Chapter 505

Renee seemed unruffled by Laura’s questions. She responded calmly, “The only way for a technology company to last in the long run and avoid being a middleman dealer is to establish major centers for production as well as research and development. Meanwhile, a normal enterprise generally needs three to five years from inception to profitability…”

“Azure Group has been established for four years. Soon, well reach the fifth year. I promise you that this year will be a good year. Everyone here will make a big fortune!”

The management unceremoniously disagreed with Renee’s ambitious words.

“You’re talking big again… Miss Everheart, you’ve been talking big for the past four years. When will we get something real?”

“The industry is declining now. Our competitors are cutting back costs with layoffs and plant closures.

Keeping costs low is the most important right now, while you… How could you increase spending to build more production and R&D centers! That’s such a waste of money!”

“I heard that H Group will soon launch the G6 Chip phone. Our market share will decline soon. Our survival is on the line. How could we hope for any profit?!”

The executives clearly had long held a grudge against Renee, but no one dared to voice out because of Liam. Liam was out of town for this meeting, so Laura took the lead, ready to embarrass Renee.

“Miss Everheart, you’ve been far away all these years. You probably don’t know much about the company’s difficulties. While you’re here today, please allow our CFO, Mr. Schwartz to present our true accounts…”

After saying that, Laura turned to Schwartz in the corner.

Schwartz stood up and bowed to the crowd. He said with a heavy expression, “Azure Group has indeed grown over the years. However, the operating costs have risen significantly. The construction of the two centers costs a lot of resources. At present, our account is already in a serious deficit. Don’t talk about profits. If we can’t obtain new investments, even survival is difficult…”

Schwartz made a detailed data graph regarding the company’s financial situation. Indeed, it looked really alarming.

Renee furrowed her brows hard. She had no idea that Azure Group was in a financial crisis!

Renee had been working with Liam on Azure Group for several years. Liam always complained about having no money and running out of resources but still presented only good results to her. As a result, Renee could do research and planning in peace. However, in reality…

Laura grunted at Renee’s stunned expression. “Seems like my crazily-in- love brother has been reporting only the good news and not the bad. He must have made you very happy. To be frank, Azure Group won’t last much longer. Neither will the Osborne family. If you’re looking out for the group, you shouldn’t give Liam more problems now. We no longer have extra funds to build this and that!”

“That’s right! Miss Everheart, please! Have more consideration. We can’t build any new centers anymore!”

Most of the management was conservative and agreed. Besides, the group had cash flow difficulties.

The management wanted business as usual and could not afford much higher risk.

After a long silence, Renee said sternly, “I understand the company’s situation now. I’m sorry for the suffering I caused you. I’ll find a way to solve the funding issues.”

After the meeting ended, Renee felt a little heavy-hearted. She was too idealistic and thought everything would be easy and smooth. She never thought that Liam had been shouldering the burden!

Renee suddenly felt exhausted. All she wanted to do was have a drink and relax a little.

At the same time, her best friend Leia called.

“Hey, Ren. Are you free? Sob… My heart is breaking… Will you come and have a drink with me?” Leia wailed.

Renee had been worried about Leia and wanted a chance to comfort her. Therefore, she agreed without hesitation. “Don’t cry. Where are you? I’ll be right over.