, to avoid any trouble. You

should issue an apology statement quickly.”

Brody's expression was unpleasant, and though he addressed Horace

as "Mr. Burris," his tone was commanding and accusatory.

Had it been someone other than Horace, Brody would probably have

lost his temper long ago. But Horace held more shares in Armstrong

Corp, and because Camille was still unwilling to transfer her shares to

him, he didn't have much leverage when dealing with Horace.

Thinking of this, Brody's mood soured even more. He planned to meet

with Camille later and convince her to transfer her shares to him. Only

then would he have the ultimate say in Armstrong Corp. Otherwise, it

would always be at risk in someone else's hands.

Neither Horace nor Grace were aware of Brody's thoughts. Brody's

intense attitude towards Horace prompted Grace to gently remind him,

"Dad, don't get agitated. Let's talk it out. Mr. Burris was doing it for the

good of Armstrong Corp. We just talked with Simpson Group, and Ayan

said we could shift all the blame to Sean. That way, Armstrong Corp

wouldn't be implicated. So why apologize?"

Grace's words made Brody's face darken immediately. He glared at her

with displeasure but maintained his composure. “I'm speaking to Mr.

Burris right now. Why are you interfering?"

Grace fell silent, lips tightly pressed together, her eyes fixed on him,

and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Horace furrowed his brows instinctively, his voice warm and composed,

"Mr. Armstrong, Miss Armstrong is now part of Armstrong Corp's

management team. She has the right to speak on these matters.

Besides, Miss Armstrong is right. If I issue an apology now just to avoid

offending Benjamin, it might backfire. People might think we've been

bought by him. As long as Armstrong Corp operates transparently and

ethically, we shouldn't worry about offending anyone, as long as we do

things right.”

Horace's stance was firm, leaving Brody with no retort.

Brody tried to find excuses, "Mr. Burris, I understand what you're

saying, but I just don't want you to be deceived. Simpson Group is a big

company, much larger than us. Even if something does happen, it

would be like a big ship rocking slightly on the sea. But Armstrong Corp

is different; it's like a small boat in the ocean. Any little storm could

capsize it!"

Brody was a person who valued his reputation, especially when faced

with someone like Horace, who was younger and seemingly superior.

He cared deeply about his dignity.

So when Horace rebutted him in front of Grace, a hint of displeasure

flickered across his face. But since Horace was part of Armstrong Corp,

he had to rely on him to make money, so he naturally swallowed his

frustration.

After speaking firmly, Brody's expression remained indifferent as he

continued to look at Horace. Without waiting for Horace to respond, he

said again, "Mr. Burris, we should issue an apology at this time,

distance ourselves from the matter completely. That way, Armstrong

Corp can stay safe.”

"Are you sure about this?" Horace asked calmly.

Brody nodded, "Certainly, and we should do it quickly. Otherwise, it will

be seen as taking sides, and it's best if we maintain neutrality. That's

the right approach.”

Brody's persistence left Horace no choice but to agree, "If that's what

you want, I can issue an apology statement. But you need to

understand that once Armstrong Corp issues an apology, it will create

an adversarial relationship with Simpson Group. It would imply that they

are questionable. Otherwise, why would we align with them before and

then suddenly apologize and take back our words? So, are you really

sure you want me to release this apology statement? If you're sure, I'll

have someone contact the media right away."

Horace's words were measured and composed, showing no emotions

on his face throughout the conversation.

Brody, however, didn't respond immediately as he did earlier. He

seemed lost in thought, his face stiff, maintaining the same expression

for quite some time.

The atmosphere in the office became tense.

Brody's face became more rigid, and after a long pause, he finally

spoke in a low voice, "In the future, I think Mr. Burris should consult

with me beforehand. Although you are managing Armstrong Corp now,

in Hance City, my name still carries more weight than Mr. Burris.”

Having made his point, Brody left Horace's office, and Grace naturally

accompanied him out.

Ever since Grace started working at Armstrong Corp, their relationship

had not been as close as before. Brody always wanted to control her,

often using a commanding tone to make her do things she didn't want

to.

Then came the issue of her marriage, where Brody wanted Grace to

marry someone he approved of, which further strained their

relationship. Grace even ran away from home, and it was Horace who

took her back.

During this period, many things happened that left Grace feeling

mentally exhausted and becoming distant from her father.

However, Brody didn't see anything wrong with himself. After Grace

saw him off from Armstrong Corp, he got into his car, and she stood by

the car. Brody lowered the window and looked at her without emotion,

"Why didn't you inform me before Horace made this decision?"

Grace's face was stern as she didn't reply.

Brody's expression turned darker, "Grace, are you helping outsiders

scheme against the Armstrong family?"

"I'm not."

"You disappoint me. I had high expectations for you, but what have you

done in return? I'll talk to Horace; you'll leave Armstrong Corp

temporarily. I have other arrangements for you."

Brody's words left Grace stunned.

She tried to speak, "Dad, what are you doing?"

"Just follow my arrangements. You don't need to worry about anything

else."

Brody raised the car window and ordered the chauffeur to leave.

Grace called out to him, but he ignored her pleas and showed no

intention of stopping.

Brody's plan was revealed to Horace by Grace, and she felt powerless.

"I don't know what to do to satisfy him."

Horace reassured her in a low voice, "Grace, you're not a pawn of

anyone. You don't need to please anyone for their approval. Just do

what feels right and satisfying to you. As long as you're happy, that's

enough. And don't worry, as long as I'm here, everything will be fine."

With Horace's comforting words, Grace felt a sense of recognition she

had never experienced before. She didn't need anyone else's

validation, only his, and that was enough.

The issue with Sean continued to ferment, and it wasn't until late

afternoon that Jenson announced they could leave the museum.

The entire afternoon passed peacefully.

As they left the museum, everyone saw the online rumors and

suspicions directed at Preston.

Seeing the public opinion, Quintus maintained a positive attitude and

said, "It's all nonsense. Mr. Baxter would never do such a thing."

Quintus walked quickly to his car, leaving the architects looking at each

other, softly asking, "Could Louise's death really be related to Mr.

Baxter?"